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The resources here are specifically designed for use by campaigners and activists.
Briefings
Consultation Responses
Evidence
Guides
Reports
This report shows how we can feed a population of 9 billion and still eat meat up to three times a week.
Eating the Planet? How we can feed the world without trashing it - media briefing
(PDF† 3.2MB) November 2009
This report shows how we can feed a population of 9 billion and still eat meat up to three times a week.
Eating the Planet? How we can feed the world without trashing it - full report
(PDF† 2MB) November 2009
This report shows how we can feed a population of 9 billion and still eat meat up to three times a week.
Pyrolysis, gasification and plasma technologies are thermal processes that use high temperatures to break down waste. This briefing explains how these processes work and what their benefits and disadvantages are.
Long waste contracts
(PDF† 283KB) August 2009
The key risks of signing up to a long waste contract, and 10 key questions to ask if your council is considering doing so.
Feeding the beast - media briefing
(PDF† 84KB) April 2009
How public money is propping up factory farms.
Feeding the beast - full version
(PDF† 377KB) April 2009
How public money is propping up factory farms.
Slash Not Burn
(PDF† 82KB) March 2008
Why UK biofuel targets should be stopped.
What's feeding our food?
(PDF† 2.2MB) December 2008
This report highlights the environmental and social impacts of the intensive livestock sector.
What's feeding our food? A summary
(PDF† 1.1MB) December 2008
This report highlights the environmental and social impacts of the intensive livestock sector.
Autoclaving
(PDF† 233K) September 2008
Autoclaving involves the high-pressure sterilisation of waste by steam, and is increasingly being proposed as a treatment for municipal waste.
Mechanical and biological treatment (MBT)
(PDF† 178K) September 2008
This briefing examines the MBT process and explains the potential benefits and disadvantages of using this technology.
Recycling: why it's important and how to do it (PDF† 283K) September 2008
This briefing explains the benefits of recycling and the best practice which councils should implement to improve doorstep collection schemes and maximise recycling rates.
Recycling collections - source separated or commingled?
(PDF† 177K) September 2008
This briefing outlines the advantages of separating recyclable materials at the kerbside in doorstep collection schemes.
Private finance initiative (PFI) funding for waste infrastructure
(PDF† 324K) August 2008
This briefing explains how the PFI process is applied to big waste projects, the problems and opportunities associated with waste PFIs, and some possible ways to get involved with the process to achieve better outcomes.
Sorting residual waste
(PDF† 1659K) June 2008
A guide for councils to save money and help the environment by cutting back on residual waste, via increased recycling and reuse.
Solving the global food crisis
(PDF† 160K) May 2008
This briefing highlights some of the potential solutions to the global food crisis.
Get illegal GM foods off shop shelves
(Word format 60K) Aprill 2008
Take action to keep illegal GM rice out of shops.
Get unlabelled GM ingredients out of your local restaurants
(Word format 60K) April 2008
Ask your local Trading Standards office what they're doing to stop unlabelled GM oil from getting into your dishes.
Hoofprints: Livestock and its environmental impacts
(PDF† 320K) February 2008
This briefing highlights the impact that the livestock system has on the environment and communities both here and overseas.
An Effective Town Centre First Policy: what needs to be in the new PPS6
(PDF† 91K) December 2007
A joint statement from the Association of Convenience Stores, Campaign to Protect Rural England, Friends of the Earth, Food Access Network and the National Federation of Women's Institutes.
Planting prejudice - full report
(PDF† 350K) November 2007
How UK Government support for GM crops undermines sustainable farming policies.
Planting prejudice - executive summary
(PDF† 523K) November 2007
How UK Government support for GM crops undermines sustainable farming policies.
Agrofuels: Fuelling or Fooling Europe?
(PDF† 174K) October 2007
Friends of the Earth Europe's position on agrofuels/biofuels.
Food and climate change
(PDF† 165K) October 2007
This briefing highlights the impact that the food system has on climate change.
Farmers speak out on low milk prices
(PDF† 41K) September 2007
This briefing highlights the environmental and business impacts of the low prices being paid to dairy farmers.
Food waste collections
(PDF† 165K) September 2007
Separate food waste collections from households offer the biggest potential for improving recycling rates, meeting targets for reducing how much we landfill and reducing the pressure for new incinerators.
There is also a food waste action guide to lobby your council to introduce food waste collections.
Anaerobic Digestion
(PDF† 101K) September 2007
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a treatment that composts biodegradable waste in the absence of oxygen, producing a biogas that can be used to generate 100% renewable electricity and heat.
Up in smoke
(PDF† 190K) September 2007
This briefing looks at the reasons why Friends of the Earth opposes incineration, and covers the waste of natural resources, the effect on recycling and climate change and the pollution from air emissions and toxic ash.
Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme (LATS)
(PDF† 170K) September 2007
This briefing outlines how LATS works and the best way for councils to meet these targets without incineration.
The RTFO consultation response
(PDF† 35K) May 2007
Friends of the Earth England Wales and Northern Ireland's full response to the Government's Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation consultation. Biofuels are a particular focus of the response.
Food Sovereignty leaflet
(PDF† 264K) April 2007
This leaflet explores the right of people to define their own food and agriculture policies.
Shopping the Bullies
(PDF† 613K) April 2007
This report examines the tactics used by supermarkets to manipulate the planning system, and highlights why the planning system for retail needs to be strengthened, not weakened.
GM rice contamination action guide
(PDF† 79K) February 2007
Please write to the Food Standards Agency and the supermarkets to help make sure our food is not contaminated with illegal GM ingredients, now or in the future.
The Environmental Liability Directive Consultation
(PDF† 63K) January 2007
The environmental liability directive offers the opportunity to implement the "polluter pays" principle in UK law. Currently the Government is consulting on proposals how to implement the directive into UK law. This briefing outlines why the Government's proposals are insufficient to protect biodiversity in the UK and it advises on how to respond to the consultation.
