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# Will the real environmentalist please stand up?
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/will-the-real-environmentalist-please-stand-up/
- Published: 2007-08-04T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T02:31:26.000Z
- Author: Melody Hanatani
- Tags: Environment, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*NOTHING ECO-CHIC ABOUT SANTA MONICA’S ENTHUSIASM*

The old school environmentalists call for human beings to sacrifice for nature, to leave nature alone, while the so-called “light green” advocates say there is a middle ground and nature can be preserved without too much of a hindrance on everyday human life, Lockitch said.

Lockitch’s position is that human beings survive by reshaping nature, that it’s inherent in human nature to build homes for shelter, to grow and raise food.

“The fundamental principle of environmentalism is that nature is intrinsically valuable and should be left alone,” he said. “I see it as a polarized issue.”

His arguments were laid out in an op-ed piece released by the Ayn Rand Institute ear-lier this week. The non-profit organization aims to promote the principles laid forth by its namesake — principles of reason and rational self-interest.

Daniel Hinerfeld, associate director of communications for the Natural Resources Defense Council in Santa Monica, disagrees with the assumption that environmentalists are in it for nature’s sake.

“The environment is the infrastructure of our lives, it’s the basis of our economy, it’s vital for emotional and spiritual existence,” Hinerfeld said.

The popularity of environmentalism has peaked and plummeted over the years. Just three years ago, a popular essay proclaimed that Americans just didn’t care anymore about ecological issues, Hinerfeld said.

Because of the popular documentary “An Inconvenient Truth” and concerns of global warming following Hurricane Katrina, people have become more environmentally conscious as of late years, Hinerfeld said.

While many enjoy making a statement about being green, Hinerfeld said he sees no problem with it as long as the choices they make are really meant to reduce their carbon footprint.

“We’re only human,” Hinerfeld said on Friday. “We like to be acknowledged for our good actions, our good deeds and there is nothing wrong with that.”

City Hall has been leading the way with sustainability even before the current resurgence in the popularity of environmentalism, said City Councilman Bob Holbrook.

Santa Monica boasts more environmentally certified buildings per capita than anywhere in the world, Holbrook said. It’s a city where more than 80 percent of its vehicular fleet runs on alternative fuels.

“Whether or not people’s interest in being green is something else, the city is going to remain green,” he said.“As far as the city is concerned, we’re in it forever.”

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 4, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/080407.pdf?ref=smdp.com)