Perhaps you've heard of the term "ecology." And you've probably also heard the term "feminism" too. But have you ever seen these terms fused together to become "ecofeminism"? Though the term may sound brand new, it's actually been around since the 1970s. The idea rose during the rise of the feminist and environmental movements when women from either of these movements came together and realized their causes went hand in hand. In the simplest terms, ecofeminism is based on the theory that the oppression of women and the oppression of nature are fundamentally linked. Another way to look at ecofeminism is that it suggests that discrimination and oppression based on gender, race and class are directly linked to the exploitation and destruction of the environment.

So why should we care about ecofeminism? Well for one thing, it presents a new way of thinking that connects our environment with the subordination and marginalization of people (focusing on women). This is especially important (and this is coming from the sustainability minor in me) because we need to think more frequently with an environmental lens. A key component of ecofeminism is that social and environmental issues are not separate, meaning that the marginalization of women and environmental issues both root from the same place. It's a way of thinking that will open new doors for both environmental and social issues.

The actual term "ecofeminism" is believed by many ecofeminists to be first coined by French writer Francoise d'Eaubonne in her book Le Feminisme ou la Mort (1974). The term caught on soon after as it heavily appealed to other anti-nuclear, lesbian-feminist and environmental activists during the 1970s to 1990s. The two most important conceptual themes of ecofeminism are the recognition of the link between dominance and oppression and women and the vitality of human and nature interconnectedness. Ecofeminists, like environmentalists, understand that human beings are not separate nor above nature. They believe we are part of a whole rather than the focal point.

So where does ecofeminism stand today? While the strongest part of ecofeminist influence still remains in the latter part of the 20th century, it continues to influence other feminists and women's rights and environmental activists today. Currently, ecofeminism exists most prominently in academia and more theoretical settings and has only had budding effects in the 21st century. But who's to say its growth and power will not sky rocket in the near future? There have been significant contributions to ecofeminism from fellow thinkers and writers who are spreading the word to the next generation. The most prominent modern ecofeminist influences include Gloria Orestein, an author and professor of topics relating to ecofeminism, and Vandana Shiva, a well known ecofeminist, philosopher, author and environmental activist (basically an all around female bad ass).

To conclude this introduction to ecofeminism, I just want to say that by no means am I trying to convince you to become an ecofeminist. And I'm not necessarily saying I myself am an ecofeminist. I simply find the idea of ecofeminism to be both interesting and extremely relevant to today's issues. But what I know for sure is that I do believe in equal rights between men and women (socially, economically, etc) and I do believe in protecting nature and being more environmentally conscious. Some people may think that gender equality issues are of less importance than environmental issues but we will face the consequences of our actions much sooner than you think if we do not give more attention to environmental issues. So whether you are currently a feminist, environmentalist, an ecofeminist or are new to all these terms, give the ecofeminist viewpoint a chance. You may have your personal beliefs matching up with theirs more than you thought!