Abstract

VAZQUEZ-RODRIGUEZ, Gabriela-Alejandra. Community Action Against the “garbagization” of Hidalgo, Mexico. Letras Verdes [online]. 2023, n.34, pp.162-179. ISSN 1390-6631.  https://doi.org/10.17141/letrasverdes.34.2023.5960.

This review describes the instrumental use that the central power of Mexico makes of the territory of Hidalgo state, which is a consequence of colonialism, the intense metabolism of Mexico City (CDMX), and the neoliberal policies derived from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). To do this, the term “garbagization” was used to describe the subaltern position of Hidalgo state in relation to the interests of CDMX and the processes of capital accumulation. The consequences of this phenomenon, evident in the environmental degradation caused by mining, the cement industry, and sewage from CDMX, are presented. The concepts of “sacrifice zones” and “environmental hells” are used to explain community actions against the deterioration of air quality in the Apaxco-Tula-Atotonilco corridor, the construction of a hazardous waste landfill in Zimapán, the Tula de Allende Water Plan, and the construction of a sanitary landfill in Atitalaquia. The paper concludes that these actions respond to the historical garbagization of the affected communities and summarizes some key factors to reverse it.

Keywords : aguas residuales; conflictos ambientales; justicia ambiental; metabolismo urbano; residuos sólidos urbanos; zonas de sacrificio; environmental conflicts; environmental justice; municipal solid waste; sacrifice zones; urban metabolism; wastewater.

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