Conservationism vs. Environmentalism

Topic 2: Conservationism Vs. Environmentalism In our notes, conservationism is defined as an economic philosophy in which nature is used for the benefit of humans, nature is used in a responsible way so only part of the resource is used. This allows the resource to be available for future generations. Environmentalism is defined in our notes as an ethical philosophy in which nature should be left alone and not touched for natures' own sake and for the benefit of humans. A good point brought up today in class is that both conservationism and environmentalism both have an ethical philosophy. The ethical side of conservationism is 'we should use the Earth for human gain, and should not let it go to waste.' On the environmental side, the ethics of 'we should not use the Earth, and should protect it for its beauty.' Conservationists say we should use the Earth for our own benefit and environmentalists say we should not use the Earth to save the Earth and for human benefit. Conservationists view the world as a business opportunity but also understand that the Earth needs to sustain our children, grandchildren, and so on. The use of the Earth's natural resources should be used for “the greatest good to the greatest number for the longest time.” (Gifford Pinchot) Why let a river just flow by without making use of its current for power or for production? A great example of this is the Proctor and Gamble plant in Mehoopany, Pennsylvania. My brother works at this plant as an engineer with Bounty paper towels. This factory sits beside the Susquehanna River and intakes water from the river to make their paper products (no dam or blockage is used in this process). After they have used the water for this process they discharge it back into the Susquehanna River. My brother has told me that the water that they discharge into the river is at least 10% cleaner than the water the factory intakes. In this case, Proctor and Gamble is not only using nature to benefit their factory but also giving back to nature by cleaning the river water. I feel that it is important to classify if a person is a conservationist or a environmentalist because it tells someone where their true motives lie. Although, I believe it is possible to be apart of both categories. A scenic water fall for example, I understand the beauty of that and I would hope that most people would as well. But in an place that is not as beautiful and breathtaking, I also understand the thought of using nature for human gain. In the present, I feel that it is important to utilize nature for economic gain. I also feel that certain views and scenes should be left alone for they are too beautiful to tamper with. A great example of both conservationism and environmentalism taking place is Lake Wallenpaupack in northeastern Pennsylvania. This man-made lake,built by PPL, is dammed and has fifty-two miles of shoreline. Many people own or rent houses on this lake for recreation and vacation. This lake is great for the economy and the dam can produce electricity to the area. On the other hand, PPL does not allow cutting trees down on the shoreline to help keep the houses hidden from the lake. This gives the feeling of being in nature and away from 'it all.' PPL has shown both conservationism and environmentalism in Lake Wallenpaupack. This shows that a person, or in this case a company, can be considered both an environmentalist and a conservationist. In conclusion, I believe in both environmentalism and conservationism. It is important to utilize nature for human benefits but there are some places that should be left alone for the beauty that it is. My final stance on the matter is on the fence because I feel that there are exceptions on each side of the philosophies.