#com 150

When it comes to looking at the environment there is a unique spectrum of where we find ourselves as humans on a possible hierarchy. At one end of the spectrum, there is the anthropocentric viewpoint. For this point of view, a person thinks that “humans are superior to and dominate the rest of creation, and the natural world is ranked hierarchically with humans at the top” (Corbett 27). At the other end of the spectrum is ecocentrism where we no longer see a hierarchy. At this point of view, we see “a nonhierarchical mix of interdependent relationships or a web of all life” (Corbett 27). Throughout the spectrum, we find other ideas of how we can see our environment and how we use it.  These ideas range from having unlimited access and use to everything on the planet to giving every living thing “rights”. Some people can also see themselves as preservationists, maintaining the state of the environment, or conservationists, keeping the environment safe from harm. Some people have opted to move towards solar power to reduce their carbon footprint and this idea is becoming popular in Arizona. “In Arizona, a similar trend might be emerging. There, the state's largest electric provider is attempting to charge fees to consumers who install solar panels on their homes. Who's leading the fight in favor of solar power? None other than Barry Goldwater Jr., whose name, Shulman points out, "is practically synonymous with conservatism in America.’” (Abrams Salon.com). Another problem in our environment is plastics. Micro-plastics have been found in cheaper products even in our food and drinks. When people use these plastics – even if we recycle – it will sometimes end up just being burned. Everywhere across the life of a plastic bottle, people are negatively affected, become ill, destroying clean air, and even causing cancer. In a TED Talk, Van Jones talked about how we as people are out of disposable items and we need to take care of our planet and not just our own immediate environment.

In my opinion, I see myself as possible a preservationist according to the definition of preservationism. I would like for the environment to be in a maintained state and to be better-taken care of - but I also think humans should wisely use the resources from the environment- so that we will not lose or permanently damage our planet (more than it has been). I’m all for people moving to solar power. As long as it doesn’t make an area a solar oven from there being too many solar panels. And when it comes to helping clean our world, it becomes a political issue. Anyone can take care of their immediate environment, but when taking care of our world we need to take a look at our imports. In America, if we were to use and demand fewer plastics, we might be able to push other countries into using fewer plastics and producing less waste. This is difficult because humans are lazy when it comes to our actions. Many people want to ban plastic bags from shopping centers and grocery stores, while others want the opposite. They think that it is more convenient to have everything in a plastic bag and to just throw them away when they are done using them then it is to bring a bag from home or to recycle a plastic bag. These plastic bags become landfill and waste and pollution. To help clean up our world we need to start with our own actions and purchases. We should not think of ourselves above nature and above our consequences.