August Update (somehow missed July!!)

Toy Packaging - Mattel / Barbie Dolls Campaign

June saw the launch of the Toy packaging campaign, just when we happened to be at the Ham Fair. And our Barbie dolls (if not for exactly the right reasons) did attract attention and discussions with people who would not normally have noticed the Greenpeace stall. 

Lego were quick to respond, but Mattel and Hasbro continue to have buying policies that use unsustainable packaging.  Thank you to everyone who helped us with the Barbie Hunt.  We are continuing to work on this campaign so watch this blog for more updates soon. 

VW lobby against Emissions Targets

Greenpeace are running their own lobbying campaign with VW in response to their lobbying of the EU against proposed targets in key climate laws.  The spoof ad has proved very popular but we still need to increase the pressure.  As someone who currently has a VW Polo and a Seat Ibiza in their driveway (not both mine), I have been talking to my local dealerships about my concerns in continuing to use VW cars.

The rest of the group are also writing, phoning, emailing and visiting VW to highlight their concerns.  The template email action is here, plus we will be copying our own letters & emails here to help and inspire each other.  

Tuna - John West finally caves in

Finished... John West has also committed to changing its fishing practices after supermarket chains stopped retailing their products.  We had an update on Monday at the London Groups meeting.  The GP campaigner believes that the active supporter network was key in forcing John West to re-think.  So I am duly passing on a Big Thank You to everyone that helped out.

But the Fish Fight continues - with further CFP reforms needed

A new campaign around the CFP reforms (EU Common Fisheries Policy) has been launched.  The follow up Fish Fight TV programme will be showing on Monday 8^th, and we will be bringing the campaign to Richmond on Saturday 13^th.  See our events notices for more information.

Lastly, what would you change about this web group?

Greenpeace are looking at changing the local group websites - so they are interviewing coordinators but I thought it might be an idea to ask everyone else too - so I have created a quick poll.  If you have a spare minute, complete the poll here. 

And please do add any comments on how we can improve this group site.  I would also be interested to hear from people who would be interested in helping out with the ‘online’ support for our group. 

So I'm off to Big Chill to support the Detox Challenge for the weekend (if I can find my flysheet)...  Hopefully you can join us on Saturday 13th, at our next meeting on the 15th, or just help out online and let us know what you think we could do better on this site.