Hi John,

We’re back with your latest Stay Connected - a little earlier than usual this month - but that’s because we just have so much Greenpeace news that we need to tell you about, it just couldn’t wait.

We’ve got everything from the biggest ever investigation into household waste, to saying farewell to one of our most well known and successful Greenpeace ships, and we also take you on a journey to find the hidden secrets of the Antarctic with some great tips on how to get help if you’re worried about paying your energy bills - plus loads, loads more to tickle your fancy.

Your unwavering support is crucial in helping us work towards securing a safer, greener, more peaceful world. We can’t thank you enough for standing with us now and in the future, nothing changes without you, John. So without further ado, happy reading, and thanks for making all this possible!

The Big Plastic Count

We brought you some gigantic news last week… The Big Plastic Count launched! It’s the biggest ever investigation into household waste, done by everyday people like you and I and we need you to be a part of it!

All you have to do is count the plastic you use for a week in May (16th-22nd). We need you to join thousands of others across the UK to count your pots, packets, wrappers, the lot. Together we'll uncover the truth about how much plastic we throw away and what happens to it, and prove bold action is needed by the government and supermarkets to fix their plastic problem. Are you up for the challenge?

It’s simple enough to do – and if you sign up today we’ll send you a free counting pack that gives you everything you need to take part. If you have already signed up, amazing - please spread the word and share with your friends, family, schools and community groups as we need as many people as possible taking part.

So what are you waiting for, join the 40,000 that have signed up already and join the Big Plastic Count! And as the video says – it doesn’t matter how you count, it’s the counting that counts!

Boris Johnson’s new energy strategy: five reasons why it won’t work 

Since the turn of the year surges in global oil and gas prices have plunged the UK into an energy and cost of living crisis, with energy bills rocketing. The war in Ukraine has piled on even more pressure, exposing Europe’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels. This week, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, had a chance to tackle rising bills, quit Russian fossil fuels and put cheap renewable energy at the forefront of their plans. Instead, he’s leading us to a dead end and here’s 5 reasons why it won’t work. 

Our reliance on gas is not only driving the climate crisis and higher energy bills, it’s funding Putin’s war. Join the 115,000 in calling for Boris Johnson to solve these problems by launching an emergency energy package to boost clean energy and insulate our homes.

How to get help if you’re worried about paying your energy bills

We are facing huge rises in our energy bills and, we know Britain’s homes are notoriously bad when it comes to energy efficiency - which means they use more gas, oil or electricity to heat. On 1 April, a typical energy bill went up by about £700. The price will be changed again in October, when experts think it could be as much as £3000 a year for the average household.

It’s already been an extremely tough couple of years for many of us. And now millions of people in the UK are having to cope with a huge rise in living costs. Find out why this is happening, what needs to change, and where to get help if you’re struggling. 

What I wish non-disabled people understood about disability and plastic

Disabled people often suffer most from plastic pollution, but many also rely on plastic products that can be a literal lifesaver, and provide essential comfort, independence and dignity.

But anti-plastic campaigns often overlook these needs, leaving millions of people feeling excluded from a cause that they have a huge stake in. Many disabled people have a complex relationship with plastic, and the recent push to cut down on plastic waste. There are more disability inclusive ways to campaign on plastics, like pressuring corporate polluters or phasing in reusable alternatives that can help shape solutions that work better for everyone.

In a new comic, illustrator and disability activist Ananya Rao-Middleton explores this complicated relationship through a conversation with friends. Check it out, it's super powerful! 

Discovering the hidden secrets beneath the Antarctic ocean

Ever wondered what hidden secrets lie beneath the Antarctic ocean? Well it’s your lucky day as John Hocevar (right), Greenpeace USA's Oceans Campaigns Director and submersible pilot and the scientist Dr Sarah Lockhart (left) takes us on a journey of discovery to survey the Antarctic ocean floor revealing untold wonders from our latest ship tour to the Antarctic. 

John, in his own words, shows us how the Antarctic seabed is carpeted with incredible life, reinforcing the need to protect this remote stretch of ocean as soon as possible. Not only that, but he tells us all about the diverse and magnificent marine life they encountered on the trip too - from Humpback whales to orcas to ‘cartoonishly goofy’ penguins! 

Read all about how this important expedition will jumpstart efforts to build support for ocean sanctuaries!

The UN is negotiating a Global Ocean Treaty and it’s clear that international cooperation in support of a green and peaceful planet is more important than ever. Join the 380,000 that have already signed and help us get to 400,000. Sign the petition!

Reclaiming West Africa’s stolen fish

Every year, industrial fishing companies steal over half a million tonnes of fish from the people of West Africa - that’s enough to feed 33 million people. Scientists say fish stocks will soon be permanently damaged, and thousands of people will lose their jobs and an essential food source. But with vital funds from gifts left to Greenpeace in Wills, we’re working with artisanal fishermen, female fish processors and other NGOs to campaign for their livelihoods. This coalition has led to the rejection of 52 licences for new industrial fishing vessels and the Senegalese Government joining the UK-led initiative to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.

A gift in your Will empowers more communities worldwide, long into the future. To find out more, request your free digital guide today. 

How a t-shirt can spark a lifetime of environmental activism

We spoke to you, our supporters, to hear how a humble bit of Greenpeace merchandise can inspire action, connect people... and get you into trouble at work.

From badges to mugs to the classic t-shirt, Greenpeace merchandise has held a special place in people’s hearts over the years. We asked supporters, old and new, for their funny and heart-warming stories involving some Greenpeace memorabilia. 

Read on to hear how a chance encounter with a Greenpeace ‘thing’ out in the world has been a catalyst for many supporters’ journey into activism.

What we're enjoying this month:

• 🏆 7 victories of the past year: A LOT happened in 2021 – some good, some… not as good. From putting the Cambo Oil field on hold here in the UK to putting a stop to Shell's seismic blasting in South Africa - read about some recent environmental wins that give us hope! Here’s to many more in 2022! 
• 📣 6 takeaways from the latest IPCC report: The solutions to the climate crisis come with many other benefits - affordable bills, energy security, more land to grow healthy, nutritious food and restore nature. We’re only going to reap them if our government gets it right. 
• 🚢 Hope floats: the Greenpeace Esperanza retires after two decades, but the light shines on: For over 20 years the Greenpeace ship called Esperanza lit up the darkness in the fight to protect the environment. As they say, all good things must come to an end, and the Espy retires leaving a proud legacy of inspiration and environmental protection.
• 🎸 Novo Amor brings their music to the Antarctic: Surrounded by ice sheets, whales, seals and penguins, Novo Amor performs his song State Lines to raise awareness for ocean protection.

Remember, we want to stay connected with you; whether you have a question about Greenpeace's work or your support, we're here to help. My team is available to call on 020 4525 3241 Monday – Friday, 9am – 5.30pm, or feel free to email any questions you may have to [email protected]. 

Together we are Greenpeace and we will achieve many more amazing things for a green and peaceful planet for all. 

Be safe and be well. 

Carolyn Hoskin

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