Rhetoric of Environmentalism

Merriam-Webster defines environmentalism as the advocacy of the preservation, restoration, or improvement of the natural. The idea of environmentalism is a pure concept that has been bastardized by the stigma of some free-loving baby boomer dropping LSD and picketing on the White House lawn. The humans should do everything within individual power to be a more efficient consumer. All species on earth are in some way a consumer due to the necessity for an external source for energy. The extent to which humans utilize energy is the variant designating “us” as a destructive force, rather than a balanced presence just fulfilling our responsibility in the circle of life. Humans use energy not only to survive, but for comfort and recreation. I will not be a hypocrite and tell people to not drive cars or that growing their own food is the right decision. I drove to class today in my car and I will shop at the market for groceries. Why not take advantage of conveniences if technology allows it? Would a cheetah take the time to chase a gazelle if he/she could just run to the butcher and buy a few pounds of meat? The issue at hand isn’t whether or not to utilize convenience, but to do so in an efficient manner with due regard for other species on earth. Ayn Rand mentions intrinsic value as an idea placed on nature by man. I believe that natures purpose is to sustain the life of all global beings, however, man should not be the sole beneficiary. I believe that if everyone took small steps such as recycling, the net benefit would minimize the negative effect that humans have on surrounding ecosystems.