Keeping America Beautiful

March 30, 2020

classic image of planet earth from space

NOLS Instructor Molly Absolon reflects on the evolution of environmentalism in the U.S., calling for a renewal of the energy and commitment of the 1970s, the era when NOLS began developing the minimum impact camping techniques that evolved into Leave No Trace ethics.

“The first Earth Day, which was an environmental teach-in, took place on April 22, 1970. Organizations like the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) were beginning to develop minimum-impact camping practices that eventually evolved into the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, a nationwide organization devoted to protecting our wild lands from unnecessary degradation.

It was a time when the desire to protect our planet from the damage wrought upon it by human beings was at the forefront. At least among America’s educated elite, the idealized belief that humans could lessen their impact, reduce pollution and protect the planet was an accepted and important value.”

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Written By

Brooke Ortel

Brooke is a runner and writer who enjoys finding adventure in the everyday. True to her island roots, she loves sunshine, that salty ocean smell, and the sound of waves against the shore.