The Montclair Township Environmental Affairs office and Community Green present the latest movie in their Montclair Green Film Series. “A Chemical Reaction” will be shown on Thursday, April 15, 6:30 p.m. at the Montclair Public Library’s Main Branch, 50 So. Fullerton Avenue. All events at the Library are free.

The documentary tells the story of a powerful community initiative started in 1984 when a dermatologist noticed connections between her patients’ health and their exposure to pesticides and herbicides. She warned that chemicals put on lawns posed severe health risks, and had unknown side effects on the environment. This eventually led the town of Hudson to ban the use of chemical pesticides and herbicides. The chemical companies put their full legal weight on the tiny town and eventually the case made it to the Supreme Court.

The town’s right to protect its citizens was upheld, and – like a row of dominos – other municipalities followed suit. The entire province of Quebec enacted a ban and Home Depot stopped putting the dangerous pesticide products on their shelves.

Paul Tukey, one of the nation’s leading experts on organic lawn care followed this story for years. This documentary follows his journey leading to the doorstep of Hudson.

It’s an inspiring story of overcoming great odds and demonstrates the power of people coming together to effect great change in our society.

For more information about the Montclair Green Film Series, contact the office of Environmental Affairs at (973) 509-5721 or email .