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Stephen Hale

Professor Hunter

Eng 1201 Online

22 February 2019

Let’s Keep Nature Natural

“Go play outside!” Was one of mom’s many favorite lines. Moments later the backyard

of our quiet, suburban home became a land of mystery and conquest. Games such as “Hero and

villain” or “Lava” were among the most popular and exciting activities we played. Mom’s

encouragement to be outside challenged us to have fun while being creative. Looking back on

my childhood years, I have found simple kids’ games such as these exercised my imagination

and sparked a growing love to be outside. Today the normal American minor averages an

alarming five to eight hours a day staring at a digital screen, either for school or leisure purposes.

The excess time viewing a screen is often at the expense of unorganized, creative play outside

(O'Mara). Sadly, as society becomes more connected to one another over the last two decades,

there is a correlated disconnect with to what is beyond the back door. For this study, I will

analyze America’s natural sanctuaries, our many national parks, in order to prove climate change

is accelerating as a result of human indifference. My proof lies in three key arguments.

The first argument tackles our culture’s heedless material consumption that produces

excess waste. I will give supporting evidence illustrating the wastefulness of American society

and the impact waste has on the environment. The second argument approaches society’s

indifference to the outdoors from a different viewpoint. To see changes in lifestyles and policies

in connecting to our national parks, better education for all ages is essential. It may be some

members of society have little access to the outdoors, hence the lack of understanding of the
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parks’ purpose. The third argument promotes a better appreciation in how to care for the

environment. Many people of the younger generation are simply not exposed to the outdoors

much less national parks. To better care and conserve our parks for future generations, society

must relearn how to appreciate the natural world.

Few people would oppose the claims put forth by this paper. Analysis of the abundant

research and data collection concludes that human activity is the main cause of recent climate

change. Not many people directly disagree with these proposals, but there are numerous people

who are complacent towards the reality. Hopefully this paper will enlighten these individuals and

motivate them to change their daily habits of consumption.

To put in perspective how today’s culture consumes and produces waste, EPA solid

waste reported 254 million tons of trash were generated in 2013 of which 87 million tons were

recycled or composted. On average, a single person generates 4.40 pounds of waste daily

(Municipal Solid Waste). There has been a dramatic increase in solid waste production and

consumption over the last few decades. However, does the average American consumer realize

to what effect their consumption has on the environment? To understand this question better, the

path consumption of materials from production to the landfill must be understood. First, raw

materials are gathered and converted or refined into usable products. Once used, the products are

then sent back to the environment to be either reused or disposed. There are three components to

sustainability of material use: 1) the correlation between the resources stocked and society’s rate

of material consumption; 2) the proficiency of producing materials to provide necessary services;

and 3) the amount of waste discharged in production and consumption which is affecting the

natural world (U.S. Material Use Factsheet). The first two points emphasize a product’s

sustainability as a resource and the last point correlates with the perpetuity of local ecosystems.
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America is a dominant consumer of both renewable and nonrenewable resources. However,

America is globally ranked among the top five in energy production efficiency. The figure below

describes America’s consumption of all materials in the 20th and early 21st century (U.S.

Material Use Factsheet).

Fig. 1. United States Nonfuel Material Expenditure, 1900-2014 (“University of

Michigan Center for Sustainable Systems”)

America’s raw material consumption multiplied 3.15 times greater than society from

1910 to 2014. All material used from 1970-2000 rose 57% in America alone says U.S. Material

Use Fact Sheet. Even with strong statistics proving American consumerism has skyrocketed, the

average American has not changed their habits producing excessive waste.

Looking at our national parks as a highly-valued sites of geological interests and

environmental sanctuaries, much information can be gathered analyzing the current state of their

fragile ecosystems. Even with protective legislation, our National parks face numerous threats.

