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There is a Boy Scout saying, "Always leave an area better than it was when you found it." It applies mostly to the outdoor activities of the Scout program such as hiking and camping. It is the notion that we should be a positive force in our world by preserving and enhancing those areas that we travel to. This philosophy can be expanded to a broader level to say, "Leave the world a better place that it would have been if you weren't here." This is the philosophy that by our actions, we can be a positive force in the world. Certainly there are those who achieve this goal. The soldiers who put their lives on the live for peace and humanity; the teacher or mentor who makes a difference in the lives of many children; the parents who nurture their children in a loving environment.
What is Personal Environmentalism?
Personal Environmentalism is the philosophy of environmental-consciousness on a personal level. It is the idea that each individual can make a positive impact on the environment in their personal lives. It is the idea of focussing on what we can do individually, instead of worrying about what others do. It is the application of ideas toward the goal of leaving this world a better place that it would have been had we never got here.
What is "Practical" Personal Environmentalism?
In the past and present, tension has existed between business and environmentalists. It is perceived that to do well for the environment means paying more money or spending more time. In some cases, this is true. However, "practical" personal environmentalism focuses on those things that we can do for the environment that also HELP us financially and save time. It finds the common ground on an individual level between the desire for time and money and the desire to do well for the environment.
Today's Environmental Challenges-
The environmental movement used to be about the idealistic, "feel-good" philosophies of saving the environment for the environment's sake. This is demonstrated by slogans such as "Save the Earth" and "Save the Whales." Today, the environmental challenges facing us are much more personal; they are about protecting our health and well being, and the health and well being of our children. Today the environmental movement is about protecting our clean water supply, protecting our clean and breathable air, protecting our recreation areas and national wilderness treasures. We now live in a society where failure to meet environmental standards results in cancers, decreased quality of life, and environmental paranoia. This "Practical Personal Environmentalism" website focuses on those things we can do to reduce our water contamination, reduce our air pollution emissions, reduce the need for more landfills, and aid those organizations that will do the same.
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