Would you look for a person wearing sandals and waving a placard?  Would you expect someone with an in-your-face attitude lecturing on the virtues of green living or against nuclear power?  Or, would you recognize an environmentalist from having seen him or her in the media?

 

All of the people described above may be environmentalists. Or, the person you see in the

mirror each morning may be an environmentalist.  It depends on how we choose to define the term.  Here is one of the broader definitions I’ve found.  An environmentalist is “a person who places high values on the environment.” Interestingly, it is entirely possible to fit this description yet never hoist a placard, impose your views on someone else, or beinterviewed on the six o’clock news.    

 

It is my contention that, in reality, most people are environmentalists whether they realize it or not; that is, they place high values on the environment.  They are concerned about climate change and air pollution; they feel sad when our rivers run red after major precipitation events or become anoxic in the summer; and, they feel a responsibility to leave the environment in better condition for their children and grandchildren.  They may express their values in ways that are private or unspoken, but it is evident that behind their actions is a valuation system in which the environment is prominent.        

 

Personally, I have never been comfortable with the term environmentalist - mostly for reasons pertaining to some of the imagery mentioned at the beginning of this commentary.  However, having interacted with many people who share a common valuation system when it comes to the environment, I have come to realize that today’s “environmentalists” include just about everyone: government personnel, business people, educators, grandparents, parents, children, and others. They may not wear a badge on their sleeve or promote their views publically but, when you engage them in meaningful conversation there is no doubt that the environment fits into their value system.            

 

In view of the environmental challenges we face, it is very encouraging that so many people from across our society are philosophically aligned in wanting to protect and nurture the environment.  It certainly does not mean that all the hard work is done because it will always be challenging to ensure that environmental solutions are fair and equitable, but it does mean that a solid foundation of support exists that should allow solutions to be achieved more easily. 

 

As a person who values the environment, then,where do you go from here?  Is it enough for you to maintain the status quo in terms of how you have been expressing your concern for the environment?  Do you have talents and influence that can and should be leveraged for the public and environmental good? These are questions we should ask ourselves as we follow environmental issues at the local, national, and international levels. There is much that has to be done and many people in the scientific community would suggest we have very little time available in which to do it. 

 

I think also that rather than reacting to environmental issues purely out of necessity (although this is important), we should recognize that our response can bring new opportunities and benefits including financial savings, improved quality of life, development of new skills, and an expanded social network.  It’s really a matter of taking a look at what needs to be done, defining your level of comfort, and then jumping in to take action.                 

 

So, are you an environmentalist?  That depends entirely on how you see yourself and how you want others to see you.  Regardless, what matters most is how you translate your image and concern into action that will help the environment.