Green Junction A recent article in the New York Times (NYT) was titled “Throwaway plastic has corrupted us.” Cheap plastic materials are the basis of our throwaway society. Plastics are made from gas and oil, and since they are highly subsidized by taxpayers, plastic materials are cheaper than other materials. The recent federal One... Continue Reading →
When it comes to Climate: See-Judge-Act. By Julie Peller Ph.D.
Green Junction Do many people pay attention to the latest information on climate change? I regularly ask my students how often they discuss climate change issues with their friends and family, and it usually comes across to them as a silly question. I am not sure what this suggests about human interests and modern-day responsibilities.... Continue Reading →
Do you ever think of Lithium? By Julie Peller Ph.D.
Green Junction Lithium is one of nature’s smallest elements and the 33rd most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. In 1970, the United States joined other countries in approving lithium compounds (mostly as lithium carbonate) in the treatment of depression and bipolar disorder. Lithium is now a necessary part of our advanced technology world. Lithium... Continue Reading →
Do we still hear the plea from Laudato Si’? By Julie Peller Ph.D.
Green Junction May 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’s Laudato Si’, on Care for our Common Home, his written plea to humanity to address environmental degradation through conversions of the heart. Like many Catholics, I expected significant shifts by church leaders toward care for creation after the release of this encyclical. National Catholic... Continue Reading →
Plastic Free July! by Julie Peller, Ph.D.
Green Junction The organization Plastic Free Foundation initiated a campaign in 2011 called Plastic Free July that spread internationally. “Our movement has inspired 100+ million participants in 190 countries. Individuals making small changes will collectively make a massive difference to our communities. You can choose to refuse single-use plastics in July (and beyond!). Best... Continue Reading →
From Fracking to meat processing: By Julie Peller Ph.D.
Green Junction: From fracking to meat processing Amidst the global water crises, our modern society continues to use and pollute staggering amounts of fresh water. This is particularly alarming considering the significant role of fresh water in numerous industrial processes. From fracking to meat processing, and even recycling, these industries consume millions of gallons of... Continue Reading →
Green Junction by Julie Peller, Ph.D. ~ perfect green lawn protects wildlife
Green Junction Fortune magazine published an article in 2023 titled "People painting their lawns is only the latest twist in the long strange American pursuit of perfect grass." A 2022 BBC article titled "The strange appeal of garden lawns" begins by stating, "Many of us create or maintain lawns without giving it a second thought.... Continue Reading →
Green Junction: how do we reduce our negative impact on nature? By Julie Peller, Ph.D.
We live in a dynamic time where new technologies and industrial processes are moving forward, and others are on the horizon. Our laws and policies establish limits on pollution for industrial processes, but often only for protecting environmental and human health and future generations. In Pope Francis’s Laudate Deum, he warns, “We have made impressive and awesome... Continue Reading →
Green Junction: We don’t hear much about nitrogen pollution by Julie Peller Ph.D.
We do not hear much about nitrogen pollution, but it poses a serious global problem. While nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere and extremely stable, human activities have converted nitrogen to reactive forms. The natural conversions of nitrogen occur by biological nitrogen fixation, biomass burning and lightning. Over 100 years ago, an... Continue Reading →
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