Taking Planet Earth off the Market

In observance of our nation's Independence Day, See Jane Do explores what the land of the free means to everyday women and shares the stories of women who are "taking planet earth off the market" by speaking up and taking on "the big guys" in their communities.

In observance of our nation's Independence Day, See Jane Do explores what the land of the free means to everyday women.

For Maria Gunnoe, Judy Bonds, Lydia Olympic, and Virginia Brunini it means free from environmental destruction, harmful toxins, and corporate greed.  They are "taking planet earth off the market" by speaking up and taking on "the big guys" in their communities.

West Virginian Maria Gunnoe Maria Gunnoe recently won the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize for her work.  Gunnoe's home has flooded several times since coal-mining companies built two toxic-waste ponds above the Boone County property.

The mine waste has poisoned her well and drinking water.  Incited to take action, she has organized community members and worked successfully for the closure of several mines and for tighter regulations on those that remain open.

Maria Gunnoe

Julia "Judy" Bonds is the co-director for Coal River Mountain Watch.  She is a coal miner's daughter, granddaughter. She is an Appalachian American and her family has lived in the Coal River Valley in West Virginia for 10 generations.

Judy has been fighting for social and environmental justice for Appalachian coalfields since 1998. In 2003 she won the coveted Goldman Environmental Prize. Since winning the award Julia and others at Coal River Mountain Watch have embarked on a road show to educate America about the clean water act and to educate and motivate Americans about where their electricity comes from and who pays the true price.

Judy Bonds

Another incredible story is that of Lydia Olympic from the Village of Igiugig, a small community located off the road system in Southwestern Alaska. Iguigig (pronounced Ig-ee-oog-ik) is near Lake Iliamna, which drains into Bristol Bay - one of the richest fisheries in the world that is now being threatened by the world's largest open pit gold and copper mine.  Her story was featured in the documentary film Red Gold.

Lydia Olympic

Finally, See Jane Do met Virginia Brunini in our own backyard of Nevada County.  In the early 1970s Brunini fought hard to get the Empire Mine State Historic Park established. The Grass Valley landmark is one of four Nevada County parks on the list of 200 state parks facing a possible closure to address the state's $24 billion deficit.  City and county officials have estimated the loss of the parks would cost the county millions in tourist revenues.  Unwilling to let the economic and historic treasure close, Brunini has gathered 5,000 signatures for a petition asking state legislators to keep the park open.

Virginia Brunini

Listen to the full program here: