I have always been aware of the destruction that we humans cause this planet, however I have just recently started doing something about it. I made a compost [0] heap, started using my recycling bins and switched my lightbulbs to more energy effecient versions.

 For some reason though I have been receiving a lot of criticism. My friends and co-workers have started refrerring to me as a hippie and tree-hugger.

My dilemma is why people, including myself, use these terms negatively- where does that come from? I assume that people feel the need to react negatively to me because they may feel guilty about their own not-so-friendly enviornmental ways, but why do we need a label?

 Any ideas?