An elevator pitch for environmentalism

Posted by David Roberts at 10:59 AM on 25 Jan 2005

Read more about: environmental movement | messaging

Update [2005-3-14 9:31:34 by Dave Roberts]: The Elevator Pitch contest is over! (You can continue suggesting ideas, but they won't be entered in the contest.)

The American Prospect is running a contest: develop an "elevator pitch" for liberalism. An elevator pitch -- familiar to folks desperate to raise money (hi) -- refers to a short, pithy summary of the benefits of one's project. Conservatives, the Prospectors say, have a familiar elevator pitch (strong defense, lower taxes, fewer gay people, etc.), but people are constantly baffled as to what liberalism "stands for." (You can read a few Prospect readers' attempts here.)

"Hm," I thought. "What does environmentalism stand for? Aside from this or that piece of legislation, what is environmentalism's elevator pitch?"

So, with apologies/thanks to the Prospect, I'm ripping off their idea and starting a contest of my own.

Submit an elevator pitch for environmentalism in comments. It must be no more than 30 words. Pitches longer than that will be disqualified. Imagine yourself in an elevator with a skeptical but open-minded Average Citizen. You have seven floors to make your pitch. What does environmentalism offer them? What does it ask of them? What are its core values, its core vision? Try to limit your comment to a pitch -- if you want to discourse on the larger issue of environmentalism's future, you can do so over on this post.

The winner -- as determined by the Contest Dictator, i.e., me -- will win a highly coveted, fashion-forward, limited-edition, organic-cotton, still-have-a-few-lying-around-the-office, Very First Official Grist T-shirt (VGOFT) (this is on the front; this is on the back).

I'll announce the winner in a couple of weeks. Go to it!

For story: An elevator pitch for environmentalism
154 Comments | Post a Comment

Environmentalism is about...

...creating the world I want my grandkids to live in.

Another, less serious take:

...hot showers. I like hot showers. I want there to keep on being hot showers. And I want everyone to be able to enjoy hot showers, too. Because I'm not selfish.

by jonstahl at 3:41 PM on 25 Jan 2005

Environmentalism is about...

Imagine life in a spaceship. You carry sundry requirements to maintain your life. These things require appropriate technologies. Now imagine that one of the technologies fails. Environmentalism is life support engineering.

Ed Shadrick

by wetecoman at 7:56 AM on 26 Jan 2005

What's environmentalism...

I sure want that shirt! Hmmm, here goes (w/apologies to Jon for jumping on the grandkids meme):

Imagine waking up every day knowing that you are breathing clean air, drinking safe water, and eating healthy food, in a country where you always have a say in how things get done.

Now, imagine feeling confident that your grandkids, and their kids, and theirs, will all wake up every day of their lives knowing the same things.

Emily Gertz Journalist & Editor egertz AT oneatlantic DOT net http://www.apartmentecology.com/

by Emily Gertz at 8:44 AM on 26 Jan 2005

environmentalism is (haiku)

in our world's fish bowl
we go forth and multiply
(while the filter works)

by hardisun at 10:09 AM on 26 Jan 2005

30 words

I went over the limit. So, pared down:

Environmentalism is waking up every day breathing clean air, drinking safe water, eating healthy food, and having a real vote, and knowing that your grandkids--and theirs--will, too.

Emily Gertz Journalist & Editor egertz AT oneatlantic DOT net http://www.apartmentecology.com/

by Emily Gertz at 12:45 PM on 26 Jan 2005

Environmentalism is ...

not taking the elevator but walking up the stairs.

by jsteinberger at 12:55 PM on 26 Jan 2005

Environmentalism is:

Living life so that all life may life.

Knowing what is ecologically right and doing it.

A responsibility we have as the most "advanced" beings on earth.

Enviro-mentali-ty.

"To know and not to use is not yet to know." -Buddhist saying

by Skapo at 12:58 PM on 26 Jan 2005

nice haiku

Very nice, truly inspirational.

One constructive comment: shouldn't environmentalism be concerned about going forth and multiplying too much?

Perhaps you caould use your obvious haiku skills with another try.

I know I would appreciate it.

Peace.

"To know and not to use is not yet to know." -Buddhist saying

by Skapo at 1:00 PM on 26 Jan 2005
[ Parent ]

correction

sorry, the first line in my original post should read:

Living life so that all life may live.

Thanks.

"To know and not to use is not yet to know." -Buddhist saying

by Skapo at 1:01 PM on 26 Jan 2005
[ Parent ]

stranded

We're stranded on island Earth in an otherwise lethal universe.

Only here can we make the sacred journey of life.