Farmer Survey 2006
(PDF† 54K) December 2006
Our survey of supermarket trading practices suggests that the big supermarkets are damaging the businesses of farmers across the country.
The use of palm oil for biofuel and as biomass for energy
(PDF† 67K) August 2006
Friends of the Earth's position on the use of palm oil for biofuel and as biomass for energy.
Broken Promises
(PDF† 79K) June 2006
This briefing outlines how Shell's non-compliance with the OECD Guidelines harms people and the
environment, and why voluntary self regulation is not enough to protect them from the activities of companies like Shell.
Could GM food cause allergies?
(PDF† 188K) June 2006
New research has brought into question the safety of both new and previously approved GM foods.
Genetically modified animal feed
(PDF† 181K) May 2006
This briefing highlights the risks of GM animal feed and who is bringing it into the UK.
Palm oil, the survival or the orang-utan and UK company law reform
(PDF† 56K) May 2006
This briefing explains why the failure of hundreds of UK companies to ensure that they do not buy palm oil from destructive sources is a classic example of how the voluntary approach to corporate responsibility has failed, and why the Company Law Reform Bill must be strengthened.
Dirty truths: incineration and climate change (PDF† format - 755K) May 2006
This briefing investigates the climate impacts of energy from waste and residual waste treatment and shows that incinerators that produce electricity emit more greenhouse than gas fired power stations.
England's waste strategy: a guide to the current consultation
(PDF† format- 84K) April 2006
This briefing outlines the policies Friends of the Earth wanted to see included in the new England waste strategy, published in May 2007.
Calling the shots
(PDF† 462K) January 2006
Through a series of case studies, this briefing exposes the strategies that supermarkets employ to ensure they get planning permission for new stores.
Local Development Frameworks and your community
(PDF† 130K) December 2005
This briefing will help you and your local group to get local planning policies that favour local food and local shops instead of more big supermarkets.
Britain's supermarkets still not supporting native apples
(PDF† 71K) November 2005
This briefing gives the results of our consumer survey of apple sourcing in a variety of retail outlets.
How to...oppose a supermarket planning application
(PDF† 152K) September 2005
This briefing will guide you and your local group in opposing supermarket applications in your local area.
The Tesco Takeover: Tesco's response
(PDF† 128K) July 2005
Tesco have produced a response to the above report. Unfortunately they pay little serious attention to the issues raised, instead simply accusing us of inaccuracies. We discuss their response in this briefing and stand by our original report.
Checking out the environment? Environmental impacts of supermarkets
(PDF† 142K) June 2005
This briefing provides an outline of the environmental impacts of large supermarket chains at the local, national and global scale.
Good neighbours? Community impacts of supermarkets
(PDF† 110K) June 2005
This briefing looks at the economic and social effects of the competitive policies of large supermarket chains, and the subsequent impacts on local communities in the UK.
The Tesco Takeover
(PDF† 194K) June 2005
Over the past 10 years Tesco has become a giant among the world's retailers. But the Tesco bonanza comes at a price for farmers, workers, town centres and the environment, as this briefing reveals.
The Tesco Takeover - Leaflet
(PDF† 153K) June 2005
Colour leaflet focusing on the impacts of Tesco's growth, covered in more detail in the briefing above.
PPS10: Planning for Sustainable Waste Management
(PDF† format - 53K) Nov 2005
This briefing note summarises the key differences between Planning Policy Statement 10 and previous planning guidance on waste and explains how to use PPS10 to influence what is happening on waste in your area.
From waste to resource: a new strategy for 2005 (PDF† format - 358K) June 2005
This statement provides a number of policy recommendations for the Government during the review of Waste Strategy 2000. The statement has been agreed by a coalition of non-governmental environmental groups.
Biowaste: a guide for local campaigners
(PDF† format - 71K) March 2005
This briefing for local campaigners explains the policy context for local decisions about biowaste proposals. It sets out the main issues and explores what is known about the best environmental options. It should be read alongside Friends of the Earth's policy position on municipal biodegradable waste (the link above).
Government to publish final GM Farm Scale Trial results: Winter oilseed rape
(PDF† 220K) March 2005
The Government publishes the results of its field scale trials of genetically modified (GM) winter oilseed rape on 21st March. These are the final results from the Government's Farm Scale Evaluations of GM herbicide tolerant crops. This short briefing, by Friends of the Earth, the GM Freeze Campaign and GeneWatch UK, covers many of the key questions the results are likely to raise.
Legal Opinion in the matter of co-existence, traceability and labelling of GMOs
(PDF† 181K) March 2005
New legal opinion criticising the European Commission and UK Government's approach on GM crop co-existence with other crops as "fundamentally flawed".
Legal Opinion in the matter of co-existence, traceability and labelling of GMOs - Summary
(PDF† 18K) March 2005
One page summary of the new legal opinion.
Retail development: Key polices for inclusion in Local Development Frameworks
(PDF† 61K) November 2004
Friends of the Earth believes that Local Planning Authorities, via their Local Development Frameworks (LDFs), should play a positive role in promoting vibrant, diversified and localised retail development in their areas. This briefing suggests key policies on retail development for inclusion in LDFs.
The Voluntary Initiative catchment projects: are they really working?
(PDF† 70K) November 2004
One of the key projects of the Voluntary Initiative (set up as an alternative to a pesticide tax) aims to reduce herbicide pollution of water in six catchments, and the VI has claimed that "it's working". Friends of the Earth's analysis shows that pollution incidents are still occurring and the advice given to farmers in the VI projects is very difficult to follow in practice.
Why the new PPS6 could damage town centres
(PDF† 50K) November 2004
Draft Planning Policy Statement 6 (PPS6) was accompanied by a commitment from Government to the regeneration of town and city centres. But the draft statement encourages the provision of large format stores on the edge of town centres. Friends of the Earth produced this MP briefing to help ensure ministers are made aware that this policy would directly contradict their aim to protect and regenerate town centres.
