In environmental ethics, which of the following statements best reflects the so called frontier ethic attitude toward natural resources and consumption?

Introduction / Context:
Environmental ethics deals with how humans should relate to nature and use natural resources. Different ethical views exist, ranging from highly conservation oriented attitudes to exploitative ones. The frontier ethic is a historical viewpoint that sees nature mainly as a resource to be used and conquered, assuming vast abundance and little need for restraint. Identifying statements that match this attitude helps students understand contrasting environmental philosophies.

Given Data / Assumptions:
The question asks which statement fits the frontier ethic.
Options include ideas about recycling, helping others, winning by acquiring more possessions, and walking lightly on Earth.
We assume basic knowledge that frontier ethic is anthropocentric and consumption oriented.
The task is to match the attitude of unlimited exploitation with the appropriate statement.

Concept / Approach:
The frontier ethic originated in times when human populations were lower and natural resources were perceived as almost endless, especially in frontier regions where people were exploring and settling new lands. This ethic assumes that humans are separate from nature and have the right to exploit it aggressively for growth, wealth, and comfort. It often values material accumulation and short term gains over long term sustainability. A statement that celebrates acquiring more possessions as a measure of success reflects this ethic well. In contrast, recycling, helping those in need, and minimizing impact are associated with more sustainable or altruistic ethics rather than the frontier ethic.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the frontier ethic emphasizes exploitation of nature and material accumulation. Step 2: Examine each option to see which one values consumption and possessions over conservation. Step 3: Note that the statement about having more toys and winning expresses a competitive, materialistic mindset. Step 4: Recognize that the other options promote conservation, help, or minimal impact, which do not fit the frontier ethic. Step 5: Choose the statement about having more toys and unlimited consumption as the best fit.

Verification / Alternative check:
Descriptions of frontier ethic in environmental science texts often mention viewing nature as an unlimited storehouse of resources and seeing human progress as measured by economic growth and consumption. Phrases like conquering nature or having more possessions as success are commonly associated with this outlook. A statement that explicitly praises having more toys as winning aligns with that interpretation. On the other hand, recycling and walking lightly on Earth reflect modern sustainable ethics, confirming that they do not represent the frontier ethic.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Recycling plastic to conserve natural resources reflects a conservation oriented ethic that seeks to reduce waste, not an exploitative frontier mindset.
Helping those in need and sharing resources fairly expresses social justice and altruistic values, not the individualistic consumption focus of the frontier ethic.
Walking lightly on Earth and minimizing impact is a core idea of deep ecology and sustainability, which is almost opposite to the frontier ethic.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students may not be familiar with the term frontier ethic and might choose options that sound positive or familiar, such as recycling or helping others. It is important to remember that many exam questions on ethics ask for recognition of negative or problematic attitudes too. When you see a phrase glorifying accumulation of possessions without regard for impacts, that is a clue that it matches frontier ethic rather than modern environmental responsibility.

Final Answer:
The statement that fits the frontier ethic is He who has more toys wins and unlimited consumption is acceptable.