The most dangerous threat is climate change due to it being (1) comparatively recent and not yet

completely understood, (2) pervasive, and (3) likely to impact other straining environmental
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factors (Wu, Joanna X., et al). Subtle climate change has brought warmer average temperatures

to parks with abnormal precipitation conditions. Small changes can have far-reaching

destabilizing effects within an economic web (Wu, Joanna X., et al). A study published by

opposing viewpoints, Joanna Wu explains how bird populations are natural gauges of ecological

shifts because they are very mobile, quick responders, and predominantly observable. Some bird

species are being directly impacted by the shift in extreme weather patterns. A study estimates

24-50% of birds are “highly vulnerable” to temperature changes and 21% of birds are classified

as “highly sensitive”. Because of climate change, birds are projected to lose half of their suitable

habitats by 2050. Bird range boundaries have already begun to shift elevation and latitude due to

rising temperatures and changing weather patterns (Wu, Joanna X., et al).

Also explained by U.S. Material Use Factsheet are proposed solutions to sustainable

actions for manufacturing companies. Such as conserving materials by following the motto

“reduce, reuse, remanufacture and recycle”. The year 2015 saw 34.7% of municipal solid waste

recovered, directing 91 million tons away from the landfill. Secondly, The Fact Sheet stressed

the use of materials less toxic to the environment and requiring less energy during production.

Thirdly, promote stewardship and encourage use of renewable resources. Through efficient

policy and regulation efforts, offer manufacturing companies incentives for having less

environmental impacts (U.S. Material Use Factsheet).

In defending our natural world, environmentalists cannot merely rely on arguing from an

economic standpoint. The crisis of climate change caused by waste and consumption habits must

move society to change. John Muir, a prominent preservationist, once said these condemning

words: "temple destroyers, devotees of ravaging commercialism who, rather than lift their eyes

to the God of the mountains, lift them to the Almighty dollar" (Sagoff). To find effective change
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of habit, American society must have a change of heart. As explained by Sagoff, a prominent

journalist for The Atlantic, a re-discovery of the beauty of our world as a companion rather than

a commodity is crucial for a society to commit to change.

A true change of heart must rise in the hearts of American society, especially children.

Our present day crisis calls for better education and access to America’s national parks spanning

age, class and ethnicity. It is a sobering fact that children spend less time outside than in any

other age in the history of mankind. Studies show a meager four to seven minutes per day of

unorganized outdoor play while digital screens occupy an average child’s time of up to seven

and a half hours per day (Nrpa.org). The issue of couch children caused by poverty or poor

parenting skills? Or perhaps there is little access for children of diverse communities to

experience the outdoors? Whatever the case may be, evidence tells us there is a problem. The

latest data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) shows

children ages 2-19 having an 18.5% obesity rate.

Fig. 2. NHANES Obesity Trends in Youth and Adults (“Robert Wood Johnson Foundation”)
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A NHANES survey conducted from 1976–1980 compared to the 1999-2016 survey

shows that obesity has more than tripled. Statistics from The State of Obesity articulate that two

to five year old children, had doubled obesity rates, a 5% to 13.9% swell. The six to eleven year

olds with obesity rose from 6.5% to 18.4%. Among teenagers, the rate quadrupled, from 5% to

20.6% (The State of Obesity). Children leading sedentary lifestyles disconnected from the

outdoors is a cause for worry. For one, the children are not being taught to have a mind for

environmental impact and two, children unaccustomed to the outdoors will most likely one day

become adults unaccustomed to the outdoors. And these children are going to be our future

CEOs, congressmen, lawyers, teachers and research and data analysts. NHANES is a strong

advocate for legislation and poses four points why congress should act. First, the time children

spend outside improves health and brings balance into their lives. Less physical exercise can lead

to health problems such as obesity or serious chronic disease (The State of Obesity). Studies

show a positive correlation between increased outdoor exercise and reduced chronic disease.

Taken from The State of Obesity, hospitalization costs related to childhood obesity rose from

$125.9 million in 2001 to $237.6 million in 2005. Secondly, time spent outdoors supports

military readiness. Nearly one in four military applicants are rejected due to obesity or being

overweight. The most common medical disqualification from the military is obesity which to

some, is compromising our nation’s security (The State of Obesity). Thirdly, time spent outdoors

is shown to improve academic achievement. Spending time outdoors is a natural depressant of

attention deficit disorders. Children who spend ample time outside are less likely to have ADHD.

