Breaking barriers with one simple message: “I am Lake Ontario”
Waterkeeper Vice-President, Krystyn Tully talks to CityTV about the sewage pollution found in Toronto's inner harbour. (Photo by Lake Ontario)..
With the diminishing distribution of plastic bags, I have unintentionally acquired a collection of totes. I have a tote that tells you I went to an Indigenous Film Festival last year and others that will let you know where I shop for groceries.
I also have a tote that can start a conversation about making Lake Ontario swimmable, drinkable, and fishable forever.
The need to “Waterkeep” Lake Ontario all started with a conversation. The $2 billion in reparations, the +1,000 kilometres of monitored shoreline, and the 230 resolved pollution problems – all started with a conversation about our reliance on our watershed and the need to protect it.
My tote and your tote (if you want one), has the potential to start a similar conversation.
My tote proclaims “I am Lake Ontario.” Because the human body is 60% water (70% if you’re a child). So your drinking water source is who you are.
If you live in Lake Ontario’s watershed, it’s likely that your drinking water comes from Lake Ontario. And if this is true, believe it or not, you are Lake Ontario.
Coming to this realization is an important first step in connecting with your waterbody.
Imagine if everyone who relies on Lake Ontario – all 9 million of us – recognized this fact. Perhaps protecting the lake from sewage, microplastics, and industry wouldn’t be such an afterthought.
Imagine a network of 9 million strong proclaiming, “I am Lake Ontario.” That would be 9 million people demanding their water is swimmable, drinkable, and fishable.
To have a chance at prosperity and living healthy lives, we each need to understand that swimmable, drinkable, fishable water is a must. Our health is a reflection of our waterbody.