The Evolution of Environmentalism: Is Economics a Driving Force?

             Environmentalism is becoming a widespread movement all over the United States. Many people are taking a part in becoming eco friendly for example, college universities are making changes to waste less energy and be more efficient, big name brand companies such as Clorox are creating eco friendly products in their new Green Works line, and MSNBC has created the Going Green special report that includes the latest news about environmental technology. What is the driving force of this evolution? Some would say that environmentalism has become a trend. With new clothing and apparel designs promoting being and becoming green, it is easy to see that point of view, but ultimately I believe that economics is the driving force for environmentalism. Eco friendly projects are being pursued that will provide cheaper a cost of living, production and consumption. Things like geothermal energy, ethanol alternative, and wind energy are just a few examples of eco friendly alternatives that could financially benefit all of us in the future. Although the environmentalism movement is not at its peak, these new ways of life and production are becoming increasingly popular, and the alternatives may soon take the role as the sole source.