How a Farmers Market Event Sparked Conversations on Energy Justice and Sustainability

By Cydnee Harris

Organized by Cydnee Harris as part of the Girl + Environment Energy Justice Ambassador Program, the How a Farmers Market Event Sparked Conversations on Energy Justice and Sustainability event took place on February 25th, 2024, at Grant Park Community Farmers Market in Atlanta, GA. Here’s more from Cydnee's perspective:

My independent outreach project was a community tabling event at the Community Farmers Market’s Grant Park location. My table was at the market entrance with a sign stating, “Learn How to Save Money on your Utility Bills.” Upon beginning this project, I aimed to have participants leave inspired and educated, prepared to discuss these topics with people in their community and take action for environmental/energy justice. I created an infographic for my event to achieve my goals and leave a lasting impact on participants. In the infographic, I included information about energy policy, its impact on people’s lives and the community, the connection between environmental justice and food, and how they can contribute to a sustainable, ethical future. My ask for my participants was to share the infographic with their loved ones or community members and consider energy-saving alternatives to reduce their energy bills. I also asked that people incorporate energy/ environmental-friendly habits to help Atlanta reach its 100% clean energy goal by 2035. I started the day with 50 infographics and left with around 10. 

I was elated to see people’s reactions to the information I provided. A woman even informed me about a recent positive energy bill that the Georgia Senate did not pass. I had a total of 25 participants at my event. Once I was at the market, I verbally recruited people. My auntie and I said, “Learn about Energy Justice! Learn how to save on your utility bill,” statements that would attract people. Some of the participants I interacted with were White or cisgender/male identifying, but most were Black, Brown, & nonbinary folx. I appreciated the diversity at my table but did try to recruit more Black/Brown womxn. Two women stayed at my table for over ten minutes, discussing their experience with advocacy. The first woman discussed her struggles finding an inclusive education space for her autistic daughter. The second offered options through her nonprofit and also asked to collaborate with GPE.

Since this project was a six-month process, I lost my excitement until the weekend before. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience as a GPE EJA and would love another opportunity similar to it. I was so happy to return with fewer infographics than I arrived with. Further, seeing people’s genuine engagement, questions, and positive attitude was a great feeling. I hope people hold onto my infographic and take action toward an environmentally sustainable, just, and ethical future.