I’ve been documenting Great Lakes Plastic Pollution for a while now, providing information and resources about the environmental impact of plastic on our local ecosystem.
In May of 2019, I reached out to Friends of the Chicago River, who were hosting a cleanup event along the North Branch of the Chicago River (at River Park, near Lincoln Square). I thought donating my photography services would be a great way to learn more about the organization and to help raise more awareness about plastic pollution.
The original plan was to have me photograph from a canoe, but that changed due to the number of people in attendance. With each canoe in use during the event, I organized a plan to document from the riverbank instead.
Thankfully, I had researched the area, and I had a general understanding of the best possible vantage points available to me. Using a telephoto lens, a bridge, and some random gaps in a fence, I was able to run around and photograph the work.
Throughout the year, Friends of the Chicago River hosts a variety of events. For now, many of their spring events are being canceled or postponed due to the current outbreak of Covid-19. When it is safe to gather again, you can expect more opportunities to volunteer with them in the future!
Resources for Covid-19
While Covid-19 continues to impact daily life, I’ll continue posting images from previous events — highlighting local organizations, their missions, and the communities they serve.
If you’ve been financially impacted during this trying time, I’ve compiled a list of local and national resources that may be able to help ease your situation. As I discover new resources, I’ll continue to add them to the list.
