Yeah, I’m a treehugger.

For so many years I mumbled the phrase almost as an apology when people asked me what I thought about the newest mall going in or the latest space being cleared for yet another golf course. I would feel saddened by the news, but tried to hide it from the person that asked, knowing they expected a much different answer than the one I was about to give. I would always just smile politely or even try feigning excitement at the news. Was I being a traitor to the causes I care about and myself by doing that? Yes - and I won’t do it any longer.

The question is still there, however. Why am I made to feel badly for caring about the state of the earth and her inhabitants? When did that attitude start – the attitude directed at those of us who give a damn about more than just the latest clothing on the runways of the fashion world; clothing that is in all likelihood, made in third world countries under questionable work practices and using materials filled with herbicides, pesticides, and toxic dyes.

Why am I smirked at because I don’t show a whole lot of interest in what movies are showing up in theaters every week and who was seeing/sleeping with who in Hollywood? I do notice celebrities; don’t get me wrong. I notice the ones who have the same concerns as I do and I also notice they generally get the same treatment I do for it. I remain baffled, but I want to applaud them here.

There is long time actor-conservationist, Robert Redford and actor-activist, Leonardo Dicaprio, super model/eco-style queen, Summer Rayne Oakes, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, (Natural Resources Defense Council, Waterkeeper Alliance & Trust for Public Land). I dare not mention Angelina Jolie who works so hard with the UNHCR and was given the Church World Service Immigration and Refugee Program Humanitarian Award. Another smirk there because all anyone really wants to say about her is “She stole Brad from Jen.” Talk about focus.

Musicians have long been on a course to improve and repair the damage done by developers and commerce, too. MUSE was formed back in 1979 and is still going, stronger than ever today. Bono and his wife Ali Hewson have their clothing line Edun, safe clothing made by people who construct them while working under good conditions and for a fair wage, using cottons grown under good conditions and free from poisons. Yet so many people will curl a lip or chuckle softly when they hear of people trying to help animals that are threatened or bring about awareness to the problems the earth faces right now. This is not a bad thing to do nor is it a bad thing to be.