In the excerpt from A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold, Aldo talks about the possible future environment if we do not develop a “land ethic.” I agree that certain things have been done that have negatively affected the land we live on, but disagree with some of his points. He spoke briefly on living in harmony with the land and not living off of the land. I believe that plants and animals were put on the planet to be used by us to live comfortable lives. I am not saying that we do not have a responsibility to conserve the “biota” but I don’t think we should have to tippy toe around to avoid stepping on small insects or weeds coming up through the sidewalks.
Why should a farmer who makes a living for his family by raising crops and cattle perform “unprofitable acts for the good for the community”? If he is put forth his time, effort, and resources he absolutely should be compensated. Nobody asks restaurant owner to open up his business, his means of survival, to provide for the community without compensation. There is a difference between arguing for more sustainable practices and complaining because a land owner is doing what is most profitable for him. Incentives are what drive the economies of the world today. If you want something done about over farming, erosion, pollution, or any other type of environmental issue, then make it worthwhile for people to change their current habits and live more sustainably.
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