When we drink the water, breathe the air and dig in the soil in our communities, we expect it to be safe. In the United States, we have regulatory agencies meant to protect us, but they sometimes fall short. Places populated by people of color or those in poverty are more likely to suffer the consequences. Who is responsible for combating pollution? How can we, as individuals, contribute to a cleaner environment? In this podcast episode, we explore various ways that Americans are combating pollution when our current systems fail. A concerned mother-turned-community-activist battles bureaucratic barriers to protect her family from PFAS pollution found in the Haw River, NC. A lifelong resident of Southwest Detroit fights pollution that is killing her majority Black community. An environmental policy maker advocates for corporations to take ownership of the pollution they create. A San Diego family offers an inside look at their zero waste lifestyle.