Children's exposure to pesticides in apples and pears
(PDF† 36K) July 2004
Peer reviewed and published research by Friends of the Earth shows that up to 220 young children per day could be exposed to residue levels in excess of internationally accepted safety levels just from eating a single apple or pear. This occurred even when the pesticide residue was below the legal limit and was a particular problem for imported produce.
Access to information on pesticides
(PDF† 89K) June 2004
The pesticide approval process remains one of the last strongholds of secrecy, where corporations still wield enormous financial muscle to try to minimise the public's "right to know". This briefing outlines Friends of the Earth's demands for greater transparency on pesticides approvals
Bayer's pesticides: why it is important that Bayer's pesticide safety data is freely available
(PDF† 69K) June 2004
This briefing gives background information on Bayer's pesticide operations around the world and
looks at some of the available health and environmental safety information for three of their pesticides.
Every Little Hurts: Why Tesco needs to be tamed
(PDF† 60K) June 2004
Tesco's share of the grocery market gives it tremendous power over suppliers, but evidence suggests that the supermarket giant is abusing
that power. Evidence from small shops, consumers, farmers and overseas suppliers flags up the damage that Tesco is doing to communities and the environment.
GM contamination: how to prevent GM contamination of the food chain and countryside
(PDF† 346K) March 2004
This briefing describes the minimum measures that would be necessary to ensure that food chains, crops and the countryside remained free of GM contamination if the Government were to grant commercial approval for a genetically modified (GM) crop to be cultivated or imported into the UK.
GM fodder maize: why Chardon LL should not become the UK's first commercial GM crop
(PDF† 159K) March 2004
This briefing outlines the problems associated with GM maize and why Friends of the Earth thinks it
would be a mistake for the Government to give it the commercial go-ahead.
The Voluntary Initiative and water pollution
(PDF† 226K) March 2004
This briefing looks at the Voluntary Initiative to reduce pesticide use through changing farmer behaviour and examines the findings of the Cherwell Study into how this approach has affected levels of pesticide residues in surface water.
Alliance calls for new supermarket Code and Watchdog
(PDF† 123K) January 2004
A new alliance of environmental, farming and consumer organisations is calling for a new statutory code of practice to be imposed on the biggest supermarkets and for a ‘retail regulator' to be appointed to ensure that the new code is enforced and is working effectively.
Why we need a GM Contamination and Liability Bill now
(PDF† 126K) January 2004
This briefing explains why we are putting forward the GM Contamination and Liability Bill. New laws are essential to prevent GM crops contaminating the countryside and food chain, and to ensure biotech companies pay for any harm they may cause.
Home grown apples in short supply...
(PDF† 146K) November 2003
This briefing gives the results of our consumer survey of apple, potato and carrot sourcing and pricing in a variety of retail outlets. For the third year running we found that the biggest supermarkets are not supporting UK apple growers.
Incinerators and deprivation
(PDF† 128K) January 2004
Poorer communities tend to be hit hardest by environmental pollution, adding to the problems that people living in these areas face. This new research, which looks at the location of municipal waste incinerators in England, finds that these plants are often built in the most deprived wards.
Hazardous waste
(PDF† 104K) January 2004
This paper looks at the issues we face in dealing with hazardous waste in the UK in light of the EU Landfill Directive, which bans co-disposal in landfill sites with non-hazardous waste from 2004.
Commercial and industrial waste
(PDF† 139K) January 2004
The commercial and industrial sector creates around 20 per cent of the UK's total waste. This briefing explores the challenges in dealing with this waste stream and initiatives to minimise waste production.
How supermarkets avoid planning controls
(PDF† 113K) July 2003
Asda-Walmart is building mezzanine floors in existing stores to expand its retail floorspace
without having to obtain planning permission. The
addition of significant areas of floorspace may have significant impacts on local shops and traffic levels. This briefing explains how an amendment to the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill could close this loophole and require assessment to be carried out by local planning authorities.
Unleashing a new pollution?
(PDF† 636K) July 2003
One of the main concerns about the commercial growing of GM oilseed rape is that it could cross breed with closely related plant species that grow wild in the UK. Friends of the Earth has used the most recent botanical survey data to map the location of these plants. The results show that there is no "safe area" to grow GM oilseed rape.
Tesco: Exposed
(PDF† 136K) June 2003
Friends of the Earth is attending AGMs to expose companies' records of putting profit before people and the environment. This briefing reveals how Tesco continues to make huge profits at the expense of farmers, communities and the environment.
GM trade war looms
(PDF† 255K) May 2003
The WTO's Dispute Resolution Mechanism decides
who wins and who loses in international trade wars.
This briefing exposes how it works, and explores
what may happen following the US complaint
against the EU over GM food.
Farmers and the supermarket Code of Practice
(PDF† 108K) March 2003
The Supermarket Code of Practice has been
criticised for being too weak and there has been plenty of anecdotal evidence that it is not working
effectively. This briefing reveals the results of a survey of farmers in February 2003 to find out how farmers are faring under the Code and in general under current market conditions.
GM-free local areas
(PDF† 146K) March 2003
A guide to using the law to protect your area from GM crops. Including what 'GM-free' means, how you can use EU legislation to help your campaign and what your local authority can do.
Super Markets or Corporate Bullies?
(PDF†) March 2003
Supermarkets claim to offer us a wide variety of cheap, convenient food. But do they? And at whose expense? This briefing looks at the power supermarkets wield over both their suppliers and their customers.
The way forward on waste
(PDF† format - 117K) January 2003
This is the new Friends of the Earth policy on municipal waste. It has been agreed following discussions between staff and local groups and gives our recommendations for the European Union, national government and local authorities.
