“No Government
will achieve anything
unless
supported consistently and
effectively
from the outside. And Friends
of
the Earth does that job better than
anyone.” Michael Meacher MP,Environment Minister 1997-2003 We are one of over 200
local groups affiliated to and supported by Friends of the Earth in
the UK.We are a
friendly group of volunteers interested in raising public awareness
of environmental issues and pressing for sustainability. We're always eager to
welcome new members. We have a range of activities;
from fun outdoors stuff to petitioning and lobbying
politicians. Members can be involved as much or as
little as they like, choosing the campaigns that
interest them. Successful Campaigning It's worth supporting Richmond and Twickenham Friends
of the Earth because our campaigning works.
Here are a few examples: Following a campaign
called "the Big Ask" led by Friends of the Earth with its many local groups,
the UK finally has the world's first climate change law, the Climate Change Act 2008. Richmond and Twickenham FoE
played its part, lobbying its two MPs right through to the end, talking to
and collecting hundreds of pledges to act and signatures from the public, and
organising public meetings.
- We joined forces with other local groups in West London
and Slough to lead an award winning West London Friends of the Earth campaign to
prevent West London Waste Authority sending large amounts of our waste to the Colnbrook
Incinerator.
- We started a local campaign for better standards in water quality. We
built up impetus with letter writing to the papers, questions to authorities
and Thames Water Authority and public meetings. The campaign went on to
become a lead national campaign. Friends of the Earth UK
won a legal battle in the European courts and changes in national
legislation for better water quality standards followed.
Find out more about how you could
get involved. | 