Lifestyle, Rural

Rural lifestyles may be characterized by the term simplicity: just as the level of interaction and impact on the environment is limited, it manifests a high degree of variability. [Page 271]Notwithstanding the varying definitions of rural life, a relatively low population, occupations dependent on working the land, lower-than-average per capita income, and a general inadequacy or outright lack of basic facilities and services are some of the distinguishing features of rural lifestyles. These features are also important determinants of the level and pattern of consumption of environmental resources, as well as fundamental environmental conservation and preservation factors.