Also, being outside inclines our brain to be creative and experiment with new ideas -

“foundational for effective, formal education” (The State of Obesity). Lastly, connecting our

children with nature helps secure a future for the conservation effort. People who are outdoors
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less are not as inclined to defend and protect the outdoors, leaving the future of our national

parks, areas of conservation, historical sites and other geological hotspots in danger. The surest

solution to society’s lack of interest is to rekindle it. To bring the people back to the parks in

hopes they may gain an understanding of how our actions impact the environment (The State of

Obesity). The State of Obesity implores its audience to “implement innovative strategies to

reconnect our children [...] with the natural world...[for outdoor recreation] connect communities

with green space, and educate parents and caregivers about the important role the natural world

plays in [...a child’s] development.” Here, the government can be of great benefit. For example,

physical activity requirements for K-12th grade students were initiated by the Healthy Kids Act

also prescribed appropriate nutritional content quotas for food and beverages sold on school

grounds. Legislation such as this is essential to confront the obesity epidemic seen in the lives of

our children as a result of living sedentary lives. It is good that government is recognizing a

problem and taking action by developing strategic action plans in the present to prepare for a

better tomorrow. It is the hope of policies such as these to engage our society with the natural

world (The State of Obesity).

With the emergence of climate change as the newest threat to our natural world,

environmentalists have been tasked to address society’s lack of understanding in how to care for

the environment. Some environmentalists turn to the century old teachings of John Muir, a

pioneer advocate for preserving the natural world. He is known for poetically articulating the

beauty of the west and advocating for the preservation of Yosemite National Park. Perhaps his

words and deeds are best known for inspiring Theodore Roosevelt's engineering conservation

programs (Wood). A major activist group among young people is the Sierra Club, founded in

1892 by John Muir. It’s mission is to “explore, enjoy and protect the wild places of the earth”.
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The objective of the Sierra Club are to educate mankind of appropriate care and use of natural

resources, restore the natural environment to its original order by enlisting local and national

activists and “use all lawful means to carry out those objectives” (Wood). The club boasts over

3.5 million members worldwide tasked to address the challenges of a changing environment

through advocacy, volunteering and building a networked community. Over a century old, the

Sierra Club is an effective voice of the people for having tools and resources to make themselves

heard. Wood explains the Sierra Club has aided in ensuring the conservation of 439 national

parks and monuments. It has guided and lobbied for the policy making of the Clean Air and

Endangered Species Acts, pushing for the upgrade of 274 coal plants to cleaner air efficiency.

The club has advocated for and subsequently passed into law that every child in the United States

has the right to visit a national park. The Sierra Club is one of the most successful lobbying

communities based on its continued record of favor and influence (Wood).

The Sierra Club and environmental activists have experienced major failures in lobbying.

An infamous failure of John Muir’s, losing to the Hetch-Hetchy Valley dispute, was

disheartening. Legislation was passed funding a dam project, altering Yosemite’s natural beauty

and disrupted the ecosystem Muir was attempting to save. The loss bore a conviction within

environmentalists that national parks should be held inviolate (Wood). Today, there is a project

underway supported by the Sierra Club to repeal the Hetch-Hetchy legislation.

Researchers and conservationists have also turned to re-examine the Leopold Report, a

paper composed of several volumes directing ecosystem management in national parks. In the

report, "stewardship for continuous change" (Wu, Joanna X., et al) is emphasized to conserve our

natural resources for future generations while preserving the integrity of the natural world

particularly self-sustaining and self-regulating ecosystems (Wu, Joanna X., et al). This requires
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effective conservation techniques directly addressing the effects of climate shifts by grassroots

initiatives. These initiatives encompass other federally funded services as well, including the

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For example, funding studies such as the observation of the avian

community. It is essential to study bird populations birds are precursores of climate change and

research data provides a roadmap for informing adaptive management across the network of

national parks across America (Wu, Joanna X., et al).

Muir’s teaching on science and ecology has made a lasting impact on how we can best

care for the environment. Author and cultural activist Raymond Barnett speaks against his

predicted impending disaster catalysed by climate change. To resolve such a potential threat, we

must return to Muir’s preaching of “Earth Wisdom and the environmental movement”, both will

play an essential part. (Wood) As we look forward in addressing the issues of the modern era,

perhaps a pause in our headlong rush to solve the environments problems would be beneficial.

