Last month, Sustainable Westport and the Westport Library hosted a virtual interview with author Corban Addison to discuss his new nonfiction book, “Wastelands: The True Story of Farm Country on Trial.” In the vivid and fast-paced thriller, Mr. Addison shares the story of North Carolina residents who stood up to a multi-billion dollar international corporation for polluting their community. 

Sustainable Wesport Co-Director, Johanna Martell, mediated the conversation with Mr. Addison. She reflected on the conversation “Wastelands is an incredible story and a great example of environmental justice at work. It is representative of what happens on the global stage where often the polluters are the wealthy and powerful 1% and the disenfranchised and less powerful are ones left dealing with the ramifications.” 

In the words of Mr. Addison, “And that’s the simple question: will Smithfield be willing to spend some of its billions in order to civilize its business model for the benefit of its neighbors and for the benefit of mother nature and the environment.”

You can view the full interview here.