Green Junction Thoughts by Julie Peller Ph.D. ~ Happy New Year

Green Junction

As the 2024 year comes to a close, I can’t help but feel fortunate for the numerous wonderful people in my life. Through my work investigating environmental contamination and looking for ways to educate and address these serious problems, I have come to know so many incredible people. I believe those who desire to care for the earth are typically from the same fabric as those who take care of one another.

To steward humanity/earth requires attention to the consequences of modern lifestyles. David Suzuki, a zoologist/geneticist, environmental activist, science broadcaster, and founder of the David Suzuki Foundation, explains: “The way we see the world shapes the way we treat it. If a mountain is a deity, not a pile of ore; if a river is one of the veins of the land, not potential irrigation water; if a forest is a sacred grove, not timber; if other species are biological kin, not resources; or if the planet is our mother, not an opportunity- then we will treat each other with greater respect. This is the challenge, to look at the world from a different perspective.”

What a great challenge for the new year: to spend time viewing the earth and its resources as truly valuable and worth sustaining for future generations. This can begin with reducing unnecessary purchases that exploit natural resources and contribute to our waste problem. Other approaches to elevate environmental stewardship include getting involved with organizations working to improve the environment, learning more about these critical problems, supporting organizations, making meaningful lifestyle changes, spending more time in nature, and holding elected officials accountable.

Thank you to all who continue to share this journey – to learn and live more responsibly – with concern for others and the greater good. Happy New Year!

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.