A Conservationist Manifesto

In A Conservationist Manifesto, Sanders endeavors in many different ways to convince the reader of the growing need to reconnect with the natural environment.  He uses biblical examples, the origins of words that we consider "environmental", historical and geographic examples, and examples of things currently going on in places very near to our own campus to emphasize just how far we've fallen both in terms of how we treat the earth and our careless attitudes towards this downward spiral. 

He goes on to talk about a sense of place.  He speaks of American towns using their uniqueness and the need to protect the character of the places that have not yet become cookie-cutter models of other American cities.  He talks about becoming involved in a town, about being able to call it home.  He talks about parks and farmer's markets and good citizenship, all aspects of making a community a liveable place both in the present and in the future.

The point that is most prevelant throughout the book, however, is the need to moderate our living styles in order to help restore a bit of what has already been lost.  He spends quite a bit of time discussing natural praries, forests, and wetlands, giving examples of places that have been restored to their natural condition and expounding the importance of wilderness to the earth.  He also speaks of our personal lifestyles, advocating simplicity and restraint in the way we live, considering the environmental impact of every action an decision.

In general, Sanders makes a convincing argument, although at times points do seem to be over-simplified or generalized, and other times instead taken to extremes.  For instance, American cities may be becoming more similar, but each still retains its own individual characteristics, making it unique and "home" to many people.  On the other side of things, Sanders' suggestion that technology does little to benefit society is one that's hard to swallow, especially as I sit at my computer completing homework assignments for multiple classes with instant access to great amounts of information and quick communication with group members and professors.   I do not consider my car, computer, and phone superfulous or unnecessary, nor do I believe that they cause more harm than good to society.

Aside from these extreme cases, however, I find that I generally agree with what Sanders has to say.  Wilderness is of great benefit, and protecting and restoring what we can is definitely a worthwhile pursuit.  Taking steps such as buying food locally, walking or bicycling whenever possible, and using energy-effcient appliances are relatively simple steps that the average family can take with only a little extra effort.  If enough people work together in this endeavor, such steps could make a real impact on the future of our environment.