How Greenpeace works

Greenpeace is an independent campaigning organisation which uses non-violent creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems and to force solutions which are essential to a green and peaceful future.

Greenpeace's goal is to ensure the ability of the earth to nurture life in all its diversity.

Greenpeace's core values are:

Independence: We do not accept contributions from governments, corporations or political parties because it would compromise our core values.

Bearing Witness: We follow the Quaker tradition of bearing witness. Philosophically and tactically, our peaceful protests work to raise awareness and bring public opinion to bear on decision-makers.

Non-violent direct action: We strongly believe that violence in any form is morally wrong and accomplishes nothing.

While Greenpeace is best known for its non-violent direct actions, public protests are just one of many strategies we employ.

Working together: Our strategic partnerships with other non-government organisations (NGOs) allow us to reach new areas and communities. We encourage our volunteers - people from all walks of life - to get involved in our campaigns at every level. Cyber campaigns, peaceful protests, petitions to the government are all ways in which individuals can participate in making a difference.

How we do what we do:

Research and Science: Greenpeace uses scientific research to expose the risks of existing and emergent technologies. We use our laboratory in the University of Exeter, UK, to analyse soil, water and effluent samples. We present our findings in courts of law to ensure compliance with standards and justice for the wronged.

Alternatives and solutions: Greenpeace, together with international experts, conducts scientific, economic and political research into the causes and effects of environmental pollution, in order to innovate alternatives and solutions that work.

Market forces and the Powers-that-be: Our lobbyists, political and corporate campaigners regularly meet with governments and industry to ensure environmental considerations are factored into every level of decision-making.

We don't just react to government policy, we also try to anticipate it, and have been referred to as 'environmental watchdogs' because of our role in raising the alarm when a potentially dangerous situation is brewing.

Spreading the word: It isn't enough for us to know and act - we must guarantee that the world can bear witness too. We enlist the support of the mass media and our communications team to get the word out, guaranteeing our voice is heard around the world, in defence of people's Right to Know. We have conducted public hearings to make sure that knowledge is pooled and local people are empowered to exert pressure on the government and on businesses that directly impact their health and safety. Shareholders of businesses can also be allies, exerting pressure on their companies to act responsibly.