By Kim Haskins

Environmental campaigning might conjure up images of Swampy stuck up a tree, or of eco-activists aboard the Rainbow Warrior. But rest assured, you don't need to have grimy dreadlocks or sea legs to get involved with campaigning against the issues that threaten the natural world's wellbeing.

Why campaign?

While the state of the Earth isn't all doom and gloom, it's fair to say that human activity generally hasn't had an entirely positive impact on the planet. Whatever the scale of damage, turning a blind eye today will only mean that future generations will be in for some severe payback.

If you're concerned about a particular environmental issue in your area, you probably realise that sitting on your backside and whingeing about it with your friends won't solve much. However, lobbying your local MP for change can make a difference, as will educating your community about the importance of caring for the environment.

Similar actions can be just as effective on a larger scale, too. International organisations such as Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace and WWF constantly strive to improve the environment through education, developing improvements at a grass roots level, and lobbying governmental and corporate leaders to implement crucial changes.

So, whether it's on a local or global scale, environmental campaigning requires a great deal of valuable time, effort and resources. Often, this is only achievable with the support of volunteers. Here's how you can help:

Care for your local environment

Fancy doing your bit to keep your local environment clean and green? There are numerous Friends of the Earth groups in communities all around the UK that actively campaign for a safer and healthier local environment. These groups offer a huge range of campaigning activities, from helping to teach others how to compost waste, to writing press releases and appearing on TV to publicise issues. 

Raise local awareness about global issues

Whether it's rainforest deforestation, exploitation of the sea's resources or pollution caused by use of toxic chemicals, current major environmental issues facing the world affect all of us in some way. What's more, we can all make a difference. That's why it's important for large campaigning organisations to engage with the public on all levels.

A key aspect of WWF's work is carried out by volunteers who help to educate others and influence changes in attitudes and behaviour of those in their communities. WWF needs regional speakers to give inspiring presentations about topics including the protection of orang-utans in Borneo or the promotion of sustainable businesses, as well as networkers who can seek out new audiences to support its campaigns and lobbyists who can deliver campaign messages to help change legislation.

As well as information on their website, WWF also has opportunities on do-it.org.uk.

Alternatively, why not hit the streets and talk to the public about environmental campaigns for Greenpeace. They rely on volunteers to speak to members of the public about a number of key campaign topics, such as nuclear waste dumping, climate change or sustainable farming. Volunteers are also needed to man Greenpeace stalls at events and collect money in the streets.

Change the government's mind

Environmental organisations often lobby the government for legislation to be made or amended.

Friends of the Earth frequently runs letter-writing and email campaigns and sometimes needs volunteer to attend council meetings, write press releases and ask members of the public to fill out surveys.

Stuff envelopes

It might not be the most exhilarating voluntary opportunity you'll ever have, but administrative tasks such as filing, data entry, opening post and envelope-stuffing are vital to campaigning. It's also a great way to show your support for an environmental organisation while gaining experience of the campaigning process.

Search the do-it.org.uk database for environmental campaigning opportunities in your area.

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