Every day, Earth gets more crowded and everybody wants more.

by bigdumbhoosier at 1:05 PM on 26 Jan 2005

Environmentalism

Healthy food, clean air and water, healthy ecosystems, and a sustainable relationship between human beings and their environment. A world where the needs of all living things are met.

by Bobbi Katsanis at 1:12 PM on 26 Jan 2005

elevator thing

Earth is our house. We can keep it clean, safe and healthy or we can keep it dirty, unsafe and unhealthy. Houses don't clean themselves!

by timmercure at 1:13 PM on 26 Jan 2005

For the materialists in the elevator

Think of the Earth as a great bank whose funds are natural beauty and resources. Environmentalists are certified financial advisors. They give free advice about maintaining and increasing our wealth.

by Galileo at 1:28 PM on 26 Jan 2005

the pitch

Here are two takes...

Take 1 -
Conservation is about health. We are our environment: the air we breathe, the water we drink. The health of our bodies, spirits, economies and communities depends on a healthy environment.

Take 2 -
Conservation is about improving lives. It's about the safety of air and water... the health of communities and economies... and places where families reconnect with the earth and each other.

by ask at 1:57 PM on 26 Jan 2005

haiku try 2

in our world's fish bowl
we all drink the same water
so don't crap in it.

by hardisun at 2:16 PM on 26 Jan 2005
[ Parent ]

Elevator pitch for environmentalism

30 words to win the heart & mind of a stranger? good luck, but here goes:

Whenever I'm stuck in a little room like this, I think about our little spaceship earth. Hope we're doing enough to keep it a good place for the next generation.

Doc Watson Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground. And a mighty river is just a lot of little drips who stuck together.

by docwatson at 2:24 PM on 26 Jan 2005

Environmentalism is . . .

Caring that human beings and their habits are destroying our earth, doing what we can to change our behavior, and wondering why more people don't give a damn!

by glazkrem at 2:35 PM on 26 Jan 2005

Elevator Pitch

Environmentalism is...

...Caring enough to take personal responsibility to protect the air, water, natural resources and natural beauty that we all need to survive and to thrive on this planet.

"Be the change you want to see in the world" (Ghandi)

by ornal at 5:02 PM on 26 Jan 2005

Elevator Pitch

Hey, rumor has it you like clean air, water, and food that won't poison you, and you thought you weren't an environmentalist.

by jonmarin at 5:21 PM on 26 Jan 2005

elevator pitch modified

Hey, rumor has it you like clean air, water, and food that won't poison you, and you thought you weren't an environmentalist. Welcome aboard. :)

by jonmarin at 5:24 PM on 26 Jan 2005

Two simple questions

Don't you wish that generations before you had left you with cleaner air, cleaner waterways, and fewer landfills? Don't you think your children want the same?

by veggiegirl at 9:07 PM on 26 Jan 2005

Elevator pitch for environmentalism

Earth supports human life within a comfort zone.
It is our responsibility to stay within the zone:
- reduce unnatural use of fossil fuels
- develop sustainable natural energy sources

by enrgywzrd at 9:41 PM on 26 Jan 2005

pitch

The environment is the basis of our food supply and our health. What could be more important than protecting the living resources that sustain our own lives?

by carol at 11:20 PM on 26 Jan 2005

Elevator Pitch

Madam, if we love life we are compelled to protect it; we can't watch it be trampled in someone's ambitious rush. Love is not discarded for profit. Love is environmentalism.

by Shampnois at 6:07 AM on 27 Jan 2005

Elevator Pitch

Our Creator is going to be terribly disappointed with us if we don't appreciate, study and sustain Creation before our time comes. Creators hate having their work ignored!

by Trevor Nagobian at 6:27 AM on 27 Jan 2005

elevator pitch

The elevator you are using is running on electricity produced by spewing chemical, nuclear, and heat poisons into the air and water. Walk, dammit, and you will be healthier and not guilty of ruining the world. If however, you suffer from a disability limiting your ability to use the stairs, we apologize for imposing upon you a statement that does not apply to you.

by harford at 7:48 AM on 27 Jan 2005

Elevator Pitch

Intro (not included in word count)
"Beautiful day outside" they would probably reply with "Yah", or "Sure is".

Ever imagine living out of a broken down elevator? (I would pretend to think about the question)-Hmm, that's what I imagine the world will be like when humans are done with it-have a good day!

by onkasmonka at 8:43 AM on 27 Jan 2005

A Green (as opposed to environmentalism) pitch

The Green Movement is:

Improving the economy by making it ecologically-rational (it isn't).
Bringing social justice to the world (it's possible).
Rediscovering a life of meaning and excitement by connecting to Nature (that's intuitive).

by Justin Vood Good at 9:16 AM on 27 Jan 2005

Elevator pitch

The Future...
Followed by six floors of thoughtful silence.

