Our core values

Page - August 4, 2010
Greenpeace's work is based on a number of key principles. They are reflected in all our campaigns, and they guide whatever we do, wherever we do it.
      • Personal responsibility and Nonviolence

We take personal responsibility for our actions, and we are committed to nonviolence. These principles are inspired by the Quaker concept of 'bearing witness', which is about taking action based on conscience – personal action based on personal responsibility. We are accountable for our actions, and everyone on a Greenpeace action is trained in nonviolent direct action.

      • Independence

We ensure our financial independence from political or commercial interests. We do not accept money from either companies or governments. And we mean any money. Individual contributions, together with foundations grants, are the only source of our funding. Our independence gives us the authority we need to effectively tackle power, and make real change happen.

      • Greenpeace has no permanent friends or foes

In exposing threats to the environment and finding solutions we have no permanent allies or adversaries. If your government or company is willing to change we will work with you to achieve your aims. Dither, backtrack or turn around and we will be back.

What matters isn’t words, but actions, and, as far as we’re concerned, there’s only one standard in this: The environment has to benefit.

      • Promoting solutions

We seek solutions for, and promote open, informed debate about society's environmental choices. We don’t work to manage environmental problems, we work to eliminate them. That’s why we developed our roadmap to save the seas through the establishment of marine reserves, and an Energy [R]evolution blueprint that points the way to a clean economy. It’s not enough for us to point the finger; we develop, research and promote concrete steps towards a green and peaceful future for all of us.

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