In examining changes in the U.S. environmental movement since it emerged 20 years ago, I conclude that the movement has now split into three camps: a radical segment, a mainstream segment, and a segment anxious to seek accommodations with industry. These camps are distinguished by their goals, their attitudes toward government and industry, and the means they use. Other changes have also become clear: weakness in mobilizing for issues other than nature protection, a decline in campaigning capabilities, a lack of articulated vision, and difficulty in getting environmental statutes implemented. Growth in membership and range of activities, as well as public support, have masked these problems. Mainstream groups are confronted with criticism that they can no longer produce real improvements in environmental quality through governmental action. A way to ease the tensions between the camps is suggested, that is, by having the mainstream groups borrow suggestions from the other two camps and focus energies on green consumerism as a way to shift emphasis to a more productive arena, that of directly influencing corporate behavior.
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