ABSTRACT WALKING THE WALK: Active Environmentalism and Views of the World By Heather K. Suffron The health of the natural environment is critical to life on earth. Over the years, we have grown increasingly aware of the damaging consequences of human actions on the environment. As a result, many scientists, educators, and activists have proposed the need for a shift in the way we view the natural environment and our relationship to it in order to initiate changes in the way we treat the environment. To determine the general public's perspective, research has involved the assessment of people's ecological knowledge, attitude, and behavior. Findings indicate that much of the American public express pro-environmental values. However, in most cases, people do not exhibit pro-environmental behavior, raising questions about the discrepancy between attitudes and behavior. Yet, there are those who not only engage in pro-environmental behaviors but lead a lifestyle consistent with their environmental ethic. Little is known about their perceptions regarding the environment and what has led them to such dedication. This study explores the beliefs and influences that guide the behavior of active environmentalists. Findings indicate that a variety of factors work together to fuel a passion for the environment. Chief among these are the internal factors of morality, self-knowledge, and self-confidence, which appear not only to influence one's actions and dedication to the environment but also active participation in community life, as well.
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