"Life is too tragic for sadness: Let us rejoice." -Ed Abbey

by wildtrout at 9:22 AM on 27 Jan 2005

Environmentalism

Environmentalism is -

Understanding that:

Everything is connected to everything else.
Everything has to go somewhere.
There is no free lunch.
Nature always bats last.

Regards, Professorlife

by Professorlife at 10:27 AM on 27 Jan 2005

30 words ain't much.

Environmentalism is everything that follows from the principle that people depend on the earth for life, and that the earth's gifts - air, water, food and beauty - should be shared equally.

"You cannot serve God and Money." -- Jesus

by gracepburson at 10:28 AM on 27 Jan 2005

Environmentalism

Environmentalism is -

Understanding that:

All wealth comes from the land.

Regards, Professorlife

by Professorlife at 10:28 AM on 27 Jan 2005

Clean air advocate...

While riding in a cramped elevator up a skyscraper I lean over and casually ask:
"So do you think it's vital we all work to make sure the air we share is clean and unpolluted?"
And if they say no, I'll reply:
"Ok, I just farted."
~Micah

by Micah at 10:45 AM on 27 Jan 2005

Environmentalism is not a Movement

Environmentalism is just common sense...you clean your house and feed your kids? Environmentalism is about a clean house, only this time the planet is the house so clean water and clean air. And to feed everyone we need to make sure that we have a balance between what we use and what we grow. Imagine that you only fed yourselves and never cleaned your house; you'd never do that, right?

by Alison Wise at 10:49 AM on 27 Jan 2005

Environmentalism is not a Movement 2 (oops)

Environmentalism is about cleanliness, which as you know is next to godliness. Clean air, clean water, clean communities. It is also about the future, smart decisions so we have one.

by Alison Wise at 10:56 AM on 27 Jan 2005

Shampnois' elevator pitch

that's quite good!

by bigdumbhoosier at 11:38 AM on 27 Jan 2005
[ Parent ]

Environmentalism is . . .

Caring about where stuff comes from, and where it goes after it is used. Thinking cradle to cradle rather than cradle to grave just might change the world.

by Little Hammer at 12:36 PM on 27 Jan 2005

haiku try 2

I really like it.

Great job and thank you!

Peace.

"To know and not to use is not yet to know." -Buddhist saying

by Skapo at 12:37 PM on 27 Jan 2005
[ Parent ]

Environmentalism:

We are human, so to make mistakes is expected, though isn't it best to err on the side of caution when dealing with the only environment we've got?

--or--

No environment = no air.
No air = no oxygen.
No oxygen = no life.
Does environmentalism make sense to you now?

"To know and not to use is not yet to know." -Buddhist saying

by Skapo at 12:43 PM on 27 Jan 2005

elevator pitch to neocon

Hard to believe, but environmentalism actually lends itself to lucrative business opportunities that can be used to fool liberals into believing that you have compassion or some such quaint nonsense.

by hardisun at 2:22 PM on 27 Jan 2005

elevator pitch to religous righty

Pssst - did you hear? On that rapture thing? Well, God's coming home, and he's gonna be pissed cuz you trashed his house.

by hardisun at 2:28 PM on 27 Jan 2005

Environmentalism is...

realizing that we're in quicksand and instead of being indifferent or leaving it up to others or technology to save us, we actually collaborate and figure out what to do.

by blueeyes at 3:02 PM on 27 Jan 2005

elevator chatter

"The quest for knowledge is one of the most important things to Homo sapiens. Other species are the largest repository of unread knowledge."

Patti

by paaron at 3:15 PM on 27 Jan 2005

Elevator Pitch

Environmentalism is trying not to limit our future options by wantonly wasting resources now. It is about leaving our children with the resources to enjoy their own lives.

by sugarwoodforestproducts at 3:50 PM on 27 Jan 2005

Simply put

"We aim for a 1% defect rate when manufacturing. Fishermen currently discard 5x their catch, dead. The surviving larger predators are now eating each other there is so little left".

That's my try. Word Processor counts exactly 30 words.

Tough Assignment. So much to say, so little time.

Problem is, enviromentalism has one stated goal: conservation. Neither liberalism or the Conservatives truely have a single invariable, fixed goal, so they can say whatever they like in their pitches. It just doesn't matter.

by MegaFauna at 10:37 PM on 27 Jan 2005

Elevator pitch

Environmentalists believe that the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" includes the right to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live on a sustainable planet.

by Kira at 5:20 AM on 28 Jan 2005

Environmentalism

Environmentalism is about seeking to understand the impacts of personal choices and lifestyle. It's about using this understanding to model and practice habits of preservation, conservation, and appreciation for resources.

by mperry at 6:30 AM on 28 Jan 2005

Become an Environmentalist!

