Environmental stewardship

Environmental stewardship refers to responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices. Aldo Leopold (1887–1948) championed environmental stewardship based on a land ethic "dealing with man's relation to land and to the animals and plants which grow upon it."

Overview

Environmental stewardship is when people take responsibility for the environmental quality of their community, including natural landscapes, air and water quality, and biodiversity. This can involve a variety of activities, such as recycling, conservation, regeneration, and restoration.

History

The concept of environmental stewardship has been present in various forms throughout human history. Early examples can be found in religious texts such as the Bible, where humans are given dominion over the earth and are instructed to care for it. In more recent times, the environmental movement of the 1960s and 1970s brought the idea of environmental stewardship to the forefront of public consciousness.

Principles

The principles of environmental stewardship are based on the belief that humans have a responsibility to the environment and that by taking care of the earth, we are also taking care of ourselves. These principles include sustainability, conservation, and regeneration.

Environmental Stewardship in Practice

Environmental stewardship can be practiced in many ways, from individual actions to large-scale initiatives. This can include recycling, composting, using renewable energy sources, and supporting companies that prioritize sustainability. On a larger scale, governments and organizations can implement policies and programs that promote environmental stewardship.

See Also

• Sustainability
• Conservation
• Regeneration
• Environmentalism
• Aldo Leopold