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It started about 40 years ago (http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/12/10/history.environmental.movement/index.html)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/LA_Smog.jpgPeter Dykstra - CNN - Dec 10, 2008

Another resource (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_policy_of_the_United_States#Origins_of_the_Environmental_Movement) -- Ed.

It was one of the most surreal images in American history: A river, so fouled with industrial waste that it caught fire and burned. In June 1969, Cleveland's Cuyahoga River become the poster child for the birth of the modern American environmental movement.

No matter that this was at least the tenth time the Cuyahoga had ignited. The times, they were a-changing, and a burning river confirmed what many already believed: The environment was changing, too.

Rachel Carson's book, "Silent Spring," published seven years earlier, had lit the spark. The mild-mannered government scientist documented how the pesticide DDT was jeopardizing countless bird species, from tiny hummingbirds to the national symbol, the bald eagle… http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/12/10/history.environmental.movement/index.html

it kinda seems that environmental booms coincide with economic downturns. anyone?

From what I've seen and heard in my lifetime, it seems that the silver lining of economic downturns is that a lot of "good things" come out of them.

On a personal level, I get the impression that more people focus on weight loss and other health issues. College (especially community college) enrollment goes WAY up. I remember a big boom in awareness of environmental issues, as well as increased attention to what was then called the "voluntary simplicity" movement, during the 1991-1992 slowdown, and mini-booms along those lines during the 2001-2003 slump.

Some of these changes, such as going back to school or living lower on the hog, are driven by personal necessity. In many cases saving money may well be one of the motivating factors for dieting. But I think that times like this, when money is not as available, often prompt people to take a closer look at what's important to them beyond money and the things it can buy.

I tend to see more attention being paid (especially at the national/international level) to environment during times when the economy is down. When the economy is running smoothly, governments can divert their attention toward other things. On the personal, I feel that people tend to be a little easier on the environment out of necessity (financial limitations), not by choice.

I couldn't read past the line mentioning "Rachel Carson's book, Silent Spring". I'm breaking my response out into another thread (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18010) to avoid hijacking this one.

At the end of the article, there was mention of the President-elect. I have read that the Obama campaign resulted in emitting nearly 78,000 tons of CO2.

At the end of the article, there was mention of the President-elect. I have read that the Obama campaign resulted in emitting nearly 78,000 tons of CO2.

He was "public policy hypermiling" not unlike Wayne & Co during their 48 state journey. ;)