Have the satisfaction of saving Earth! Cleaner air, greener spaces, safer food. More costly - yes - for renewable electricity, or organic food, but a more natural world is ample compensation.

Melitta Carter

by Melitta at 10:36 AM on 28 Jan 2005

Environmentalism's elevator pitch

We value safe drinking water, clean air, healthy ecosystems and flourishing wildlife--and we act to ensure that Earth's natural resources can be enjoyed now and for generations to come.

by Jordan at 11:26 AM on 28 Jan 2005

environmental pitch

Everyone who uses this elevator erodes the elevator cable. But nobody seems concerned about fixing or maintaining that cable. Our kids will take this elevator. Environmentalism is elevator cable maintenance...

by Sean68 at 11:54 AM on 28 Jan 2005

Environmentalism is:

Responsible self-procreation (Don't Litter!)
Love of all life, not only human
Stewardship, not exploitation
Recycling, not residualizing
Watchfulness, not wastefulness

by Jeff Lawrence at 1:18 PM on 28 Jan 2005

responsible living

Being an environmentalist means
accepting that humans have significant impact
on the Earth
and that we have both the ability
and the responsibility to minimize our impact,
however we can.

We are caretakers, not conquerors.

a liberal in redsville

by birdboy at 6:51 PM on 28 Jan 2005

[new] Environmentalism is about...

Understanding and honoring the ecological connections between living things and the physical environment to provide sustainably for all people, while also nurturing non-human life for its own sake.

by kaichan at 8:18 AM on 29 Jan 2005

elevator pitch

same thing I tell my kids in the Key to the Sea class,

How important is a healthy ocean to every living thing? Take 3 deep breaths. 2 of those breaths came from the phytoplankton floating in the ocean. Don't pollute!

"Be the change you want to see in the world" (Ghandi)

by paulaboub at 7:53 AM on 30 Jan 2005

Why environmentalism?

Negatively impacting the environment is like trying to sink the ship that is bringing you your only supplies. Our present rate of destruction is blowing that ship to bits.

by jdeans at 8:56 AM on 30 Jan 2005

Two pitches

Old approach:

It would suck if people smoked cigars in elevators. Environmentalism is an etiquette of treating treasures we all share, like rivers and summer breezes, as well as we treat elevators.

New approach:

Nature is a huge family, and humans are just one branch. As in any family, we feel compassion for our relatives. Coincidentally, our very survival depends on caring for them.

by Seth Zuckerman at 12:16 PM on 31 Jan 2005

enviromental elevator

Q) What's the first thing you should do when you find yourself in a hole?

A) Stop digging.

If you'll stop digging, I can help you climb out of our environmental hole.

by metrognome0 at 2:32 PM on 31 Jan 2005

elevator "push poll"

Elevating questions to an art form:
.Is the Earth getting healthier or sicker?
.Is the Earth really surrounded by cold hostile space?
.Do we need the Earth for our survival?
.To be on the safe side, should we take care of the Earth?
.What could one person do to help the Earth?
.Is this the thirteenth floor?

by photokinesis at 2:42 PM on 31 Jan 2005

Minor tinkering

On reflection, I think the business about "etiquette" from my earlier post is a little precious for an elevator spiel. So here's a revised version:

It would suck if people smoked cigars in elevators. Let's look after our common treasures, like creeks and summer breezes, as well as we look after elevators. That's environmentalism.

by Seth Zuckerman at 3:27 PM on 31 Jan 2005

Elevator pitch

The dinosaurs will have lived longer than the human species will, if we keep fouling our nest. Who's dismissed then with a small brain? Microbes will then inherit the earth.

The earth is our home.

by Rhndda at 4:32 PM on 31 Jan 2005

The Environmental Elevator Pitch: The T-Shirt

Who needs to protect the planet?
Everybody

When?
Now

Why?
What helps you helps me

How?
Pay attention. Speak out.

Nancy Anderson

by nanders at 8:54 AM on 01 Feb 2005

Perfect Pitch

Where do we go from here?

Our water is tainted.

Our air is choked with chemicals,

Our food has fewer nutrients,

What will our children look forward too.

