BY: SHAWNTAE HARRIS
Flashy sale signs hang on the window of a retail store while customers browse through new pairs of jeans. But, little do they know that the new pair of blue washed denim jeans they’re checking out is contributing to water pollution.
The documentary, RiverBlue, highlights the importance of reducing waste. It focuses on the fashion industry changing the way jeans are made by raising awareness.
“Those [jeans and leather] sectors I knew from my own experience were having a huge impact on the river,” said river conservationist Mark Angelo in an interview with Common Sense Canadian. “But, as an industry, they don’t nearly get enough coverage.”
The film is narrated by Jason Priestly. While Angelo explores the rivers of Bangladesh, Indonesia and China. The jean and leather industry, “accounts for 20 per cent of the fresh water pollution that happens globally,” said Angelo.
One of the towns that produces leather smelt so bad that it took Angelo off guard. About 40,000 to 100,000 residents are negatively affected by the town’s leather production. The tainted waters affect the food supply, which means even the seafood is toxic.
North Americans should be more interested in the fashion industry pollution of the river since one day it will trickle into the water we use every day. The water knows no borders.
The documentary is set to screen March 22nd for World Water Day. The film is screening at Grand 10 Cinemas in Kelowna.
Get tickets here.
