Tackling Clean Water Threats
In the Series 3 premiere of Equity In Every Drop, host Thomas Hynes speaks with Chelsea McDonald, manager of Waterkeeper Alliance’s Clean Water Defense campaign, about how the organization and its network of locally based Waterkeeper groups around the world are addressing threats to clean water. Chelsea explores the wide range of critical issues facing our communities today, including pervasive pollution from plastics, PFAS, 6PPD, and nonpoint sources. She explains how her work with the Clean Water Defense campaign helps shape policies and strategies to combat these environmental challenges at both national and global levels. The conversation touches on the inadequacies of current recycling systems, the rise of microplastics and PFAS in water sources and human bodies, and the complexities of regulating nonpoint source pollution.
Learn how Waterkeeper Alliance and Waterkeeper groups are at the forefront of combating environmental threats like PFAS, the so-called "forever chemicals," and 6PPD, a toxic compound from vehicle tires. Chelsea explains the serious risks posed by PFAS and how Waterkeeper Alliance, in collaboration with local Waterkeeper groups, is gathering data, supporting litigation, and advocating for stronger regulations. At the same time, they are working together to address 6PPD, a harmful rubber additive that breaks down into 6PPD-quinone, which is devastating to aquatic ecosystems, particularly salmon populations.
The episode also highlights initiatives like the Global Plastics Treaty and the International Plastic Pellet Count, both aimed at tackling plastic pollution. While Chelsea emphasizes the importance of collective action and stronger regulations, she also points to positive signs of industry involvement and growing public awareness. The conversation concludes with Chelsea emphasizing the importance of securing protections for the Eastern Hellbender under the Endangered Species Act. As a key indicator species for ecosystem health, protecting this ancient salamander highlights the vital connections between nature, wildlife, and people.
Creators and Guests
Host
Thomas Hynes
Thomas Hynes is the Communications and Marketing Manager for Waterkeeper Alliance. In addition to podcast hosting and production duties, he manages and writes all sorts of editorial content for the organization, including blogs, feature articles, advocacy alerts, email campaigns, social media content, and more. Thomas grew up on the Long Island Sound in Connecticut and now makes his home two blocks from the East River in Brooklyn, New York. He primarily commutes across the river to the Waterkeeper Alliance office via ferry boat. Thomas was drawn to environmental work in order to take an active role in the fight against climate change and help bring justice to the rotten polluters who seek to ruin our shared resources. Before working at Waterkeeper Alliance, Thomas wrote a nonfiction book about the history of wildlife in New York City. "Wild City" also highlights the power and success of the Clean Water Act, and other environmental regulations, in leading an unlikely ecological turnaround. In his spare time, Thomas photographs the many tugboats traversing the city’s various waterways. Thomas lives in Brooklyn with his wife and their son. They can be found most weekends walking or biking along the East River.
Guest
Chelsea McDonald
Chelsea McDonald is the manager of Waterkeeper Alliance’s Clean Water Defense Campaign. In that role, she works with a wide range of stakeholders to defend and enforce clean water laws, standards and permits, and fight against the ever-growing threats to clean and safe water.
Producer
Lori Harrison
Lori Harrison is the Communications and Marketing Director for Waterkeeper Alliance. She oversees multi-faceted communications and marketing activities to advance the organization’s mission of protecting our right to clean water in communities around the world. With 25 years of experience in strategic water communications and mission-based work, Lori is an award-winning writer and content creator. Her expertise lies in translating complex concepts into relatable ideas, fostering engagement, and promoting sustainable practices and solutions. Her work not only aims to protect clean water, public health, and the environment but also focuses on "connecting the disconnect" between people and this essential resource. Before joining Waterkeeper Alliance, Lori had a background in corporate marketing for professional sports and held various communications and creative positions with a non-profit educational organization for global water professionals. Notable achievements include creating the WATER'S WORTH IT® grassroots awareness campaign and writing the award-winning children's book, “Why Water's Worth It,” designed to educate and inspire the next generation of water protectors. Lori lives in Virginia with her husband and their two children.