Ghost fleet ships, toxicity and PCBs
(PDF† format - 159K) Dec 2003
This briefing explains why Friends of the Earth has described the ghost fleet vessels as toxic, with particular regard to PCBs and it outlines the environmental threats posed by these chemicals. It also outlines some of the legislation related to the transport of PCBs.
Tackling waste in the English regions
(PDF† 165K) December 2002
Regional Waste Strategies are currently being written in all the English regions. This briefing outlines how the strategies should be developed to achieve effective and sustainable waste management.
Incinerator inquiries
(PDF† 154K) December 2002
This briefing is a review of three recent public inquiries and a judicial hearing all considering planning permission for municipal waste incinerators.
The safety of incinerator ash
(PDF† 104K) November 2002
This briefing is a review of an Environment Agency report, published in May 2002, following well publicised problems about the use of incinerator ash from incinerators in Edmonton, North London and Byker, Tyneside.
British Apples for Sale
(PDF†) November 2002
The results of our consumer survey of apple sourcing and pricing in supermarkets, greengrocers and markets.
Economic impact of GM
(PDF† 127K) October 2002
The Government and the biotech industry are promoting GM crops on the economic benefits they will supposedly bring. However, after several years of growing them in the US, the evidence of the economic benefits is far from clear.
GM crops and food security
(PDF† 120K) October 2002
Many people, not least those who live in countries where hunger persists, believe that a technological fix will at best address the symptoms of hunger and malnutrition, but not the causes. Many fear that corporate control over the food chain through patents and the ownership of seeds may even exacerbate the problem.
GM food safety
(PDF† 137K) October 2002
The safety of GM foods remains in serious doubt. Genetic engineering is a difficult and fairly haphazard procedure, and the use of substantial equivalence in safety testing of the finished product is inadequate to prove that they are safe.
Gene flow
(PDF† 126K) October 2002, updated February 2004
Cross pollination of GM crops and other crops or wild relatives could lead to widespread contamination. There are serious concerns about how GM and non-GM crops can grow and co-exist in the future.
Herbicide use and GM crops
(PDF† 129K) October 2002, updated February 2004
If GM crops get the commercial go-ahead in the UK, herbicide tolerant crops will be the first to be grown. Claims of their environmental benefits are looking increasingly doubtful.
Liability and GM crops
(PDF† 152K) October 2002
Currently there is no legislation to require biotech companies to pay compensation or clear up any damage caused by their crops. If GM food and crops are as safe as the industry says they are, why won't it accept liability for any damage caused?
Pesticides in Supermarket food
(PDF† 122K) October 2002, updated July 2004
This briefing shows how we rated supermarkets according to their current and future policy on pesticides.
Market Forces
(PDF† 124K) October 2002, updated February 2004
Customer demand has removed the majority of GM materials from our food. The prospects for any significant market for GM crops and food in the UK in the next few years are poor, as there continues to be no demand for GM food in the UK.
Seed purity
(PDF† 130K) October 2002
In order to protect the public's right to choose non-GM food, or for farmers to grow non-GM crops, it is essential that seed stocks remain free of genetically modified organisms (GMO's). This will become increasingly difficult to achieve if GM crops are grown widely in the UK.
Supermarkets and Great British Fruit
(PDF†) October 2002
The impossible conditions placed on British apple and pear growers by supermarkets.
T25 maize
(PDF† 123K) October 2002
T25 maize is a GM herbicide tolerant crop, intended to be grown in the UK as fodder for cattle. In the course of Friends of the Earth's investigations into its approval, serious failings in the regulatory process and flaws in the scientific research were discovered.
The Farm Scale Trials
(PDF† 113K) October 2002
The Farm Scale Trials have been heavily criticised since their introduction in 2000 by a variety of environmental organisations, local residents, and even the Government's GM watchdog, the Agriculture Environmental Biotechnology Commission (AEBC).
The GM regulatory process
(PDF† 77K) October 2002
Before any GM plant can be grown in the UK, or a GM food sold on the market, there are several regulatory hurdles that it must pass through. GM legislation originates in Europe and is implemented in the UK under domestic laws.
The pesticides in our food
(PDF† 155K) Sepember 2002, updated August 2004
An overview of the types of pesticides that are found in our food and why they are of concern.
Maximising recycling rates - tackling residuals
(PDF† format - 175K) September 2002
This briefing outlines the key findings from research conducted for the Community Recycling Network on how we can maximise recycling rates from household waste and how we can best deal with the residuals, as we move towards zero waste in this sector.
Your right to object to GM crops
(PDF† 143K) July 2002
The 'National List' regulations are the only formal opportunity for the public to object to the commercial licensing of GM crops. This briefing examines the implications of proposed changes and tells you how to object.
Incineration and health issues
(PDF† format - 198K) May 2002
This briefing is aimed at helping campaigners ensure that health issues are fully considered in any assessment of incineration.
Into the mouths of babes
(PDF† 54K) March 2002
Children are exposed to pesticides from the moment they are conceived yet very little is know about the long term effects of this exposure. The Government and supermarkets should do more to protect children from pesticides.
Do we really know what pesticides are in our food?
(PDF† 73K) December 2001
A review of the testing procedures used to assess the amounts of pesticide residues in food.
Greening the Red Tractor
(PDF†) December 2001
In June 2000, a new food mark - the British Farm Standard - was launched. The logo is a Red Tractor and is being heavily promoted as providing assurance that food bearing the mark has been produced to high environmental, animal welfare and safety standards. Friends of the Earth feels that the scheme, as it stands, fails to live up to its promises both to farmers and consumers.
Asia Pulp and Paper
(PDF 132K) August 2001
This briefing examines the destructive practices of Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) and the Indonesian pulp and paper industry.
European League Table of Imports of Illegal Tropical Timber
(PDF 620K) August 2001
The UK is the worst importer of illegally sourced timber in the EU.
