Leisure and Recreation

The leisure industry, with its steady proliferation of goods and services, constitutes a major force in society that influences economies, cultures, social identities, and nature itself in cities and regions throughout the world. As the ecological footprint of the constantly expanding leisure industry has grown, so too have concerns about environmental sustainability, global climate change, and green, ecofriendly business strategies.

Beginning in the early 20th century, three interrelated developments transformed the way people engaged in leisure and recreation in the United States: organized pasttimes and activities replaced spontaneous and informal forms of leisure; recreation activities became increasingly commercialized and commodified; and leisure and recreation shifted from the public to the private sphere. Entering the second decade of the 21st century, these tendencies have intensified and become ...