So far over 15,000 of us have told Waitrose to drop their partnership with Shell - and we’re definitely having an impact. Waitrose responded on Sunday with this - saying their partnership with Shell is ‘tiny’ with only two stores at petrol stations. Well our sources say that Shell is pushing for many more.
Waitrose has built its reputation on the ethical and sustainable sourcing of its products and ‘giving back’ to the communities it operates in. We’ve done fantastic work with Waitrose on our Oceans’ campaign which is why it’s so disappointing that they’ve decided to partner up with Shell.
Waitrose says ‘Shell has assured us that they will meet US legislation, operating with respect for the environment and for the people who live in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.’ But a quick look at Shell’s record so far doesn’t look good:
- In summer 2012, Shell had four illegal fluid discharges from their ship, the Arctic Challenger
- Another ship, the Noble Discoverer, ran aground in a “stiff breeze”
- Their oil spill capping device broke during tests, described as “crushed like a beer can”
- The list goes on (read our investor briefing for the full picture).
None of that sounds very safe to me. Coupled with that, the UK Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee says Arctic drilling is unsafe full stop.
Experience of the offshore oil and gas industry, as well as common sense and scientific consensus tells us there is no way to drill safely in the Arctic. A spill or accident in these waters would be disastrous and the conditions in the Arctic would make responding to such a disaster almost impossible.
Shell does not have a good track record on respect for the people who live in places where they want to drill for oil. The destruction they have already caused to land and communities in the Niger Delta and Canadian Tar Sands is well documented, and now their oil drilling poses a threat to the way of life of the Inupiat people of Alaska who depend on the Beaufort and Chukchi sea (where Shell plan to drill) for their subsistence and culture. We made a film with people from Point Hope, Alaska discussing their fears, and for more information on Shell in the Niger Delta, Canadian Tar Sands, and what is at stake in Alaska see the report by our friends at Platform London.
Together we can pressure Waitrose to do the right thing and dump Shell. Email Waitrose now.