Space suits?

by kensky at 12:18 PM on 01 Feb 2005

Da pitch

Look, most of us spend 80%-90% of our time indoors, and more time in elevators than in forests. So avoid looking like a tree-hugger in a busy elevator, and keep it relevant and real, something like:

"Environmentalists believe happiness flows from our surroundings. Whether this is plants, animals, rocks, streams, mountains...or buildings, bridges, and cities, we crave good food, clean water, open skies, beauty, and fascination."

by tcaplow at 1:10 PM on 01 Feb 2005

30 words

Environmentalism is not making the same mistakes as our forebearers - mistakes that explain why they're not around any more.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Jamie Fellrath Columbus, OH

by jfellrath at 1:20 PM on 01 Feb 2005

I'm not talented...

...so I'm not going to try to come up with something snappy. But I would like to point out that elevators are one of the more energy-efficient forms of mass transport available today, because much of their lifting power comes from counterweights. Not to mention that the densely populated, vertical environments of cities - where elevators thrive! - are some of the most environmentally responsible places to live. (See, for example, "Green Manhattan: Why New York is the greenest city in the U.S." by David Owen in the New Yorker, 10/18/04.)

So yes, by all means take the stairs if you're able, but elevators are not the enemy. Big, sprawling, horizontal cities are.

by liquideve at 8:49 AM on 02 Feb 2005

An elevator pitch on environmentalism

The most conservative proposition in American History:

Don't mess it up. Don't.
If you mess it up, you pay to clean it up. Period.

Much Peace, jonnymil

by JohnJMiller at 9:20 AM on 02 Feb 2005

environmentalism....

Ever watch a sunset on the beach or in the mountains? Ever go camping or have a picnic by the lake?

Beautiful isn't it..

Isn't that worth preserving?

by jdnichols at 2:37 PM on 02 Feb 2005

environmentalism ideas

Just some additional thoughts as I read through some of these. I don't think you're going to get anywhere by being overly aggresive with most people.... the last thing you want is for a person to get defensive if you only have a moment to convince them. If they're anything like me, the minute they feel like they're being preached to you've already lost.

In my opinion (and it is just my opinion), to convince someone of anything, be respectful and try to provoke thought without seeming holier-than-though. I think this is why the population gets so polarized about issues as a whole. Arrogance and self-righteousness will bring out my stubborn side in a heartbeat. But being respectful... you'll at least get me to think about your argument even if I don't agree in the end.

by jdnichols at 2:44 PM on 02 Feb 2005

ecowality

the earth belongs to all of us;

the wealthy and the poor;

those of us with power

should even out the score.

Else 'ignorance and greed'

our tombstone will read.

a liberal in redsville

by birdboy at 6:59 PM on 02 Feb 2005

environmentalism the premise

Everything you own and use is taken from the earth, what can you do to give something back for the earths benefit?

Or perhaps...As long as we're stuck here on earth lets make it nice for all of us.

by photokinesis at 10:03 PM on 02 Feb 2005

environmental cathedral

When I want to go to Church, I go
out into the ancient forest all by my self
and quietly enter the true cathedral.
Hal J. Ridley, Jr.
hjr2@pnx.com

by ridleyj at 5:50 AM on 03 Feb 2005

RFK, Jr.'s elevator pitch

"[W]e consider safeguarding the water we drink, the air we breathe, the wildlife and wild places we cherish ... as the most important of the moral values."

This is from "Nature: A Real Moral Value"
By Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., AlterNet
Posted on January 11, 2005, Printed on January 11, 2005
http://www.alternet.org/story/20937/

I hope he doesn't mind.

by Kira at 7:05 AM on 03 Feb 2005

elevator pitch -- appeal to the pocketbook

My friend, green is also the color of money. Fatten your wallet by paring down consumption of gasoline, water, electricity. Environmental consciousness is good for your pocketbook and the planet.

by ElaineAnn at 1:58 PM on 03 Feb 2005

Elevator pitch for environmentalism

If you breathe, drink, eat, or love someone who does, you should be environmentalist. We're 60 percent water with filters for lungs. If it's in our environment, it's in us.

Ceal

by ochotona at 3:58 PM on 03 Feb 2005

elevator

Environmentalism means to care about things beyond yourself. Whether it's pristine landscapes, wildlife or simply your children and family. The health of all we love is dependant on the environment.

by Shawn Keeley at 12:37 PM on 04 Feb 2005

Environmentalism is...

Environmentalism is taking some of the focus of off myself and extending it to the rest of the living world.

by elliotte4 at 8:59 AM on 07 Feb 2005

Environmentalism is ....

Environmentalism means that if we don't look at the earth as something larger than ourselves, we are doomed as a civilization, perhaps as a race.

RVA

by raverill at 11:02 PM on 07 Feb 2005

"Environmentalism"

"Environmentalism" recognizes that our actions here on Earth influence, for better or worse, the viability of every species, including our own, so we'd better make the right choices!