Genetically Modified Crops and Food
(PDF†) July 2001, updated January 2003
A comprehensive introduction to the GM debate:
- What is GM?
- Concerns about GM crops and food
- GM crops and food in the UK
- Government failures
- Feeding the world
- Alternatives
Bad Science, Bad Decisions: The evidence against Aventis' GM maize
(PDF†) March 2001
This briefing looks at the bad science and poor decisions behind T25 GM maize gaining marketing approval. The maize has not been proven safe to humans, animals or the environment. The attempts made to commercialise it should stop and its marketing consent should be revoked.
The Farm Scale Trial crops - GM maize, beet and oilseed rape
(PDF†) March 2001
This briefing provides basic information about the crops being grown in the Farm Scale Trials (FST's). Three crops are being grown: fodder maize, oil seed rape and beet.
How to win: Campaign against incinerators
September 2000
An introductory guide, updating and summarising information found in the Incineration Campaign Guide.
The economic benefits of farmers' markets
(PDF†) August 2000
This briefing sets out the economic, social and environmental benefits of farmers' markets, with recommendations for Government, local authorities and regional development agencies.
Farmers' Briefing: GM Crops and Animal Feed
July 2000
This briefing is intended to help farmers assess whether or not to grow genetically modified (GM) crops and to highlight the risks of GM animal feeds.
Contaminated GM Crops
(PDF†) May 2000
The accidental' release of GM oilseed rape into the UK countryside.
It Could Happen Here: What Must Happen In the Wake of the Erika Oil Spill
March 2000
Details what must be done to prevent another oil spill of this type, calling on the UK government to take a lead on shipping safety and environmental liability issues in Europe.
Endocrine Disrupting Pesticides - European Priority List
(PDF†) February 2000
Pesticides on the European Commission's Priority list should be banned or have their approval suspended. This is because the list identifies chemicals, including pesticides, which are believed to damage health by interfering with the way hormones work.
Genetically Modified Food and Crops: Our Right to a Local Referendum
(PDF†) February 2000
How to use existing legislation to call a local referendum and how this can help local campaigns against GM foods and crops.
Farm Scale Trials of GM crops - in depth
December 1999
This briefing looks at the trials of GM herbicide tolerant crops. It examines what these trials aim to find out and whether they will provide hard evidence of the environmental safety of GM crops.
Endocrine disrupting pesticides
October 1999
Endocrine disrupting pesticide residues in food pose a significant health risk to humans. The scientific information currently available suggests a highly precautionary approach is needed to avoid serious health problems in the future.
Bees, Honey and Genetically Modified Crops
September 1999
Growing GM crops in the UK will pose a serious threat to beekeepers and honey production in the UK. This briefing covers the issues of food safety, liability, the cost to beekeepers and the threat to wild bee populations.
The SCIMAC Code of Practice and Guidelines for Growing Genetically Modified Crops: A Critique by Friends of the Earth
Spring 1999
The industry body, the Supply Chain Initiative on Modified Agricultural Crops, has proposed a voluntary code of practice for farmers involved in the commercial growing of GM crops. This briefing exposes serious flaws in these guidelines.
Antibiotic Resistance Genes in GM Foods
April 1999
Many genetically modified (GM) plants contain antibiotic resistance marker genes. This briefing shows how these genes might spread, threatening the effectiveness of some of our most important antibiotic drugs.
Farm Scale Evaluations of Genetically Modified Crops: Comments by Friends of the Earth, March 1999
March 1999
The proposals for farm-scale evaluations of GM crops do not provide sufficient protection for neighbouring farmers and the environment. This briefing explains why they should not proceed in 1999.
Independent International Lawyer's Opinion on the Legality of the UK Government Imposing a Moratorium on the Growing of GM Crops in the UK
February 1999
This Opinion, requested by Friends of the Earth and the RSPB, supports the view that a moratorium on the commercial growing of GM seeds would not be contrary to EU and WTO law.
Lowland raised bog SSSIs threatened by commercial peat extraction
April 1998
With our peatlands still being mined to boost the profits of peat firms and garden centres, less than six per cent of Britain's original lowland raised peat bog habitat remains in a near natural condition.
Wildlife Act 1998
April 1998
Our wildlife wealth is being traded for the short term profit of developers, farmers and industrialists. Indeed most of the country's natural habitats have already gone. The scale and rate of habitat loss in the UK has been officially described as catastrophic.
Toxic tips
February 1999
Friends of the Earth produced this briefing following the publication of research in 1998 which highlighted the dangers associated with toxic waste dumps. It outlines research into this issue and suggests how the public can get more information locally.
Recycling works
August 1998
Substantial publication on the employment, economic and environmental benefits of improved resource use with a wide variety of case studies. Unfortunately, this publication is out of print. For a photocopy, please get in touch.
Indonesian forest fires
October 1997
Forest fires are burning out of control in forest, plantations and scrub-land chiefly in Sumatra and Kalimantan (the Indonesian part of Borneo); it is now estimated that up to 1 million ha is burning.
Sustainability and the Trade in Tropical Rainforest Timber
October 1997
The purpose of this briefing is to describe some of the underlying technical issues concerning 'sustainability' in tropical forests and thus to assess the validity of claims currently being made by companies involved in the trade in tropical timbers.
Going Under - UK Coastal Habitats Threatened by Sea Level Rise
July 1997
Global sea level is predicted to rise by up to a metre over the next hundred years as a result of climate
change.
The Bakun hydroelectric project: Impacts on the indigenous people
November 1996
For many years, the indigenous peoples of Sarawak have been engaged in a well documented struggle for
recognition of their land rights and the freedom to practise their traditional way of life.
The Bakun hydoelectric project - Malaysia
August 1996
First proposed in the 1980s as part of a series of dams to exploit the hydroelectric potential of Sarawak's rivers.
