Friends of the Earth (FoE) http://www.foe.org.uk
The environmental campaigning world is a complex one - there are hundreds of important issues, and a bewildering number of ways to look at the different arguments involved. The number of websites, articles and TV programmes dedicated to these issues is equally vast - and it can be hard to get a straight answer. But one place where you can have a clear and serious look at many of these subjects, in your own time, is at the website of Friends of the Earth - one of the world’s leading environmental organisations.
Topics up for scrutiny range from energy use and pollution problems to GM foods and climate change. And you’ll find more than just reams of text: rather than jargon and endless acronyms there are helpful glossaries to explain difficult areas, and in-depth background information to bring you up to speed on the relevant details. For instance - how many articles have you read about genetically modified foods? How many of them have left you wishing you could see the wood for the trees? As with many other issues, FoE do a good job in presenting their case - and they give you access to many other resources on the subject on top of their own explanations, FAQs and briefings. If you decide that you want to have your say about something, FoE will show you how to support local, national and international campaigns, and get your voice heard. What’s more, with just a few mouse clicks, you can become a ‘Friend of the Earth’ yourself.
There’s more reading too, if you want it - for teachers as well as everybody else, there are books and leaflets galore on many environmental topics - although you have to admit, reading it all over the internet rather than sending off for it would save paper. But they’ve thought of that, of course. Many of the guides (especially the ones about paper wastage) are available to read on your screen, for free. But, hold on, computers use electricity don’t they - oh I’m going to go and live in a shed somewhere.
Richard Northover
NB. This site covers FoE efforts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland - FoE Scotland has a separate website.