Stefanie Smallhouse

AZ I See It

My husband Andy was taken aback not long ago when a customer opened up a friendly discussion with, “You should know, I’m an environmentalist.”

It's an assertion Andy had heard many times. Later that day, standing in our kitchen, Andy repeated the statement to me and said, “What does that even mean?” We both wondered.

It rolls off the tongue so easily. This proclamation, I can only guess, is made to garner respect as an expert on the environment, earn kudos for a certain environmental “consciousness” or perhaps just fire a warning shot to preempt differing opinions.

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When Andy introduces himself as “a rancher,” it’s because he wakes up every morning and goes about doing all of the work essential to care for our cattle and provide food to others. This requires quite a bit of attention to the environment — decisions that involve vegetation, soil and water management. Five generations of ranchers in this family managing the same resources do not happen without proper consideration of our environment.

When the farmers I know introduce themselves as farmers, it’s because their life is about the work of growing food and fiber. Balancing the needs of the crop with that of the soil. Consideration of water use and chemical applications.

Yes, loggers are environmentalists, too

Certainly, these farms and ranches serve as an outdoor classroom where the growers are students of the environment with years of experience. The lessons learned will ensure for future generations enough food and fiber to be grown on less land with fewer resources.

When plant geneticists introduce themselves as scientists, it’s because they spend their days investigating new biotechnologies to develop drought-tolerant seed varieties, genetically modified corn and cotton grown with the use of fewer pesticides, and plants that provide greater nutrients in Third World countries. Certainly, this work is actively addressing environmental concerns.

EDITORIAL: These environmentalists don't see the forest for the trees

When loggers introduce themselves as loggers, it’s because they go about the work of cutting trees in areas managed for thinning. This thinning takes the place of what fires once managed for our environment. Urban interface and air quality standards inhibit the use of fire today, leading to catastrophic fires that devastate forest ecosystems.

These folks engage on a daily basis in a working relationship with our environment. It would be self-defeating to make decisions contrary to a sustainable environment, and unlikely given their actual consciousness for the resources they manage and the problems they must solve.

How many folks who lay claim to the title of “environmentalist” actually go to work every day with the environment as their partner? Does writing a check to a non-profit or recycling make one an environmentalist? If I donate to the arts, does that make me an artist able to create or read music?

I think Andy should start introducing himself as an environmentalist. After all, that is his life’s work.

Stefanie Smallhouse is a rancher in southern Arizona and serves as Arizona Farm Bureau’s first vice president. Share your thoughts at carlink@mtecom.net.