Final answer:
Prior to 1970, people were not as conscious about recycling and conserving resources, partly due to the rise of consumerism post-World War II. As environmental issues became more apparent, particularly with the deforestation of rainforests and recognition of dwindling nonrenewable resources, there was a shift towards the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most people did not recycle or conserve resources before 1970 because they were not as aware of the environmental impact of their actions as they are today. During World War II, America adopted a mindset of conservation due to the war effort, advocating the slogan 'Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make It Do, or Do Without.' However, after the war, the rise of consumerism led to a culture of abundance and disposability, particularly in urban environments where the latest technology and fashion were prized, and waste became a new issue.
In the 1980s, awareness about environmental issues began to grow with movements such as Save the Rainforest. This, along with the realization of the potential exhaustion of nonrenewable resources as the population continues to grow, ignited the need to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Now, many people advocate for these practices to conserve resources and minimize the environmental impact, as well as pushing for legislation and corporate responsibility in favour of sustainable ecological practices.