Dan Huff first went to camp when he was 5 years old, and in some ways he never left. He became captivated with the camp’s nature hut, which led to a lifelong fascination with how humans need to be effective protectors of the planet.
As he got older, Huff was led by a quote from theologian Frederick Buechner: “Your vocation in life is where your greatest joy meets the world’s greatest need.”
DAVID HUFF
Dan Huff, director of environmental health for Minneapolis says environmental strategies can be a win-win for people, businesses and the planet.
Today as the director of environmental health for Minneapolis, Huff helps develop strategies to protect the air, water and land — as well as its people.
“I’ve always believed strongly that we are called to be good stewards of God’s creation,” said Huff, a member of Calvary Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. “In Genesis, God gave us dominion as stewards, not as consumers. But it’s a complex thing because there are always competing demands. We want to have jobs and not to have people in poverty at the same time.”
Huff first learned about government practices while volunteering in Washington, D.C., for a year after college. Later he became a high school science teacher. He also spent a year operating the water treatment plant at Holden Village, a retreat center near Chelan, Wash. Eventually he put his growing knowledge to use working for the city of Minneapolis.
While politics and bureaucracy can be a challenge, Huff said environmental strategies can be a win-win for people, for businesses and for the planet.
“Transportation is a great example,” he said. “If your city is bike-able, train-able, bus-able and walk-able, then that not only helps the environment but it helps the community. Also, if we work to stay within the guidelines of the Clean Air Act, it’s not only good for everyone’s health but it means we don’t have the burden of too much regulation.”
One of the most important things Huff wants people to know is that pollution disproportionately hurts poor people, people of color, the elderly and children.
While trying to care for the environment may seem overwhelming, Huff wants people to not feel that way. “You don’t have to go off the grid and only eat alfalfa sprouts,” he said.
Huff recommends taking it one step at a time. For example, see if your congregation’s facilities are energy efficient, and find simple ways to improve that.
“Jesus’ impact was with individuals,” he said. “He didn’t work in the Roman government to change legislation. He said to tend to the people around you. So don’t get overwhelmed. Think about the people around you. You can pray globally and act locally.”
