Eddie Biggley has been a passionate, skilled and dedicated volunteer activist, climber, builder and trainer for almost 5 years now. His calm demeanor and positive attitude makes him a real inspiration. In April 2011 he joined an international team of Greenpeace activists in Turkey and intercepted the giant drilling rig Leiv Eriksson destined for deep oil exploration for the UK Company Cairn Energy. Here’s what he has to say about Greenpeace.
Name: Eddie Biggley
Volunteer Title: Steward: Defender & Activist
Location: Vancouver
1] How long have you been volunteering for Greenpeace and why did you choose Greenpeace at a place to offer you time and energy?
I’ve been volunteering for Greenpeace for four or five years. I chose Greenpeace because a lot of people recognize the name and they pay attention more when Greenpeace does something. This organization opens up people’s eyes and makes them see the seriousness of situations when government and industry try to downplay with they are doing.
2] In general, what motivates you in your volunteerism?
I volunteer because it’s fun and I think people should take charge if they want to see change happen. The world isn’t going to change itself, we need to make it happen.
3] Do you have a most memorable moment, activity or project at Greenpeace?
My MMM would be when I was doing an action at sea near Istanbul. We boarded and oil rig destined for drilling in the pristine arctic. I climbed up the ladder to go speak with the crew on the Liev Erikkson. There was a mixture of welcoming and unwelcoming crew members. Some were happy to see us, some wanted us off their ship and out of the way. For the most part they were really friendly, including the captain. Lots of them wanted to pose for pictures with me and the Greenpeace banner I had. It was also cool because it was my first time going to another country for Greenpeace. I saw that Greenpeace activists from all around the world have this family type camaraderie when we get together, and its really comforting feeling that when you’re so far away from home.
4] Do you have an inspirational message that you want to share with other environmental activists like yourself?
Things aren’t going to change unless we show more people that standing up for the change you believe in can happen if we all stand together. It’s time we step our actions up to the next level!