I never used the term "treehugger" for a label myself. If you look at my original comment, I was interested in the fact that Heidi's daughter didn't like the label even though she was clearly concerned about the environment.

I then went on to try and explain that labels tend to divide people.

The whole point I was getting at is that separation is not what we need for global issues like climate change.

Count me in as one more in your community that is plugged in. BRAVO to that young ladies spirit, something tells me she got it from her mother.

Your story was really encouraging. It's good to know there are kids so young paying such close attention to Mother Earth. Granted, your daughter sounds very bright, but I think overall we underestimate the brilliance of kids to grasp such grand concepts.

And, though I'm not a Christian, I think it's so fitting that your child "shall lead" you into Green awareness. She does sound like a very smart and caring person. She's lucky to have parents who now encourage her to develop those interests. Many parents would never make the transition you did; they'd simply hope the kid grew out of that phase!

As for Adam and the whole "Treehugger" argument…aren't you guilty of the very thing you accuse the environmentalists of doing: Saying that labels are wrong but then generalizing (labeling) the majority of environmentalists as "treehugggers"? I know Adam personally, so I understand what he was ultimately getting at, but I think you're treading some dangerous waters, pal!

Anyway, great read.

–Ranjit

From a non-environmentalists standpoint, the name "treehugger" is used negatively sometimes. (Not by myself mind you, I am just passing along observations) I believe they use it because the act of hugging can be viewed as "soft."

My point was that environmentalists that accept the treehugger title are not what I would consider "soft." As I wrote the post quickly, it came out less definitive than I may have liked. Sorry for the confusion on that.

But you see how a label creates separation. Just as I used the term, you looked at it as an insult. Which it was not meant to be.

Absolutely "environmentalist" is a label. And a lot of people are turned off by the term. I don't know if there is a way around that. It will probably continue to take education.

So Adam, if I accept the label of treehugger and even identify with it, you perceive me as a 'wuss?'

I'm not sure what to make of your statement, "When in fact many environmentalists are not." Are you implying that most ARE? Maybe you'd care to elaborate on that.

Finally, isn't "environmentalist" a label in its own right?

I agree, labels create separation.

I am curious if she is aware of where her passion came from?

I also found her distaste for the label "treehugger" fascinating. I think that for a lot of people, labels turn them away from environmental issues. "Treehugger" makes someone sound like a wuss. When in fact many environmentalists are not.

The other problem with labels is that it creates separation.

Good stuff. Very insightful.