Information regarding brownfields is very limited compared to that available on other environmental issues such as sustainability, natural resources management, wildlife protection, or pollution, but is in fact is a major issue and is related to these important topics. The word “brownfield” is not widely known; few people have ever heard the term before. A brownfield is a plot of land presumed to contain some amount of pollution due to previous development. Properties hosting gas stations, drycleaners, or factories often become brownfield sites. Toxic chemicals from these and other businesses contaminate soil and eventually enter local ground water systems. Abandoned brownfield sites create unsafe properties, pollute the environment, contaminate water, economically depress their local neighborhood, and contribute to urban sprawl.

Most people are not aware that brownfields are so common. The public needs to become educated on brownfields and on the environmental implications associated with them. This can be done partially through short video clips. Here are a few interesting videos I discovered on Youtube.com meant to educate others about brownfields.

This is a video made by the Isothermal Planning & Development Commission of North Carolina. It gives a quick and simple overview of brownfields and the importance of their remediation. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t38-YSGb960&feature=related

This clip discusses the cleanup process of contaminated factory sites. It shows that while cleanup is necessary, it is a time consuming and expensive endeavor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DqenOEFZwM&feature=related

High school students created this video on New York City brownfields as a school project. While amateur in quality, it is a fun way to learn about the environment and to get young people interested in brownfields. (The first minute is the most entertaining.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlGAF_6O9Pk&feature=related

The amount of clips and information available on brownfields is extremely limited. These are literally the three best videos I could find. While they are a good start, there is definitely room for major improvements. The public needs to be educated about the importance of brownfields, why they should be cleaned, and how the remediation process takes place. The creation of short, informational, professional, and entertaining videos would be a great way to gain public interest and support in brownfield remediation.