The word “environmentalism” tends to conjure up certain images—solar panels, wind turbines, thrifting your way to sustainable living, maybe even a headline or two about the latest push for net-zero emissions. But there’s a lesser-heard approach that flips the script: environmentalism through action, not abandonment. It’s a philosophy shared by Joel Salatin, the renegade farmer famous for his innovative, hands-on approach to regenerative agriculture. And it’s one worth talking about.
At its core, environmentalism through action rejects the idea that humanity must withdraw from nature to save it. Instead, it challenges us to engage—to dig in (literally), steward the land, and make choices that heal rather than harm. The concept is rooted in the belief that humans aren’t a blight on the Earth. Instead, we can be active participants in its restoration, working hand in hand with the systems that sustain life.
Consider farming, for instance. Industrial practices have long dominated the narrative, shaping public perceptions of agriculture as inherently damaging. But Salatin’s method of regenerative farming offers a different vision: one where farming doesn’t just feed people but also rebuilds soil, restores water cycles, and increases biodiversity. It’s the opposite of abandoning nature—it’s cultivating it with care and intention. It’s stacking functions, putting animals to work in ways that benefit the land, and integrating nature’s wisdom into every decision.
Abandonment, on the other hand, often creates its own set of problems. Land left untouched can quickly become overgrown, choking out native species and creating fire hazards. Grasslands, once grazed by roaming herds, lose their vitality without managed grazing to mimic nature’s processes. Even forests, hailed as untouched paradises, require careful stewardship to avoid disease outbreaks and ecological imbalances.
Environmentalism through action pushes us to rethink our role—not as passive observers but as active participants. It asks us to embrace responsibility rather than retreat from it. That might look like managing rotational grazing to nourish soil, planting diverse crops to combat monoculture, or composting kitchen scraps to feed future harvests. It’s about engaging with nature in ways that create abundance, not depletion.
But this philosophy isn’t just for farmers—it’s for everyone. It’s choosing to garden rather than pave over your yard. It’s learning where your food comes from and supporting businesses that prioritize sustainable practices. It’s reimagining your relationship with the world around you, not as something to escape from but as something to care for and improve.
Joel Salatin’s approach reminds us of one simple, powerful truth: the environment doesn’t need abandonment to thrive. It needs intentional action, thoughtful stewardship, and a willingness to step in rather than step away. And if we all took that mindset into our daily lives, imagine what kind of world we could grow.
How do you engage with the environment? Do you lean into action or prefer a hands-off approach? Let’s pull up a chair and talk about how we can redefine environmentalism—together.