Timber - Mahogany
August 1996
Outlines the issues behind Friends of the Earth's 'Mahogany is Murder' campaign. Types and distribution of mahogany are explained and the devastating impacts on the Brazilian rainforest and its people, due to the mahogany trade between Brazil and the UK, are outlined.
Wildlife, Planning and Developments
October 1995
This briefing gives an outline of how to use the planning system to stop a damaging development.
Out of the woods - Reducing wood consumption to save the world's forests
(PDF† 45.20K ) April 1995 The UK is one of the world's largest importers of wood
products from the temperate and boreal forests of North America and Scandinavia, as well as the tropical rainforests.
Competition Commission: Provisional decision on planning remedies
(PDF† 88K) March 2008
Competition Commission: Provisional decision on remedies relating to supply chain practices
(PDF† 93K) March 2008
Friends of the Earth's response to Leeds University's application to grow GM potatoes
(PDF† 121K) March 2008
Friends of the Earth's response to the Competition Commission: Notice of Possible Remedies
(PDF† 175K) November 2007
Friends of the Earth's objection to BASF's GM blight-resistant potato trials
(PDF† 52K) April 2007
Friends of the Earth's response to the Government's consultation on options for implementing the environmental liability directive
(PDF† 64K) March 2007
Friends of the Earth's response to Defra's consultation on proposals for managing the coexistence of GM, conventional and organic crops in England
(PDF† 791K) October 2006
GM 'coexistence' consultation - Legal opinion
(PDF† 73K) October 2006
GM 'coexistence' consultation - Summary of the legal opinion
(PDF† 209K) November 2006
Friends of the Earth's response to the Office of Fair Trading: proposed decision to make a market investigation reference of the grocery market
(PDF† 78K) April 2006
Our response to the proposal by the Office of Fair Trading to refer the grocery market to the Competition Commission for a market investigation.
Friends of the Earth's response to the Draft National Strategy for the Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products
(PDF† 98K) June 2005
Our response to the Government's long-awated pesticide strategy consultation. Unfortunately the document provides little clarity, appearing to be more of a scoping document than a detailed strategy.
Friends of the Earth's response to ODPM's Consultation paper "Planning Control of Mezzanine and Other Internal Floorspace Additions"
(PDF† 44K) April 2005
Friends the Earth strongly welcomes the Government's decision to close the loophole in planning legislation which allows supermarkets and other retailers to build mezzanine floors and expand retail floorspace without the need for planning permission.
Developing measures to promote catchment-sensitive farming: Response by Friends of the Earth
(PDF† 83K) September 2004
Friends of the Earth's response to the joint DEFRA-HM Treasury consultation: Developing measures to
promote catchment-sensitive farming. This response looks at the problems involved in dealing with
diffuse water pollution.
Consultation on Draft Planning Policy Statement Six: Planning for Town Centres. Summary of key points from Friends of the Earth's response
(PDF† 112K) March 2004
This Consultation was issued in December 2003 alongside a commitment from Government to the regeneration of town and city centres. The key principles of the guidance are good, but the paper is full of contradictions. Town centres are still at risk of becoming ghost towns, and unless the detail of the guidance is strengthened, the Government will effectively be giving the go-ahead for major multiples to increase their domination of retailing.
Proposals for the introduction of no-spray buffer zones around residential properties
(PDF† 37K) November 2003
Friends of the Earth's comments on proposals for introduction of no-spray buffer zones around residential properties in England and Wales.
Access to information about crop spraying
(PDF† 51K) August 2003
Friends of the Earth's response to the Government's proposal to improve access to information about crop spraying.
Friends of the Earth's submission to the Competition Commission regarding the proposed acquisition of Safeway
(PDF† 126K) April 2003
Comments submitted to the Competition Commission on the proposed acquisition of Safeway by Morrison, Sainsbury, Tesco and Wal-Mart (Asda) in addition to those made to the Office of Fair Trading.
Friends of the Earth's submissions to the Office of Fair Trading regarding the proposed acquisition of Safeway
(PDF† 112K) February 2003
Letters were sent from Friends of the Earth to the Office of Fair Trading relating to the proposed acquisition of Safeway by Asda-Walmart, Morrison's, Sainsbury's and Tesco. The letter relating to Tesco is shown here; the other letters are available on request.
Response to the consultation on the proposed changes to the National List written representations and hearings procedures
(PDF† 190K) November 2002
Friends of the Earth's response to the proposed changes to the 'seed listing' regulations
Consultation on the EC proposals on the thresholds for Adventitious Presence of Approved GMOs in Seeds - A Response from Friends of the Earth
(PDF† 37K) August 2002
Consultation response to the EC proposals for the new Directive on Seed Purity which will lay down thresholds for GM contamination.
Response to the Policy Commission on the Future of Food and Farming
(PDF† 316K) October 2001
Friends of the Earth welcomes the establishment of the Commission but criticises the short time it has been given and its restricted terms of reference. Friends of the Earth goes beyond these to propose radical solutions to the present food and agricultural crisis.
Comment on 'Report on the separation distances required to ensure cross-pollination is below specified limits in non-seed crops of sugar beet, maize and oilseed rape'
(PDF† 41K) September 2000
A response from Friends of the Earth to this report published by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food.
Organic Farming Scheme
(PDF† 19K) February 2000
Friends of the Earth comment on MAFF's consultation on the Organic Farming Scheme.
The Pesticides Safety Directorate Review of the Impact of Herbicide use on Genetically Modified Crops - a Response by Friends of the Earth
January 1999
Friends of the Earth welcomes the PSD's attempt to evaluate the environmental consequences of the release of GM herbicide tolerant crops. However, many points are raised in favour of GM crops which are unsupported and contradictory.
