Core Values

Driven by a core belief in environmental justice, ACAT empowers communities to eliminate exposure to toxics through collaborative research, shared science, education, organizing, and advocacy.

Community
Right-to-Know

ACAT believes that everyone has a right to know about the health and environmental hazards of chemicals that are present in our air, water, soil, and foods.

Environmental Justice & Just Transition

Recognizing that people of color, the poor, and workers are disproportionately harmed by the siting of and toxic releases from military and industrial facilities, ACAT seeks to remedy this injustice through community-based research and advocacy.

ACAT is a core member of the Alaska Just Transition Collective.

Principles of Environmental Justice 

Precautionary
Principle

The precautionary principle guides us to protect health by preventing exposures to harmful chemicals. If toxics are present and suspected to cause health problems, we believe measures to limit and avoid unnecessary exposure to those chemicals should be taken. The precautionary principle means that it is “better to be safe than sorry.”

Elimination of Production & Release of Toxics

ACAT's goal is to phase out and replace chemicals and processes that are harmful to health with safe alternatives.

Rights & Sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples

We respect and honor the rights and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples. We support this statement by partnering with tribal governments to design and conduct community-based participatory research that includes sharing ownership of data and peer-reviewed scientific publications and facilitating tribal government participation in policy change at every level from local to international. Our community-based research is based on respect for and the guidance of traditional knowledge bearers, those who have stewarded this land for millennia.

Culture of
Caring & Wellness

We are committed to nurturing  ourselves and each other so that we can do the work for the long haul. Prioritizing and maintaining wellness of staff and community, acknowledging and incorporating traditional and holistic healing, and working to heal intergenerational trauma are instrumental in maintaining momentum in creating a more just world.

Thank you for your generous support!