tree-hugger

Noun

tree hugger (plural tree huggers)

1. (derogatory, slang) An environmental campaigner, especially one who aims to restrict logging and especially one who uses dramatic, attention-grabbing methods of obstruction.
   • Animal liberationists like Rosmarino resented the tree huggers' insensitivity to animals and reluctance to risk jail time, while more mainstream environmentalists like AFR's Jeff Berman disagreed with the bunny huggers' wacky morality and in-your-face tactics. The two groups' differences were in...1999, Mother Jones Magazine (Mar–Apr 1999, page 64)

   Synonyms:

   eagle freak, greeniac, lentil-weaver, posy sniffer, prairie fairy, yoghurt-knitter

2. (slang) A hippie.
   • The idea of naturopathic doctors had always formed an image in my mind of old, bearded, tree-huggers who boiled roots and made poultices out of gross things to treat weird people who believed in that "natural" stuff.2005, Erin Bell, Miss Diagnosed: Unraveling Chronic Stress