Containing little of the science of ecology, deep ecology is a philosophy that gives equal value to human and non-human life. Deep ecologist believe that humans should use natural resources to satisfy only vital needs.
A philosophy that calls for a profound shift in our attitudes and behavior based on voluntary simplicity; rejection of anthropocentric attitudes; intimate contact with nature; decentralization of power; support for cultural and biological diversity; a belief in the sacredness of nature; and direct personal action to protect nature, improve the environment, and bring about fundamental societal change.
The belief that animals and wild areas have value in themselves, and that human value cannot be separated from this, that we are all connected, part of the same web of life. Deep ecologists separate themselves from conventional, or "shallow," ecology, with its instrumental ideology that aims to conserve nature for long-term human use.
Deep ecology is a recent branch of ecological philosophy (ecosophy) that considers humankind as an integral part of its environment. It places more value on other species, ecosystems and processes in nature than is allowed by established environmental and green movements, and therefore leads to a new system of environmental ethics. Deep ecology describes itself as "deep" because it is concerned with fundamental philosophical questions about the role of human life as one part of the ecosphere, rather than with a narrow view of ecology as a branch of biological science, and aims to avoid merely utilitarian environmentalism.
Deep Ecology is a company started by Kenneth O'Keefe to pursue his passion to protect the ocean realm. Aside from turtle rescues, Deep Ecology conducted one spotted eagle ray rescue and 13 'ghost net' (abandoned or lost fishing nets) recoveries, including two at 200 ft deep. Deep Ecology also conducted dozens of beach clean-ups and collected thousands of pounds of nets to construct a massive ghost net sculpture at the back of the store.