“Environmentalist?” or “Conservationist?” How many times have we all gone around and around that particular circle? After reviewing market research on the subject, I believe that both terms have their place — but you should wear the “environmentalist” label with pride, particularly in your online communications.
According to an environment poll conducted by the Harris Poll company, the number of Americans who consider themselves active environmentalists is small — but steady — and the number who report they are sympathetic to environmentalists is larger — also steady.
I have reviewed other environmental polls and surveys which find that the word “environmentalist” arouses stronger feelings — pro and con — than “conservationist,” but two terms come out about equally overall.
The Harris Poll cited here tells us that the number of people who really have an axe to grind with you is quite small, but we all know from experience that they are vocal about their views (people like this guy). Don’t let them intimidate you into censoring yourself. That’s what they want! That’s how they win!
Here’s another perspective on the question: Google tells us most definitively that everyday citizens are more interested in “environmentalists” and “environmental groups” than “conservationists” and “conservation groups.”
So here’s my advice: Next time you introduce yourself to somebody, tell them you are an environmentalist. And say it with pride and conviction. You might be pleasantly surprised at the reaction you get.
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Thanks for the link … and for calling me nothing worse than “guy.” You might find it interesting that this month, for the first time in 26 years of asking, more people told Gallup tthey preferred “strengthen the economy,even at the expense of the environment” over “protect the environment even if it costs jobs.”
I’d like to find a different term, because I think that labeling myself “environmentalist” is actually kinda arrogant. As if other people don’t care about the environment. I’m don’t love the nature around me any more or less than the next “guy,” so I introduce myself as “leader of a community team focused on our local river” if the situation warrants it. Or “I volunteer to clean up our local river,” or something specific that shows my goals and focus.
For the first time in 26 years people are in a terrified panic about the economy. I reject the false choice implict in the question. Its not a manner of jobs vs bunnies. Its a choice between a sustainable economy and an unsustainable one. Ask people do you want your kids to enjoy a better quality of life than you have. I bet you get a different answer.