Lois Gibbs: Homemaker Turned Environmental Activist

Lois Gibbs brought attention to the toxic waste affecting her Love Canal neighborhood.
Lois Gibbs: Homemaker Turned Environmental Activist
Lois Gibbs, a former resident and community leader, spoke at Love Canal to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the toxic waste landfill, Aug. 1, 2003, in Niagara Falls, N.Y. Harry Scull Jr./Getty Images
Trevor Phipps
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In 1978, when Lois Gibbs first alerted authorities that her Love Canal neighborhood in Niagara Falls, New York, was built on a toxic waste dump, local government officials ignored her cries.

She did not give up. Gibbs fought for three years to get justice for her family and neighbors. Her efforts were finally successful, and her fight became the foundation of mitigating other hazardous waste sites.

Trevor Phipps
Trevor Phipps
Author
For about 20 years, Trevor Phipps worked in the restaurant industry as a chef, bartender, and manager until he decided to make a career change. For the last several years, he has been a freelance journalist specializing in crime, sports, and history.