One enduring myth is that of the "noble savage." This myth originated by Rousseau has been promoted by modern ecosocialists using their usual "lying to get the truth out" approach. Here is an article about the alleged environmental stewardship of American Indians:

http://www.townhall.com/columnists/MichaelMedved/2008/06/18/first_americans,_first_ecologists?page=full&comments=true