Earth Day Purism-ism

Having a few moments before the day began, I wandered the web reading as much Earth-Day related material as possible. I have come to the conclusion that ultimately, I believe many more people are catching on and starting to celebrate environmentalism in their own ways. Which is great. Overall, at this point, I think that as long as more people understand that ecological activism is much more than a radical, "Tree-hugger" movement, practiced only by dread-locked hippies, we all win.

Practicing good stewardship over our natural resources, in order to protect the environment for our children is the ultimate in utilitarian ethics. Anyone, who loves to experience the serene beauty nature has to provide, is by definition, an environmentalist. If you love watching wild animals in Yellowstone, or recreating in Grand Teton National Park, and even enjoy a simple day in the nearest forest, you are environmentalist. If you advocate open or park space in your neighborhood, you are an environmentalist. If, in the city where you live, your favorite street just happens to be richly tree-lined, you have an innate connection with our natural world, and therefore, I believe we all have an innate connection with the land and should take part in trying to protect it.

What is most interesting, is to question why are more and more people taking a part in greening their lives. Ultimately, it may be due to mainstream media tracking the current trends of pop-culture. I never pursue pop-culture news, but have noticed a rise in reports of stars who are greening their lives in some way or another. Even Paris Hilton drives a hybrid although its a Yukon that gets only 20 or so miles per gallon. Leonardo Dicaprio, after producing the movie "The 11th Hour" is getting more publicity for his environmental efforts. Overall, since we as Americans are more intune with mainstream media, this Eco-Pop movement, however minimal their actions may be, is being noticed as socially acceptable form of lifestyle.

But, no matter the lifestyle, whether it be of the dirty, desert-rat hippie who will never deviate from his purist environmetal ideal, or the multi-million dollar pop-star who is trying to assert themselves by publicly deviating from current unsustainable trends, any attempt to change our current reliance on unsustainable means will ultimately save the earth.

P.S. Turn off your lights!