1900s
The 1900s was one of the most influential times for awareness in America. The beginning of the century held a demand for fuel to feed the nation's growing consumerism craze and the machines that allowed it to happen. In this period, many people almost worshiped factories but were very blind to the pollution that poisoned the air and water. In addition, due to the growing urban populations, there was an increased demand for food. This pushed farmers to use a multitude of pesticides to increase crop yield without consideration for the effects on water and animals. After the Great Depression, certain groups of people started to take notice of the deterioration of resources. The later half of the 1900's was consumed with a fierce struggle against heedless destruction.