Legacy Environmental Justice, pt. 2 - The Kodak Facility in Rochester, NY

In this episode, we welcome back Savannah Domenech for a deep dive into the rise and fall of Kodak— and the lasting environmental and social impacts on Rochester, New York. Once a corporate giant that defined photography for generations, Kodak was more than just a company — it was the backbone of an entire community. Savannah unpacks Kodak’s golden era, its contributions to Rochester, and how it became synonymous with job security and innovation. But, as the company declined, so did its reputation, with environmental disasters, mass layoffs, and lingering pollution leaving a lasting mark on the city and its people.

Was Kodak a benevolent giant, or just another corporation prioritizing profits over people? How did the Rochester community respond when faced with toxic spills and economic downturns? And what lessons can we learn from Kodak’s environmental justice legacy?

Join us for an eye-opening conversation that connects history, business, and environmental responsibility. If you’re interested in corporate accountability, community resilience, and the real-world impacts of industrial decline, this episode is a must-listen.

Resources: 

Pollution By Kodak Brings Sense Of Betrayal - NY Times
The Environmental Ruin of Kodak - Psychology Today

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