Come hear from Laura Orlando, a Senior Scientist at Just Zero and an Adjunct Professor of Environmental Health at the Boston University School of Public Health, at the July Berkshire Green Drinks event where you’ll learn about PFAS and how the “forever chemicals” can (and do) systematically make their way into our food and water.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS or “Forever Chemicals”) are a dangerous class of chemicals that seem to be everywhere. They cause tremendous harm to human health in concentrations so low that scientists and regulators have concluded there is no safe level for them in our drinking water. Laura will be talking about where they are and are not, and how to keep them off the farm, out of the garden, and away from your food and water. PFAS contamination is a big, nasty problem – with some surprisingly easy solutions.

DATE: Wednesday, July 9

TIME: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM — In-person attendees can begin gathering around 5:15 PM if they wish. 

LOCATION: Big Elm Brewing Taproom, 65 Silver Street, Sheffield, MA & Online via Zoom

In-person Attendees, please note: There are only chips and salsa available for food at this location. However, Roma Pizzeria in Canaan, CT, will deliver to the brewery. You’re also welcome to bring your own food.

Click here to register for online participation. (Registration is required to receive the Zoom link.)

RSVP Here if you plan to join us for the in-person gathering (doing so helps the venue staff).

ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Laura Orlando is Senior Scientist at Just Zero and an Adjunct Professor of Environmental Health at the Boston University School of Public Health. Her work includes education and research on the fate and transport of toxic chemicals and other contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics found in waste-related practices, infrastructure, and technologies, with the overarching goal of pollution prevention.

What is Berkshire Green Drinks? Berkshire Green Drinks is an informal gathering on the second Wednesday of the month that is free and open to everyone with any environmental interest. A guest speaker talks about an environmentally-related topic for approximately 30 minutes beginning at 6 PM; the presentation is followed by a discussion and Q&A. The drinks aren’t green but the conversations are. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join and bring along questions!

What is Green Drinks? Green Drinks is an international forum where people who work in the environmental field and environmental enthusiasts meet for a drink and snacks at informal sessions. There will be a lively mix of people from non-profit organizations, academia, government, business, and the general public. Green Drinks is a great way of catching up with people you know and for making new contacts. These networking events are very simple and unstructured. Come along, and you’ll be made welcome.