A tree hugger is an individual dedicated to saving the environment, and who believes in the importance of preserving trees and natural resources in the community. The term “tree huggers” especially originated in the 1960s, when protests were prevalent, and many individuals would handcuff or rope themselves around trees near demolition events, in order to prevent the trees from being cut down. If the person was attached to the tree, the bulldozer wouldn’t be able to demolish the tree with such little thought. Tree huggers hope to save resources in order to preserve the earth for generations and years to come.

Many people believe in supporting the environment and creating sustainability, but tree huggers generally take their practices a few steps further. Many modern tree huggers take action for the environment by recycling and reusing items. These attitudes have carried over to mainstream culture through the widespread popularity of reusable bags at many major retailers, as well as discounts at grocery stores for people who bring back their paper sacks for reuse. Tree huggers hope to create large changes through small actions, and believe that if everyone in the world bands together, they can truly make a difference that lasts.