Page - April 29, 2005
Though sometimes at odds with corporations, Greenpeace has a long track record of working with companies to stop environmental destruction. Throughout its more than 30 year history Greenpeace's style of non-violent action has exposed industry crimes and spurred crucial environmental changes within major corporations.
1982-After Greenpeace brings attention to the issue, New
Jersey-based National Lead Company ends its practice of dumping
titanium dioxide at sea.
1995-After months of intense campaigning by Greenpeace, Shell in
the United Kingdom reverses its decision to dump a North Sea oil
platform, the Brent Spar, containing significant quantities of
toxic waste, in the Atlantic Ocean.
1995-After pressure from Greenpeace and other environmental
groups, The New York Times agrees to discontinue all contracts with
logging company Macmillian Bloedel-the largest logging company
operating in Calyoquot Sound, British Columbia-because the company
continued to use clearcut logging.
1998-Greenpeace and local activists succeed in stopping Shintech
Corporation from building a PVC (polyvinyl chloride, a dangerous
toxin) production facility in Convent, Louisiana.
1999-Greenpeace releases a report revealing that genetically
engineered ingredients had been found in Gerber baby food. In
response to the report, Gerber pledges to eliminate genetically
engineered ingredients.
1999-The Home Depot announces its commitment to "stop selling
wood products from environmentally sensitive areas." The
announcement comes after a lengthy initiative by Greenpeace, the
Rainforest Action Network and other groups to preserve the world's
last ancient forests. The following year, IKEA follows suit by
announcing that it would ensure "that no solid wood is coming from
ancient forests or forests with high conservation value."
2000-Following continued efforts by Greenpeace, supermarket
chains Wild Oats and Whole Foods and snack food maker Frito-Lay all
announce they will stop using genetically engineered
ingredients.
2002-In a meeting with Greenpeace
and the Center for Health, Environment and Justice, Victoria Secret
and the Bath and Body Works' parent company, The Limited, agrees to
eliminate virtually all of its PVC packaging by the end of
2003.