Steve Beard

by sbeard at 10:03 AM on 08 Feb 2005

Elevator contest

Environmentalism is deciding to live within natural laws to conserve life. It enables all creatures great and small, the freedom to pursue happiness and prosperity in a healthy, sustainable world.

by treebeard at 10:47 AM on 08 Feb 2005

Environmentalism means:

"Waste not - Want not".

by Lori at 11:12 AM on 08 Feb 2005

Environmentalism

Life and environment are really one entity: change our choices now and the environment will change for the better. Or, continue to change the environment and our lives will change for the worse.

by Lori at 11:26 AM on 08 Feb 2005

Just 29 words

Breathing clean air and swimming in clear streams. Protecting national forests and enjoying local parks. Creating better jobs and planning ahead. Stopping polluters and living more sustainably. That's environmentalism.

Animals are my friends. And I don't eat my friends. -- George Bernard Shaw

by Hudson at 11:46 AM on 08 Feb 2005

Ahhh....

To steal some already superb quotes...

"Don't blow it--good planets are hard to find."

"I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend?" ~Robert Redford, Yosemite National Park dedication, 1985

And why do Europeans come over here to see OUR national parks? Because they cut their's down and developed the rest of their small continent. You don't want to do what the French and Germans do, do you? Disregard for the environment is un-American but conservation is part of our heritage.

Jay Els Educate, Motivate and Bring About Change. www.ran.org

by Japhet at 4:36 PM on 10 Feb 2005

quantum cosmology :-)

Biosolidarity. Planetary Stewardship. Nature and Nurture. Yin and Yang. Turbulence and Tranquility. Progress and Regress. A Death-Defying Balancing Act. The Art of Knowing When Enough is Enough.

by nebulouscloud at 8:10 PM on 10 Feb 2005

environmentalism is about doing something everyday

"Environmentalism is about the little everyday actions we can take to keep our water and air clean (while also saving money!)---actions like taking a reusable bag to the supermarket."

The actions taken can be interchanged with any number of others to create a whole series of elevator pitches, or just choose your favorite and stick with that one. Some examples (phrases to go after the words "actions like"):
buying recycled products, carpooling, installing low-flow showerheads and toilets, keeping vehicles maintained, reducing pesticide use, using cover crops in the winter, etc.

by Carolyn at 8:54 PM on 10 Feb 2005

re: quantum cosmology :-)

Oops. I should have written "Life-Affirming" instead of "Death-Defying". Death is, of course, a part of life, as perhaps life is of death. But "Life-Affirming" is also a more positive way of putting things, at least from my (environmenalist) point of view.

by nebulouscloud at 3:44 AM on 11 Feb 2005
[ Parent ]

re: quantum cosmology :-)

Biosolidarity. Planetary Stewardship. Nature and Nurture. Yin and Yang. Turbulence and Tranquility. Progress and Regress. A Life-Affirming Balancing Act. The Art of Knowing When Enough is Enough.

Lest it go unsaid, a big thanks to Bill M for the book Enough.

(Sorry about the repeat postings here)

by nebulouscloud at 4:48 AM on 11 Feb 2005
[ Parent ]

for our children

To me, the best elevator pitch would be:
"What kind of world do you want your children to live in?"

The Sierra Club often uses the phrase "For Our Families, For Our Future" which I think is pretty effective.

I terms of political power, if we could label anti-environment politicians as being "anti-hunting", "anti-habitat", or "anti-wildlife", maybe we could through some of the bums out. It seems as though anytime enviromentalists join forces with hunters and fishermen the coalition is unbeatable. See "Guns & Greens", by Ted Williams, in the latest Audubon, at

http://magazine.audubon.org/incite/incite0501.html

eddy out, redboat

by redboat at 7:42 AM on 12 Feb 2005

the bigger picture

In our elevator pitch, we really need to capture a larger calling than merely urging the recycling of our plastic bags. How about:

"We want to be as concerned about the cleanliness and future of the area outside, as we are about our cars and homes..."

"We're embarassed that an average American pollutes more than 5 Swedes, 10 Turks, or 25 Pakastanis...and we want to improve that figure"

"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; and small minds discuss people." - Jackson W. Nanje

by clarkmaxfield at 7:12 AM on 13 Feb 2005

30 words

Environmentalism is finding that place in nature that speaks to you and having enough respect and responsibility to preserve it, so hopefully someone else can find mystery in its beauty.

by kjhenderson at 3:00 PM on 14 Feb 2005

how long do we have?

Ask them "how long do you think the planet can support our lifestyle?"

If he says 'forever', forget him, he's an idiot.

If he says 'until God decides otherwise', forget him, he's not responsible.