Friends of the Earth's response to the Competition Commission: Grocery Market Investigation
(PDF† 114K) November 2004
This application for a full OFT Market Study into specific aspects of the grocery market was submitted by Friends of the Earth, the Association of Convenience Stores, FARM and the National Federation of Women's Institutes. The application highlights the damaging impacts of market concentration on small stores, on farmers and on consumer choice.
Royal Commision study on pesticides and bystander exposure - response from Friends of the Earth
(PDF† 27K) November 2004
Friends of the Earth's submission of evidence to the Royal Commission's study on pesticides and bystander exposure. The evidence includes new research on toddlers' exposure to pesticides, uncertainties about health effects and recommendations on how the Government can reduce pesticide use.
Submission to the Environmental Audit Committee on the Pesticides Voluntary Initiative from Friends of the Earth and PAN-UK.
(PDF† 100K) December 2003
Friends of the Earth and PAN-UK submitted joint evidence to the Environmental Audit Committee's inquiry into the Voluntary Initiative (VI) in 2002 (see below). We consider that there has been little change in the progress of the VI over the last year and that there are some new areas of concern.
Why the voluntary initiative will not deliver on the Government's pesticide objectives - a submission by Friends of the Earth and PAN-UK.
(PDF† 171K) November 2002
This report explains why Friends of the Earth and PAN UK consider that the measures set out in the Voluntary Initiative will fail to deliver on the Government's stated pesticide objectives. In addition it sets out our concerns about the process and our involvement in the Steering Group.
Proofs of evidence from the Chardon LL Public Hearing
The following evidence was submitted to the National Seed List Hearings which ran from October to November 2000. The hearings considered public objections to the UK Government proposal to add Chardon LL maize, a variety of T25 maize developed by Aventis, to the National Seed List.
An analysis of the Chicken Study, By Dr Steve Kestin and Dr Toby Knowles
(PDF† 42K) November 2000
For "the Chicken Study" itself : The effect of Glufosinate Resistant Corn on Growth of Male Broiler Chickens. Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, University of Guelph. Report No. A56379; July 12, 1996, Click Here
An assessment of outcrossing in maize, relevant to the proposed decision to add GM maize variety Chardon LL to the National List. By Professor Jean Emberlin
(PDF† 78K) October 2000
Analysis of key documents relevant to the safety of Chardon LL for animal feed purposes. By Dr C V Howard
(PDF† 76K) October 2000
Changes to the Regulation of the Environmental Safety of Releasing Genetically Modified Organisms into the Environment since December 1998. By Dr Susan Mayer
(PDF† 60K) October 2000
Risks posed by horizontal gene transfer with regard to Chardon LL maize. By Dr Ricarda Steinbrecher
(PDF† 60K) October 2000
Statement on required testing of GM forage for feeding to animals, relevant to the proposed decision to add GM maize variety Chardon LL to the National List. By Dr Bob Orskov
(PDF† 18K) September 2000
Environmental Audit Committee Inquiry into GMOs and the Environment: Memorandum by Friends of the Earth
April 1999
In this submission Friends of the Earth conclude that there is insufficient opportunity for debate on GM, and that the current process for monitoring these crops is inadequate.
Waste development frameworks
(PDF† 228K) September 2009
This guide provides advice on the new waste planning framework. It explains how best to engage with the new structure and summarises of Friends of the Earth's waste local planning policy.
This guide is part of the Community Rights Resource Pack, an accessible yet comprehensive set of campaigner guides written to help local people and communities get their voice heard in decisions which affect them.
Gone to waste: the valuable resources that European countries bury and burn
(PDF† 533K) October 2009
This report looks at the amount of recyclable materials we landfill and incinerate in the UK, and the EU. It reveals that value of those materials and the potential climate benefits of recycling them.
Overconsumption? Our use of the world's natural resources
(PDF† 4.6M) September 2009
This report investigates Europe's use of the world's natural resources, including their extraction, trade and consumption, and considers how we can make our resource use more sustainable.
How to measure Europe's Resource Use
(PDF† 851K) June 2009
This report proposes a set of indicators for measuring Europe's resource use.
Taking out the Rubbish conference
(PDF† 387K) April 2009
This is a write up of the talks and Q&A sessions from a conference on maximising recycling and phasing out residual waste.
Malaysian palm oil - green gold or green wash?
(PDF† 1.6M) October 2008
This report reveals that Malaysian palm oil exported for use in food, biofuels and cosmetics is far from 'green' - contrary to claims by Malaysian palm oil producers.
Sustainability as a smokescreen
(PDF† 1.4M) May 2008
An assessment of the expected effectiveness of applying sustainability criteria to agrofuel and animal feedstock production in the Mercosur region.
Losing Ground: The human rights impacts of oil palm plantation expansion in Indonesia
(PDF† 2M) February 2008
This report by Friends of the Earth, Sawit Watch and LifeMosaic has revealed how Indonesian government policies and palm oil industry practices are harming the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples.
Losing Ground: The human rights impacts of oil palm plantation expansion in Indonesia -
Executive Summary
(PDF† 153K) February 2008
This summary highlights the importance of these findings to policy makers in Europe and argues that in the face of such evidence, targets to increase agrofuel use in the UK and the rest of the EU are misguided, risking environmental damage and human rights abuses on an even bigger scale.
Who benefits from GM crops? The rise in pesticide use
(PDF† 898K) February 2008
Who benefits from GM crops? The rise in pesticide use: executive summary
(PDF† 956K) February 2008
Who benefits from GM crops? The rise in pesticide use: Q&A
(PDF† 35K) February 2008
Who benefits from GM crops?: Key Facts
(PDF† 46K) January 2006
Who benefits from GM crops? Monsanto and the corporate-driven genetically modified crop revolution
(PDF† 843K) January 2006
Can't see the forest for the TR€£$
(PDF† 1450K) November 2005
This report looks at how trade talks to open up markets for timber and wood products could speed up destruction of the world's forests, devastating the livelihoods of millions of the poorest people in the world and undermining efforts to tackle climate change.
