This work investigates the foundational definitions and practical implications of environmental consciousness and ecological responsibility in a modern industrial society. The author, Fred S. Kleiner, utilizes a framework of environmental ethics and historical context to examine how individual and collective actions shape the health of the planet. By analyzing the intersection of consumer behavior and environmental policy, the text argues for a more rigorous understanding of what it means to live sustainably in the late twentieth century.

The subject matter points to a foundational, introductory text that seeks to define the parameters of environmentalism for a general audience. The framing suggests a focus on ethical inquiry and practical application, positioning the work as a resource for those navigating the early discourse on sustainability.