UR professor will speak about toxicity in plastics for Green Orleans presentation
Dr. Jane van Dis
ALBION – An assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Rochester, Dr. Jane van Dis, will be welcomed to the Hoag Library on Nov. 7, where she will speak on the toxicity of plastics.
Dr. van Dis was invited to Albion at the suggestion of Sister Dolores O’Dowd, who two years ago founded Go Green Orleans with several supporters who were interested in climate change and believe everyday people can influence sustainability of the earth.
Go Green Orleans is a group of community members who recognize the need to protect the environment. They believe the world faces severe environmental challenges, including climate change, loss of biodiversity and resource depletion. These challenges impact our daily lives from extreme weather events and health concerns to the loss of natural beauty, said Tom Robinson of Medina, a member of the group.
“It’s time to recognize the relevance of sustainability in our own experiences,” he said.
Dr. van Dis’ speech will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Curtis Room. The event is free and refreshments will be served.
van Dis has lectured nationally and internationally on the intersection of the climate and plastic crisis and women’s and maternal health. She is the co-founder of OBGYN’s for Sustainable Future, an interest group of Healthcare Without Harm. She has published in academic journals on the climate crisis and women’s health, Robinson said. She is also on TikTok, where she addresses plastics, pollution and women’s/maternal health and creates short educational videos.
Her talk at Hoag Library will address the health complications from plastics exposure, in addition to ways to mitigate or lessen exposure to toxic substances found in everyday items.
“This is a realization of ‘coming home,” Sister O’Dowd said. “There is a connection between us and the earth and we should be taking care of it. We believe there are things that everyday people can do.”
She said the biggest contributor to our earth’s pollution is plastics. They are so prolific and made from fossil fuels, she said.
“This lecture isn’t just for women or pregnant women,” Robinson said. “It pertains to people of all ages, and all are encouraged to attend.”
Green Orleans meets at 11:30 a.m. every third Thursday of the month at Hoag Library to discuss ideas and initiatives. Sister O’Dowd felt the doctor’s message would be good to share with the Orleans County community.
