Can a small group of environmental activists sailing in an old fishing boat make a difference? You bet they can! These were the humble beginnings of Greenpeace International – now known as worldwide defenders of our planet.
Back in 1971, these sailors embarked on their voyage from Vancouver, Canada … their planned destination was Amchitka – a small island just west of Alaska. They wanted to protest the USA’s underground nuclear testing of the time, which endangered many species of wildlife which called Amchitka home. While the activists were unsuccessful in reaching Amchitka, the trip did raise enough public interest and attention for the group to carry on and grow.
The idea for Greenpeace International has since blossomed. The organization now operates 28 national and regional offices around the world where teams of activists and committed volunteers function together. Their mandate? They peacefully protest against those who contribute to climate change and protect our planet’s dwindling natural resources.
It’s interesting to note that some of the world’s largest companies have been influenced by Greenpeace International. Through their efforts, these businesses have been made aware of the environmental dangers and radically changed their approaches to manufacturing, storing or delivering their products or services. The list is far too long to include here in its entirety; however, here are just a few examples.
McDonalds added new restaurants in Denmark on February 7th, 2003. These restaurants differed dramatically from previous outlets in the massive chain as refrigeration systems did not use any climate-killing chemicals. Xerox consented to stop its dealings with Finnish loggers, StoraEnso. This company was chopping down ancient forests throughout Europe and selling timber pulp to Xerox (which, of course, was used to make photocopying paper). This agreement was made on March 22nd, 2005. Most recently, Kimberley-Clark has agreed to look to other means to produce their paper products. Notably, instead of relying on lumber from the Boreal Forest, Kimberley-Clark will now pursue the opportunities associated with using more recycled fibre.
As you can see, a small idea can be just the beginning. The Greenpeace International team is not just tree-huggers – they are vital activists in the fight against climate change
