Homesteaders Can Save the World

First of all, for this title to make any sense I need to elaborate what may possibly destroy the world. Which, in my opinion, is conspicuous consumption. Basically, the thinking goes- if every inhabitant on earth (peasant, nomad, refugee, what have you) aspired to live like any American (multiple cars, 17 outfits from Wal-Mart, super sized hamburgers) there wouldn't be any earth left.
I don't care what your politics, or environmental feelings are, just do the math. We just can't and don't have the room to grow trees, mix concrete, pave roads, build houses, etc.....for every citizen on earth to live "comfortably". People need to step up and stop consuming like mad. I know some folks think that kind of thinking is socialist zeal, but what language you speak or where you live doesn't make you less human (or does it?)
Many of my neighbors here in Alaska are true "homesteaders". Their sole occupation is repairing their homes, raising animals, growing veggies, collecting junk to use later and fixing the car.
To many suburbanites, their lifestyle seems preposterous. Yards full of containers, car parts, fencing, etc. all collected for free and to use at a later time.
I'll admit, to a city girl, their properties are quite the eyesore. I've often wanted to scurry over and start sorting their stuff. Yet, when I look past my prejudices, I see true environmental stewards.
Homesteaders are frugal and live through recycling. They don't ever buy 16 pairs of shoes, don't build giant McMansions or jet around the world. The term "carbon footprint" isn't even in their vocabulary, nor should it be, because it is so minimal.
So who is the true environmentalist? Someone like John Edwards talking about carbon emissions and living in a 29,000 square foot house? Or the unknown fellow tinkering in his poultry yard ?