Earth Day~Green Junction: by Julie Peller Ph.D.

Green Junction

Earth Day 2024 is April 22nd and is being celebrated in numerous ways. According to earthday.org, this day “is a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability, encouraging us to come together and take action for a healthier planet and brighter future.” This year’s theme is PLANET VS PLASTICS, which is appropriate given the growing pool of knowledge concerning the multiple destructive aspects of plastics. 

A new report from Alliance for the Great Lakes, which has supported beach cleanups for the past few decades, explains that 85% of the collected garbage over the past 20 years was plastic-based. The organization has been compiling data on waste cleared from the shores by volunteers. This report summarizes data from over 14,000 beach cleanups. “The last 10 years, the top litter items collected are tiny plastic pieces, followed by cigarette butts, tiny foam pieces, plastic bottle caps, and food wrappers.” 

In line with this Earth Day theme, there is a need for more volunteers to pick up garbage and take care of our planet. Most natural areas along roads are polluted with refuse and many fields, parks, etc. A cleanup activity should utilize buckets or other reusable containers to collect the pollution that can be emptied into garbage cans. Plastic garbage bags, which are too often part of cleanups, have contributed to plastic waste on this beautiful earth. Also, it is helpful to record the items and types of garbage to make appropriate changes. So much pollution extends our throwaway lifestyle, especially habits associated with fast food, drinks, and packaged foods. 

Jack Johnson released a song in 2006 called the 3Rs:  

“Well, if you’re going to the market to buy some juice, you must bring your own bags and learn to reduce your waste. We have to learn to Reduce.

If your brother or sister has some cool clothes, you could try them on before buying more. We’ve got to learn to Reuse.

And if the first two R’s don’t work out and you’ve got to make some trash, don’t throw it out. Recycle, we’ve got to learn to Recycle.” 

Consider honoring Mother Earth, Our Common Home, through regular actions, including teaching children Jack Johnson’s song! 

Julie Peller, Ph.D., is an environmental chemist (Professor of Chemistry at Valparaiso University ). She has been writing a weekly column called The Green Junction for the past seven years and is helping to move the call of Laudato Si to action forward. Her Research Interests are advanced oxidation for aqueous solutions, water quality analyses, emerging contaminants, air quality analyses, Lake Michigan shoreline challenges (Cladophora, water, and sediment contaminants), and student and citizen participation in environmental work.