If you use the term "footprint" conversationally, are you an environmentalist?

[burritos]

So I was speaking with my neighbor at the local ice cream parlor. I casually brought up the subject on when the planned local park for our neighborhood might be eventually built. Personally I don't really care too much since there are already 2 within 1/2 mile from me. She noted that she didn't care one way or another. She did note that if it weren't built, it would leave less of a human "footprint".

Though I agree with her, I didn't verbalize that fact. However, from her last statement though, is it unfair of me to automatically assume that this person is an environmentalist, at least through principal?

[tnthub]

It depends entirely on the context for me. Many of my discussions concerning "footprint" involve racing tires under hard acceleration...

[TonyPSchaefer]

I don't think the person has to be an environmentalist to bring up the very valid point.
Please note that I'm drawing the incorrect assumption that all environmentalists are Birkenstock-wearing, tree-planting, commune-living, long-haired, vegan folk singers. Only a few of us actually fit that stereotype.
Rather, I'm just saying that for her to bring up the human footprint point indicates that she is enlightened about the impact humans are having on the micro- and macroenvironment. I would seem to think that she is educated enough to know that hardscape surfaces and manipulated terrain tend to reduce ground absorption of rainwater forcing it to run into sewer and storm systems sometimes resulting in overflows, back-ups and increased quantities for municipal water treatment systems.

One doesn't have to be an environmentalist in the strictest sense to appreciate that water runoff can contain a myriad of chemicals, most of which you would never eat or drink directly but gladly seek into wells and groundwater.

[Jack66]

The military uses the term quite a bit. While many in the military are concerned about the environment I wouldn't categorize them as environmentalists.

[burritos]

My definition of an environmentalist is someone who is knowledgeable about environmental issues and also takes steps(no matter how small) to help it. The hippie image is optional but not necessary.

Maybe I should have asked, "If someone uses the term 'footprint' conversationally, what's the likelihood this person recycles?" I'd say better than 99%.

[tnthub]

In my opinion, "footprint" in terms of human footprint is simply a marketing term that has been well publicized to raise general awareness. The term is outgrowing it's subject and becoming part of everyday vocabulary. Evidently people today are not capable of understanding the term "impact" so "footprint" will, in a narrow way, replace the term for awhile at least.

[M. Oiseau]

Not if you're a tracker.

[M. Oiseau]

Or a scout.

[hyo silver]

...or a hiker, watching for bear.

Yeah, the shoe fits, but it doesn't have to.
I think you can use any term/word/label you want without having to be what you're describing.

[zeeman]

Originally Posted by Jack66

The military uses the term quite a bit. While many in the military are concerned about the environment I wouldn't categorize them as environmentalists.

ROTFL!

you mean, those people who blow up things and people, who poison the air, water, ground and destroy the DNA of newborn with DU ammunitions do care about environment?!

wow, you learn something everyday....