Green Junction A destructive property of plastic materials is their resistance to natural decomposition. Instead of decaying into mineral/elemental components, plastic materials release micro- or nanoplastics as they break into smaller pieces. Since society continues to accept these materials for all sorts of uses, the production of plastics will increase, and the waste will accumulate.... Continue Reading →
Will humanity and its leaders take climate change seriously, work together, and make appropriate sacrifices? By Julie Peller Ph.D.
Green Junction Dealing with climate change involves both mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation of climate change – policies and functions that reverse or at least slow down the earth's warming – have not been imposed quickly and effectively at any level. How many people have chosen to purchase energy that is produced by clean sources... Continue Reading →
Its 6:00pm Do You Know Where Your Plastic Is? by Julie Peller Ph.D.
Green Junction This past week, efforts to address the world's plastic pollution through an international agreement failed. Similar to the challenges in setting pathways to reduce global carbon emissions/climate change, the fossil fuel industry interfered with important steps needed to tackle the world's massive plastic pollution problem. Instead, representatives from over 170 nations concluded INC-5... Continue Reading →
“Catholic officials’ blast $300B COP29 climate finance goal as too little.” By Julie Peller Ph.D.
Green Junction COP 29 was completed with a tone familiar to the past international treaty talks to address climate change. The National Catholic Reporter’s Earthbeat news headline was “Catholic officials blast $300B COP29 climate finance goal as too little.” One of the major negotiating points was the amount of funding to be made available to... Continue Reading →
How important is the “shopping season” in context with the Christmas season? By Julie Peller, Ph.D.
Green Junction The Thanksgiving weekend became a major holiday shopping weekend in the US. This change occurred in the 1940s or 1950s, according to historical accounts. Businesses operated most of the year at a loss (“in the red”). They would earn a profit (“the black”) on the day after Thanksgiving. On this day, holiday shoppers... Continue Reading →
The country and the world need major transformations in the current food systems. By Julie Peller Ph.D.
Green Junction Our food systems have changed drastically over the past few decades and are now far less sustainable. According to US data, in 1990, small and medium-sized farms produced close to half the US agricultural goods but now provide less than a quarter. In 1985, there were 23,000 independent pig farmers in the state... Continue Reading →
Fixing the Climate requires you and me! by Julie Peller Ph.D.
Green Junction As the 3rd most populated nation, the United States represents 4.2% of the world’s population and consumes 16% of the world’s energy, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). In comparison, the European Union is 6% of the world’s population and uses 9% of the world’s energy. The US also creates 12% of... Continue Reading →
Have you thought about Halloween plastic waste? By Julie Peller Ph.D.
Green Junction An article by Aimee Ortiz describing the transformation of Halloween over the years outlines the origins and changes of this holiday and how it is now more of a reflection of our consumptive lifestyles. “Halloween’s mutation: from humble holiday to retail monstrosity” informs readers that consumers are likely to spend $11.6 billion this... Continue Reading →
Shouldn’t all elected officials work for a healthy planet? By Julie Peller Ph.D.
Green Junction People often feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of the environmental and human health problems that we now face. Those who care ask what can be done. I often write about what individuals and groups can do, but larger collective actions are also required. A very important individual action is to vote for elected... Continue Reading →
Do we think of the detrimental effects of chemicals? By Julie Peller Ph.D.
Green Junction Oil and gas provide the raw materials for numerous chemicals and products daily. Getting an exact number of chemicals and materials in today's commercial products takes time and effort. The European Union and the US cite numbers of around 400,000. These resources have realized many benefits. Less information and attention have focused on... Continue Reading →
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