On a sunny day in June of 2024, the Green House Connection Center hosted the Globeville Pollution and Solutions Tour, bringing together a vibrant group of community members, elected officials, environmental advocates, city and state governmental agencies, elders, healers, and local moms. This gathering was a heartfelt and eye-opening opportunity to share stories and insights about how pollution has impacted the children, health, and communities of 80216—one of the most polluted zip codes in the nation.
The history and challenges of this area are deeply intertwined with environmental injustice. Globeville sits atop not one but two EPA Superfund sites, a chilling reminder of the lasting effects of industrial contamination. The neighborhood is crisscrossed by railroads and highways, amplifying air pollution, and is surrounded by major industrial sources of contamination. Among these are the remnants of the Globe Smelting Plant, which polluted for generations, and the operational Suncor Refinery, which continues to do so today. Both have significantly impacted the air, soil, and water quality in the region. For more on the history, find the PBS documentary HERE.
During this walking tour, participants walked and talked while exploring the historical harm inflicted on Indigenous communities—the original stewards of this land—and reflected on their ongoing fight for recognition and healing. Elected officials and state agency representatives shared the uphill battles they face in safeguarding the well-being of these communities against powerful industrial interests and corporate profits. Most importantly, residents who live in 80216 shared their lived experiences, painting a vivid picture of resilience amidst adversity. Their stories of raising children and managing health challenges in an environment burdened by pollution were both sobering and inspiring.
Despite the gravity of these discussions, the event was not without hope. Together, we envisioned what a cleaner, safer future for Globeville could look like. One particularly moving moment came during the Indigenous water blessing led by Debora Montoya from the Kalpulli Coloraztlan Indigenous group, alongside Aracely Navarro from Groundwork Denver. When speaking to the water, they shared that it relayed the message that we should not fear the water, despite its pollution. On the contrary, the water reminded us that it is still here for us—to sing with, walk with, and serve as medicine to us—no matter how industry continues to pollute it. The water reminded us that there is still life.
The tour’s goal was to build rainbows and bridges—to foster understanding, collaboration, and solidarity across diverse groups. By coming together, we took an important step toward co-creating solutions that prioritize the health of the land and the people who call it home. The connections made during the Globeville Pollution and Solutions Tour underscore the importance of collective action. By uniting knowledge, resources, and passion, we can tackle these challenges head-on.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this impactful day. Together, we are planting the seeds of change for a healthier, more equitable future.
You can find the full documentary from the day below:
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