Promoting positive solutions, not peddling pessimism

After a brief break, our high value fundraiser Louise is kicking off another round in our blog relay, a whistle-stop tour of Greenpeace staff here in the UK. Click here to catch up on the other entries.

Like my colleague Andrew, I'm rather smug too - I love my job. I'm employed to make sure the people who fund our existence know how we spend their money wisely and effectively. I'm often the contact point for the amazing people that give very generous gifts to our campaigns. They range from the couple who give us £1,000 each year instead of buying Christmas and birthday presents for their entire family (yes, these amazing people are real), or a foundation which generously grants us £70,000 for a specific project, such as our palm oil work in Indonesia. 

It's not always easy, mind, particularly when I read about Greenpeace being dissed in the press. 

For instance, I recently read an article accusing Greenpeace of all manner of crazy things - from being a political movement against globlisation to being a multinational that exists to "peddle fear about environmental issues"! Lord Krebs, one of the peers quoted, said, "Greenpeace is a multinational corporation just like Monsanto or Tesco. They have very effective marketing departments... Their product is ‘worry' because worry is what recruits members." Sounds like: a) he doesn't know the first thing about marketing a non-profit organization like Greenpeace and b) he's most definitely confused about why Greenpeace exists. 

Yes, it might be the fear of climate change that makes someone consider donating to Greenpeace but I can guarantee you that as an organisation we would be bankrupt if all we did was talk about the threats and scary consequences of not reducing our carbon emissions. Far from it in fact, which is why I love my job. 

I take part in the regular campaign meetings and hear how our strategies are working, how MPs and other politicians are finally getting it, how deforestation monitoring projects  are being successful, and so on. Then, I get to spend my time speaking, meeting and writing to people about the steps we are making towards a green and positive future, sharing this progress with the very people - our supporters - who've made it all possible. It's pretty rewarding stuff. 

And as for being anti-globalisation (or anti-business as we sometimes get accused of ), I can only think of a very live example to prove how we wouldn't be that short-sighted. Yes we might be holding E.ON's head to the flames over their plans to build the first coal-fired power station in the UK for over 30 years, but that doesn't stop us showing enthusiasm for their decision to invest in the London Array - the world's largest offshore wind farm. 

We're far from best buddies with multinationals, but never doubt that Greenpeace is very aware that working with companies (without receiving a penny from them, of course) is essential if we are going to ensure a global green and peaceful future.