If he gives a finite time, he's on our side already.

a liberal in redsville

by birdboy at 5:22 PM on 14 Feb 2005

Don't hold your breath....

Do you believe you can live without air and water? Don't hold your breath...

How did they make breathable air, drinkable water, and edible food a political issue, anyhow? It's about life, not politics.

by LauriKayElbing at 1:43 AM on 15 Feb 2005

Don't hold your breath....

Do you believe you can live without air and water? Don't hold your breath...

How did they make breathable air, drinkable water, and edible food a political issue, anyhow?

by LauriKayElbing at 2:07 AM on 15 Feb 2005

Elevator pitches and George Lakoff's frames

Seems like elevator pitches ought to be fine-tuned to the audience that will hear them. Size up your fellow passengers in the lift, and offer the pitch that you suspect might resonate with them.

You know how George Lakoff (Don't Think of an Elephant, Moral Politics) divides up people's world views into "nurturing parent family" and "strict father family"? It seems that most of the preceeding entries (including my own) are written for people who fall into the "nurturing parent" camp. In the interests of broadening the field for the "strict father" world view, here is another entry for that market segment:

The Earth is our house, our pantry, and our backyard. God* left us in charge. If we screw it up, boy are we in trouble.

* or 'the Goddess,' depending on the listener.

by Seth Zuckerman at 5:11 PM on 15 Feb 2005

in the elevator with joe

Hey tough guy: You like to eat? You like to drink? You like to breathe? You like sex? Then, you're an environmentalist, too, `cause the environment brings you those things.

by godot at 1:52 PM on 16 Feb 2005

An elevator pinch

Sorry... Mexican for lunch.
Pretty bad on this side. Mind if I squeeze over?
Clunk.
Dang. Stalled. AC's out, too. Guess we're stuck here awhile. Meantime, whaddya think about environmentalism?

by Geoff Johnson at 10:20 AM on 17 Feb 2005

Environmentalism is...

Environmentalism is (1) seeking to understand how the things we do affect the complex system sustaining life on Earth and (2) when we find problems, having the courage to act.

by jakewan at 1:52 PM on 17 Feb 2005

Don't hold your breath, III

How'd they make our environment a political issue? It's about life, not politics. Do you believe you can live without clean air & water? Don't hold your breath....

by LauriKayElbing at 1:17 PM on 18 Feb 2005

Don't hold your breath, IV

How'd they make our environment a political issue anyway? It's about life, not politics. Do they really believe we can live without clean air & water? Don't hold your breath....

by LauriKayElbing at 2:24 PM on 18 Feb 2005

Designed to withstand time, if...

Environmentalism is a common sense movement that strives to secure a healthy future for generations and generations to come. Earth, air, water, all living things: Designed to withstand time, if...

by LauriKayElbing at 12:44 PM on 19 Feb 2005

Ahhhhh

Environmentalism is a breath of fresh air - a drink of clean water. The problem is that we're running out of both. We need to protect them before it's too late.

by Hallelujah at 10:39 AM on 23 Feb 2005

My pitches

Slowball:
Environmentalism means leading a fulfilling life by using less resources more efficiently, living in intelligently and ethically designed communities, and preserving human and non-human well-being in the long run.

Fastball:
Environmentalism means: Don't poop where you eat.

by loneoak at 2:05 PM on 23 Feb 2005

Mucking Media

Environmentalism is a movement discredited by a recklessly influential media that has yet to realize the story is not just about us versus them.

The media need revolution to survive.

by GrimAce at 1:59 PM on 24 Feb 2005

Environmentalism

Environmentalism is survival techniques to protect us. The earth is getting sick, if we work together we can help it get healthy again. We need the earth for our survival.

by photokinesis at 7:58 PM on 25 Feb 2005

Elevator pitch

There's this planet called Earth. Have you ever been there?
Have a closer look, and forget what the critics say. Trust me, your life depends on it.

Good things, JDT

by Catfish John at 11:59 PM on 25 Feb 2005

30 word pitch

I find that people who are against environmentalism's actions often do so out of selfishness. They do not want to see their standard of living impacted or have to work hard to protect the environment. So I try to bring it back to a level that they can understand. Here's my pitch.

-Environmentalism is about self interest. You will suffer from bad air. You will suffer from unsafe drinking water. It's really about what is best for you.-

by whippb at 8:47 AM on 27 Feb 2005

Elevator Pitch

All things on Mother Earth are connected. Live as if Gaia sings to you always because she does. Listen and you will know how she is Mother to us all.

by JJC at 2:08 PM on 04 Mar 2005

The new direction of environmentalism

Hey buddy, you like sex dontcha? Wanna get rich? Invest in this new energy technology with me, chicks will think you're an environmentalist. You'll get lucky, I guarantee it!

"Sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul." - Ed Abbey

by BlackBear Standing at 6:42 PM on 04 Mar 2005

2 cents in (exactly) 30 words

As the superior species on Earth, we're entrusted with a finite amount of resources. The responsibility falls on our shoulders to make the finite as infinite as possible. That's environmentalism.

by thatgirlinnyc at 1:00 PM on 09 Mar 2005

Elevator Pitch for Environmentalism

We are each an integral part of the world around us. We should all take an active role in making sure our world is the healthiest it can be.

by vjbeach at 1:17 PM on 09 Mar 2005

Elevator pitch for environmentalism

"Environmentalism is about loving the natural worls enough to ask ourselves honestly, 'Just because we CAN do something, does that mean we actually should do it?"

by Alan Parker at 1:21 PM on 09 Mar 2005

Enviromentalism is about remembering the following

We are perhaps the only species inhabiting the earth that when removed, the earth actually benefits and prospers without.

by nrwalker at 1:34 PM on 09 Mar 2005

two offerings

Environmentalism aims to understand how nature and humans interact and to take action to preserve nature so that present and future generations can enjoy a decent life.

Environmentalism looks at how human beings affect nature and how we can protect nature so that it continues to support life on our planet.

by somersetglobal at 2:24 PM on 09 Mar 2005

Elevator Pitch

Excuse me, but have you ever given serious thought to what we humans will do when we start running out of the natural resources we need to sustain our lives?

by kevinak at 2:41 PM on 09 Mar 2005

elevator pitch

We need plants and animals to keep the air and water clean. Salmon distribute the oceans nutrients to the forest, the forest cleans and stores the water, and produces oxygen.

by argalite at 2:47 PM on 09 Mar 2005

You might be an environmentalist...

Do you...Prefer your tuna mercury-free? Like community, not commuting? Tell your children "just say no" to asthma? Support job growth in burgeoning industries? Yes? You might be an environmentalist.

by dave2 at 3:11 PM on 09 Mar 2005

Environmentalism is ...

knowing that elevators consume up to 15 % of the energy consumed by a building and that is why I am getting off at the next floor and taking the stairs.

by jsteinberger at 3:16 PM on 09 Mar 2005

ELEVATOR PITCH

In a world where the dominant value system is nothing more than fiscal, environmentalism represents the pursuit of less shallow principals and ideals that embrace honesty, morality and integrity.

"We have met the enemy, and he is us."

by billpaine at 3:23 PM on 09 Mar 2005

elevator comment

Environmentalism is about the survival of the planet and hence,the human race, moron.

by irwin at 3:36 PM on 09 Mar 2005

Elevator Pitch for Environmentalism

Environmentalism is realizing that we are part of a global system. Every living thing is connected to every other living thing. When we harm other living things we harm ourselves.

by contrarian at 4:09 PM on 09 Mar 2005

Environmentalism is...

about life extension. It's cheaper than cryonics and you don't have to die first.

Policy as if outcomes mattered http://SocialGoals.com

by ronniehoresh at 4:17 PM on 09 Mar 2005

Environmentalism

Environmentalism improves the chances that your children and their children will have healthy lungs, toxin-free food and the thrill of seeing an eagle or dolphin living wild and free.

by naturemom43 at 6:43 PM on 09 Mar 2005

comment on your statement

This is beautiful.

by naturemom43 at 6:51 PM on 09 Mar 2005
[ Parent ]

Environmentalism is...

A market opportunity, an opportunity to make your products and services stand out from all the others. Plus... it's sexy to show that you can take care of others.

"You may never know what results come from your action, but if you do nothing, there will be nothing." --Gandhi

by clembert at 9:07 PM on 09 Mar 2005

Elevator Pitch

B krap lieing on yor dethbed wit yor GRANDCHILDREN rubishin yew 4 crapin on theyr werld!

by a1celt at 10:28 PM on 09 Mar 2005

My feeble incoherent attempt

To forget that we are alive thanks to the rest of nature is not in our best interest and leads to bad decisions. We must instead learn from the rest of life on earth to create a human society that will outlast our children's childrens, because the alternative - our current system - which is based on growth just can't go on for long for the simple fact that our planet isn't growing.

--
SUVs are squared-out minivans.

by MikeCapone at 12:13 AM on 10 Mar 2005

Love in an Elevator:

Livin' it up while its goin......down (sorry to rip ya Steve)

Environmentalism is giving a voice to every person, place, and thing. Then, knowing the consequences of our actions and making the best choice for all.