Become an Eco Warrior: The New Face of the ‘Treehugger’

“Saving the wilderness and fighting for global environmental rights.” The basic concept serves as a platform for thousands of individuals who pursue the lifestyle of an Eco Warrior, and has evolved to new proportions with the power of the internet and networking abilities. The term ‘eco-warrior’ is defined as a political or social activist whose primary agendas focus on preservation and environmental protection. With the advent and increase of industry across the United States and abroad, conservation groups are determined to make their voices heard.

The lifestyle of the Eco Warrior is often derived from a grassroots, environmentalist approach. The Eco-Warrior’s ‘to-do’ list could contain the following: understanding the impacts of globalization, the trends and growth of industrialization and technology, and the ability to use sustainable materials in new ways. The threats of the wilderness destruction, the extinction of vital species in nature, and the countless landscapes that are torn down in an effort to continue business and industrial ‘progress’ require a fine balance. Eco Warriors are at the forefront of mainstream conservational efforts; especially in the U.K., these groups focus on policy implementation, design, and offer a paradigm shift for many businesses. Today, these groups are able to locate, interact, and implement strategies for success in their ecological protection adventures by networking at a pace faster than ever before.

Conservation issues and ecological restoration are the primary goals of the Eco Warrior. Finding new and alternative resources for energy, for example, can result in an entirely new process and focus for thousands of businesses. The efforts by grassroots movements in the political arena clears the way for strong debates, perspectives, and decisions that can impact all of our futures in just a few years.

In February 2006, environmental expert Fred Pearce of ‘The Independent’ newspaper in the U.K., highlighted ten key eco-warriors of the century. These included Jose Bove of France, Amory Lovins of the U.S., Marina Silva of Brazil, and Paul Watson of Canada. This global group of environmentally-conscious individuals have each spent years as part of the Greenpeace movement and activities, or locally in their communities with a common trait: a firm political standing and call to action for their cause.. Whether it’s organizing anti-whaling strategies, preserving trees by introducing new environmental policies, or drawing up blueprints for energy efficient technology, these eco-warriors have paved the way for thousands.

But why? What is different about the Eco Warrior of today, than the grassroots movements and activist groups across thousands of college campuses, neighborhoods, and communities? The Eco Warrior is the leader of the agenda, the opposition to government rulings, and sometimes even environmental protectionist agencies. With the growth in online networking, the trend towards eco-friendly communities has begun to take its own spin on the internet. Thousands of eco warriors in-the-making can connect with, support, and revitalize their programs and agendas from anywhere in the world. To become a true Eco Warrior, you must maintain a complete dedication to your cause. Implementing entire movements, coordinating large-scale projects, and even risking arrest or extreme conditions, are all part of the Eco Warrior lifestyle.

Do you have what it takes?