TO CLOSE

For decades, actor and activist Robert Redford has worked to protect the environment. Now, his nonprofit organization honors a new generation of environmentalists to inspire activism in the future. The artist, actor and activist Jaden Smith is the first laureate. (December 7)
AP

FLINT, Mich. – The Jaden Smith Foundation and a church are working to improve water quality in Flint, Michigan.

The rapper's organization and the First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church announced Friday the roll-out of a mobile water filtration system called "The Water Box" that reduces lead and other potential contaminants.

JUST, a 20-year-old product company, worked with the church to design and develop the system. He is the son of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith.

The church has distributed more than 5 million bottles of water to residents, but bottled water donations are dropping.

Flint replaced the water pipes after the discovery of lead contaminated water in 2014. The lead began leaching pipes after the city had operated the Flint River to get water drinking without treating it properly to reduce corrosion.

Read or share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2019/03/02/jaden-smiths-foundation-and-church-bringing-clean-water-flint-michigan/3039759002/