When I arrived in London in early 2008 I found myself lost in a very big city. I had always been concerned with the environmental problems facing the planet, but had never become active in in trying to affect change in the way people interacted with the environment. I was aware of the results Greenpeace had achieved in campaigning for the environment. Motivated by an impulse to get involved in campaigning for a sustainable future in my new home I stumbled upon the newly formed Bethnal Green Greenpeace network located very close to where I was living in East London. What I discovered was a fantastic way to explore my new home while campaigning about the environmental issues I was so passionate about.
Attending my first network meeting at the camel pub I encountered an interesting mix of like minded people from all walks of life whose kindness gave me the confidence to get further involved in the activities of Greenpeace. With my new friends I was then began to explore London while campaigning at markets and events around East London. This also gave me the opportunity to talk to residents from areas near where I lived. Not only did I get to talk to them about issues I cared deeply about, I also got to hear what these people thought and learnt about how they lived their lives.
One of the most reward aspects of getting active with the Bethnal Green Greenpeace network was being given the opportunity to talk to people about the environmental problems that concerned me. Being part of an international organisation meant that I knew I was helping to create solutions to these problems wherever they were located. As Greenpeace is an action lead organisation I was able to tell about more than the nature of the problem, I was also able to tell them what action Greenpeace was taking to solve it. I have had the privilege to talk to the public about issues as diverse as the destruction caused to the Indonesian rainforest by APP to the harmful impact unsustainable fishing practices are having on the oceans. I have also had the satisfaction that I have helped to make a difference.
What is additionally satisfying is that I have had a tremendous amount of fun while taking part in the Bethnal Green Greenpeace network. I have had many very enjoyable social gatherings over cups of coffee or pints of beer after campaigning on the street. I have been to Glastonbury music festival with Greenpeace and was given the opportunity to see internationally famous music acts while volunteering to help make the Greenpeace field at Glastonbury a success. I also had the honour of being night watchmen on the Rainbow Warrior II while it was docked in London, an experience that I still count as one of the most edifying of my life.
It has been a privilege to be part of the Bethnal Green Greenpeace network over the past three years and it is with a sense of regret that I have to say goodbye to the people that I met there. I have made great friendships while I have been working with the lovely people who volunteer there. I have also grown a great deal about environmental activism and direct action from the Greenpeace organisation. I have had a lot of fun while trying to make the world a better place and am very grateful for that. I will miss everyone who I have met through Greenpeace and I wish them all the best. I encourage anyone who wants to make positive difference to the world to get involved with their local Greenpeace network.
Comments