The PBB Disaster at 50

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Save the Date: May 18-20, 2023 at Alma College in Alma, MI and farms and Superfund sites in the Region.

n 1973 Michigan Chemical Company (owned by Velsicol) in St. Louis, Michigan, accidentally shipped a flame retardant,  polybrominated biphenyl  (PBB), to a livestock feed mill, where it was mixed into animal feed. Despite the destruction of over 30,000 contaminated animals and food products, PBB entered the human food supply exposing an estimated 8.5 million Michiganders. The impact of this contamination, one of the largest in American history, continues to this day.

This conference will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Michigan’s PBB disaster by bringing together scientists, artists, policy makers, and community members to explore the history and legacy of this large-scale contamination. Through this multidisciplinary experience we will bring the critical lessons of the disaster back into public discussion and consciousness, with the hope it will inspire continued action to address long-term environmental and human health outcomes.

This conference is funded by a Humanities Grant from the Michigan Humanities Council and generous support from Alma College, Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health and the  Michigan PBB Registry , Central Michigan University,  The Pine River Superfund Citizen Task Force , the PBB Community Advisory Board, and US Environmental Protection Agency.

Find registration information on the site:
https://www.pinerivercag.org/conference

Earth Day 2023

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There’s plenty you can do!  Here are some events happening around the state of MI.  Activities vary from Planting flowers & trees, to learning about pollinators, even competing in a pickleball tournament.

In Flint, MI Thursday April 20 from 5pm – 7pm You can Celebrate Earth Day by Painting pots, planting flowers, starting seeds to take home and enjoy some refreshments by attending APRIL FAMILY FUN NIGHT Earth Day 2023.

In downtown Plymouth, MI 9am – 3pm  you can stop by the Artisan Market to learn about pollinator habitat and native plants for more information click here: Spring Artisan Market in DTP – Earth Day — Plymouth Pollinators.

The Grand Rapids Pickleball Club is hosting an Earth Day Open Tournament.  This will be a round robin event sponsored by Revolin Sports who will be donating a tree for every registration given through One Tree Planted Friday April 21 through Sunday April 23.  More information here: Earth Day Open — West Michigan Sports Commission,

Go to Bellaire MI for an Earth Day Bird walk among other activities. Information follows: Earth Day 2023 Events & Celebrations in Bellaire, MI.

South West Michigan Land Conservatory is hosting a Volunteer workday at the Bow in the clouds Preserve in Kalamazoo.  Something for all ages and abilities see how you can help: SWMLC Earth Day Volunteer Workday, 22 April | Event in Kalamazoo | AllEvents.in.

Find activities locally by simple searching “Earth Day Events near me” in Google.