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Free Screening Of ‘Forever Chemicals’ and ‘Paving over Paradise’ on Feb. 20

by Detroit River Canadian Cleanup Views: 172

The Detroit River Canadian Cleanup is pleased to bring two Water Brothers documentaries to the Imagine Lakeshore Cinemas in partnership with the Essex Region Conservation Authority, Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

This free film screening will take place on Tuesday February 20, 2024 at 7pm. There are a limited number of tickets available for this free event, registration is required at www.detroitriver.ca/movie.

The Water Brothers is an eco-adventure documentary series that explores the world, uncovering the most challenging water stories of our time. As part of the series, Alex and Tyler Mifflin investigate the stories and search for the solutions, with dedicated conservationists, scientists, and citizens, all to better protect our most precious resource – water.

We will be highlighting two episodes of the documentary series at this event: The Forever Chemicals and Paving over Paradise. The Forever Chemicals explores the issue of Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) which make the water-resistant properties of countless products we use everyday possible.

This documentary explores just how dangerous these “forever chemicals” are and if there are safer alternatives. Paving over Paradise explores wetland loss and how we restore these vital habitats that are also some of our best natural defences against the effects of climate change.

“PFAS contamination and wetland loss are important issues in southern Ontario and the Detroit River watershed,” said Jackie Serran, the Detroit River Remedial Action Plan Coordinator.

“There are estimates that up to 90% of wetlands have been lost in Southern Ontario, and there has been a recent focus on restoring these ecosystems for the services they provide. With regards to PFAS, the US Environmental Protection Agency lists more than 4,700 PFAS types in their toxicity database. The impacts of PFAS on the environment and our health are not well known. We plan to discuss these two issues at the film screening with top experts to educate and inspire the audience to make a difference in their local watershed.”

Following the films, audience members will have the opportunity hear from a panel of experts on PFAS and wetland restoration and conservation, including Dr. Cheryl Murphy from Michigan State University, Mark Burrows from the International Joint Commission, Abby Hendershott from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, Kate Arthur from Essex Region Conservation Authority, Kathy Jones from Birds Canada, and Dr. John Hartig from the University of Windsor.

When: Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Location: Imagine Lakeshore Cinemas, 164 Commercial Boulevard, Tecumseh, ON

Time: Doors open at 6:30pm and film starts at 7pm

Cost: Free but registration is required.

Click here to register: www.detroitriver.ca/movie

 

Author: Detroit River Canadian Cleanup

From its role in facilitating the industrialization of Windsor and Detroit to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and its designation as an Area of Concern, the Detroit River has a rich and vibrant story to tell. The Detroit River has served an important role in the history of the Windsor-Detroit area and is one of the busiest waterways in the world; connecting Lakes Superior, Michigan, and Huron to the St. Lawrence Seaway. The River is designated an American Heritage River and a Canadian Heritage River, the only river to have this dual designation.

When the Windsor-Detroit area underwent rapid industrialization at the turn of the 20th century, the Detroit River became notoriously polluted. These environmental issues have been identified as being related to, or the cause of, the impairment of several beneficial uses. The 1970s and 1980s saw the development of a massive conservation effort aimed at cleaning up the Detroit River.

The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) between Canada and the United States, first signed in 1972, commits both countries to protect and restore the Great Lakes Ecosystem. The Detroit River Canadian Cleanup implements the Remedial Action Plan on behalf of a community-based partnership between the government (federal, provincial, municipal), local industries, researchers, environmental organizations, and citizens working together to protect, restore, and enhance the Detroit River ecosystem.

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