Nearly half of globally produced fruits and vegetables are wasted. By Julie Peller Ph.D.

These past months, there have been many heartbreaking aspects of the viral pandemic. An unfortunate part of the pandemic has been the extensive loss of jobs, which has led to food insecurity for many people. Food pantries have been stretched beyond their normal capacity to assist people in need. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s tracking […]

Where less is better, where local and sustainable businesses are supported. By Julie Peller Ph.D.

The ways the natural world serves the human population are sometimes referred to as ecosystem services, led by clean water, air, and soil. Rain forests and other areas of dense tree growth also provide ecological services and are part of the world’s natural capital. Trees take in carbon dioxide and provide oxygen, among many other […]

Are we really semi- Pelagians and don’t know it?

Today the 3rd of July in 529 was The Synod of Orange. There was a group Led by the ‘Augustinians‘ of the day, (somewhat forceable group too). After exerting influence, the synod upheld Augustine’s doctrines of grace and free will while condemning the views of Semi-Pelagians, including John Cassian and Faustus of Riez. They believed the human […]

“Imagine if we used $18 billion to ensure healthy tap water for all people in the US.” By Julie Peller Ph.D.

“With joy you shall draw water.” (Isaiah 12:3) How plentiful and accessible is fresh, clean water in this day and age? Are we using water in a sustainable manner, in a way that meets present needs of all people and the needs of future generations? For sustenance and continuance of life on the earth, fresh, […]

Thank You Ellison Pratley. By Julie Peller Ph.D

All plastic materials are resistant to natural decomposition processes; they will exist for hundreds of years or more. This is one of the reasons that plastic waste is a huge pollution problem. This might elicit questions: what has happened to the 8 billion metric tons of plastic that have been produced? Should plastic materials be […]

The next few Green Junction columns will focus on plastic pollution by Julie Peller Ph.D

Green Junction The next few Green Junction columns will focus on plastic pollution, which is an extensive, global environmental and public health problem. Each will also offer a college student’s view through poetry, as we need to understand the concerns of the younger generation. My colleagues and I have written and instituted a lab experiment […]

Take the time to experience the re-birth by Julie PellerPh.D

Green Junction Easter is a joyful celebration for Christian believers. We rejoice in the living Son of God and the promise of life everlasting. Easter also signifies the newness of life in nature. Eggs, often part of the Easter celebration, are an example of new life. Tulips, lilies, and daffodils, the flowers prominently displayed during […]

The call from Pope Francis By Julie Peller Ph.D.

Green Junction Over the past several weeks, the pace of human society has dramatically slowed as a result of a natural phenomenon – the spread of a new virus. Technically classified as the SARS-CoV-2 virus, this coronavirus has led to a pandemic, a public health crisis on the international scale. Infectious disease is not new […]

The earth as a place of beauty and inspiration, Julie Peller Ph.D

Welcome to Green Junction Humans are part of the natural web of life. However, in many ways, we have disconnected from the natural world. When we view nature as just a source of materials for human satisfaction, we sever our relationship with the rest of creation. We are unable to see the damage inflicted on […]

What happened to Church Social Movements?

I was thinking about the Church in Europe and the US during the 30s,40s,50s, and early ’60s. A church that had a mantra and focuses on restorative justice, social programs, worker rights. We saw such movements that were collectively known as “Catholic Action” and involved more laypeople than a hierarchy to some extent in their […]