Definition:
Noun: An environmentally friendly individual.
Usage:
"My neighbor is a tree hugger and she was mad because I don't recycle."
Explanation:
The word/phrase came into existance primarily around the Boulder, Colorado, area where there is a high concentration of earth-loving people. The word/phrase came about as a description for environmentally conscious people because some fanatical ones have been known to tie themselves to trees or live in trees to prevent them from being cut down, thus 'hugging' the tree, loving the tree and wanting to save it. The word has spread somewhat due to use in various media.
