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Vermonter’s Video Helps Inspire Stewardship for Water and Environment

Release Date: 06/30/2009
Contact Information: David Deegan, (617) 918-1010

(Boston, Mass. – June 30, 2009) – A Hinesburg, Vt. woman was one of only two winners selected in EPA’s first-ever water quality video contest. The goal of the contest was to produce a video to educate the public about water pollution and give simple steps that people and communities can take to improve water quality.

Nora Kelley Parren’s winning animated video was called “Dastardly Deeds and the Water Pollution Monster.” The animation was made entirely out of discarded paper, and illustrated how polluted runoff threatens ecosystems. The video also offers steps people can take in their daily lives to help protect water quality. In recognition of her winning video, the filmmaker will receive a $2,500 cash award. Also, her video is currently featured on EPA’s Web site.

EPA received more than 250 video submissions that covered a wide variety of topics including low impact development, wetlands, marine debris, watershed management, water quality monitoring, polluted runoff, and other water-related topics. EPA received many other highly creative videos, and 22 videos were recognized as honorable mentions.

“We are very proud that a New England citizen’s creative talent and dedication to a cleaner environment once again is achieving national recognition,” said Ira Leighton, acting regional administrator of EPA’s New England office. “New Englanders have always been at the forefront of environmental awareness, and I am delighted that this video will help visitors to EPA’s Web site learn about an important issue in a fun way.”

Thanks to the 1972 Clean Water Act, there have been great improvements to our nation’s waters over the past 37 years; however, there is more that we can do. Educating citizens about actions that they can take to reduce their impact is vital to improving the nation’s water quality.

More information:

- View the winning videos and honorable mentions (www.epa.gov/owow/videocontest.html)

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