The oil for ape scandal: How palm oil is threatening the orang-utan
(PDF† 448K) September 2005
This summary report links the demand for palm oil, a vegetable oil found in 1 in 10 supermarket products, to the impending extinction of the orang-utan, rainforest destruction and human rights abuses.
An analysis of the findings of the BRIGHT trials with GM herbicide tolerant crops
(PDF† 352K) March 2005
This report considers the findings of the BRIGHT project (Botanical and Rotational Implications of Genetically Modified Herbicide Tolerance in winter oilseed rape and sugar beet), a four year study, jointly funded by Government and industry, which was intended to consider the agronomic and environmental issues of growing genetically modified herbicide tolerant crops.
GM-Free Britain campaign resources
March 2005
Lots of materials to build your own GM campaign in your area.
Greasy palms - The social and ecological impacts of large-scale oil palm plantation development in Southeast Asia
(PDF† 767K) January 2005
This report looks into the social and environmental impacts of the palm oil industry in Southeast Asia.
Target recycling: aiming for 50 per cent and beyond
(PDF† 450K) January 2005
This report looks at the impact of setting statutory recycling targets and puts forward Friends of the Earth recommendations for future targets and other policy measures to support high rates of recycling in the UK.
The Voluntary Initiative Catchment Projects - are they really working?
(PDF† 429K) November 2004
One of the key projects of the Voluntary Initiative (VI) (set up as an alternative to a pesticide tax) aims to reduce herbicide pollution of water in six catchments, and the VI has claimed that "it's working". Friends of the Earth's analysis shows that it is not possible to attribute changes in pollution levels to the VI; that pollution incidents are still occurring; and that the advice given to farmers in the VI projects is very difficult to follow in practice.
Greasy palms - European buyers of Indonesian palm oil
(PDF† 508K) March 2004
This report covers a research project undertaken for Friends of the Earth in 2003 into the palm oil industry in South East Asia, its links to the European market and the involvement of European companies in the palm oil trade.
Greasy palms - Palm Oil, The Environment and Big Business
(PDF† 832K) March 2004
Palm oil, the hidden ingredient in thousands of everyday products, is driving rainforest destruction. This report summarises the connection between palm oil, the environment and big business.
Keeping your area GM free
(PDF† 307K) October 2003
A guide to EU decision making for Local Authorities and National Parks. Decisions on applications to grow GM crops in Europe are being made now. This report provides guidance on how to make a case for exemption under Article 19 of the EU Directive on GMOs for each crop.
Regional information to accompany report:
Breaking the pesticide chain
(PDF† 699K) July 2003
From July 2003, 320 pesticide active ingredients are being withdrawn from the European market as a result of an ongoing safety review of all pesticides by the European Commission. This report examines the reasons behind the withdrawal of so many pesticides, and the extent to which this will benefit human health and the environment. It addresses the question of why existing alternatives to pesticides have not been made available to UK farmers.
Local food, future directions
(PDF† 1.53M) November 2002
A report investigating alternative food marketing systems based on re-localisation, looking at the benefits such schemes can bring, the barriers they face and how Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) can help to establish such schemes.
Merseyside local food initiative
(PDF† 440K) June 2002
An investigation into the economic, environmental and social benefits of a local food project on Merseyside.
Science as a smokescreen?
(PDF† 793K) March 2002
It seems likely that the conclusions of the Farm Scale Evaluations of GM herbicide tolerant crops will be uncertain and may simply raise further questions. It is vital that this is acknowledged, and that equivocal results are not used as a smokescreen for Government decisions that are motivated by a political desire to proceed with the commercialisation of GM crops.
Get real about food and farming - Friends of the Earth's vision for the future of farming in the UK
(PDF† 818K) October 2001
Farming is in crisis. For half a century, food and farming policy has put production ahead of food quality and environmental protection. Get real about food and farming is a clear blueprint with practical policy recommendations for improving every step of the food chain.
Paper Tiger, Hidden Dragon
(PDF† 1.76M) August 2001
A Friends of the Earth Report detailing the responsibility of international financial institutions for Indonesian forest destruction, social conflict and the financial crisis of Asia Pulp and Paper.
Health and environmental impacts of glufosinate ammonium
(PDF† 256K) May 2001
The implications of increased use of glufosinate ammonium (produced by Aventis), in association with genetically modified crops.
Health and environmental impacts of glyphosate
(PDF† 225K) May 2001
The implications of increased use of glyphosate (produced by Monsanto), in association with genetically modified crops.
The great food gamble
(PDF† 562K) May 2001
GM food and feed safety are a matter of hot debate. This report outlines the methods that are used to assess the safety of these new foods before they go on the market. It suggests that the current systems fall short of what is expected by the public.
Sound Science? - the evidence against Aventis' GM maize
(PDF† 212K) February 2001
This report considers the evidence surrounding the marketing approval of T25 GM Maize. It argues that the marketing consents for T25 maize and its processed products be suspended.
GMOs: The Case for a Moratorium
October 1998
In this report, Friends of the Earth makes its case for a legally permitted, Government established five-year moratorium on:
Landfill campaign guide
(PDF† 550K) June 1997
A comprehensive guide for campaigning against landfill.
Incineration campaign guide
(PDF† 675K) December 1997
A comprehensive guide for campaigning against incineration. The 'How to Win: Campaign against incinerators' guide above updates and summarises information from this guide.
Plunder for profit - The UK and Brazilian mahogany trade
(PDF† 695K) 1997
Mahogany is still being plundered from Indian reserves and other protected areas. In addition, this report shows that to this date there is no sustainable extraction of mahogany in the entire Brazilian Amazon.
†To view PDF files you will need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader. Visually impaired users can get extra help with these documents from access.adobe.com.
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