Muir believed it takes the power of the collective to win a war which required the whole effort of

the individual.

Nature itself is a natural healer. Studies have shown spending time in nature can decrease

stress levels, clear the mind and aid in increasing attention spans thus boosting productivity and

creativity. With children averaging seven and a half hours a day in front of a screen (O'Mara), it

is no wonder we as a society have difficulty valuing education and the outdoors. Modern

technology is a great tool with many uses such as connecting people over large distances or

constructing a global economy. The costs of technology is comfort and infinite consumer goods

where no exposure to the natural world is required. Environmental apathy arises and a global

crisis develops. Society must listen to the subtle cries of the wild as the parks are most vulnerable

to climate change.
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In conclusion, addressing these three points, I believe, will mend the essential

relationship between man and nature.We discussed how our culture heedlessly consumes

materials producing excess waste, how it is necessary for society to be better educated and

connected with America’s national parks and how to promote a better understanding of how to

care for the environment. The “next step” in research could be arguing for honest dialogue

between policy makers, research activists and the general population. Misleading and censored

climate change reports have divided society between rich, money-making companies and

environmental activists causing censored reports of current research and statistics covering

climate change. Environmental activism is deeply rooted in politics causing division resulting in

inaction. Man’s relation to nature must be a personal connection. In the tradition of John Muir,

stewardship creates fellowship and proper care for our parks should be a primary motif. “An

intimacy with nature ends our isolation in the world. We know where we belong, and we can

find the way home” (Sagoff). With abundant information proving the seriousness of the

situation, I ask you, society; what are you doing with your children?
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Work Cited

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https://archive.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/municipal/web/html/ [Accessed 17 Feb. 2019].

Css.umich.edu. (2019). U.S. Material Use Factsheet | Center for Sustainable Systems. [online]

Available at: http://css.umich.edu/factsheets/us-material-use-factsheet [Accessed 17 Feb.

2019].

Nps.gov. (2018). Climate Change Clues from Monitoring (U.S. National Park Service). [online]

Available at: https://www.nps.gov/articles/pacn-climate-change.htm [Accessed 28 Jan.

2019].

Nrpa.org. (2018). children in nature Improving Health by Reconnecting Youth with the

Outdoors.

[online] Available at: https://www.nrpa.org/uploadedFiles/nrpa.org/Advocacy/

Children-in-Nature.pdf [Accessed 18 Feb. 2019].

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O'Mara, C. (2018). Kids do not spend nearly enough time outside. Here’s how (and why) to

change that. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/

parenting/wp/2018/05/30/kids-dont-spend-nearly-enough-time-outside-heres-how-

and-why-to-change-that/ [Accessed 16 Feb. 2019].

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. NHANES National Trends. 2018, https://stateofobesity.org/

childhood-obesity-trends/. Accessed 21 Feb 2019.

Sagoff, M. (2019). Do We Consume Too Much?. [online] The Atlantic. Available at:

https://www.theatlantic .com/magazine/archive/1997/06/do-we-consume-

too-much/376877/ [Accessed 18 Feb. 2019].

The State of Obesity. (2018). Childhood Obesity Trends. [online] Available at:

https://stateofobesity.org/childhood-obesity-trends/ [Accessed 18 Feb. 2019].

University of Michigan Center for Sustainable Systems. U.S. NONFUEL MATERIAL

CONSUMPTION, 1900-2014. 2019, http://css.umich.edu/factsheets/us-material-

use-factsheet. Accessed 21 Feb 2019.

Weeks, Jennifer. "National Parks." CQ Researcher, 17 Jan. 2014, pp. 49-72,

library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2014011700.

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Available at: https://vault.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/about/ [Accessed 18 Feb.

2019] .http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A571057301/OVIC?u=dayt30401&sid=

OVIC&xid=da71f5d5. Accessed 28 Jan. 2019.

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Wu, Joanna X., et al. "Projected avifaunal responses to climate change across the U.S. National

Park System." PLoS ONE, vol. 13, no. 3, 2018, p. e0190557. Opposing Viewpoints in

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