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The resources here are specifically designed for use by experts.
Briefings
Consultation Responses
Event Presentations
Evidence
Factsheets
Reports
Slash Not Burn
(PDF† 82KB) March 2008
Why UK biofuel targets should be stopped.
What's feeding our food?
(PDF† 2.2MB) December 2008
What's feeding our food? A summary
(PDF† 1.1MB) December 2008
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
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 - executive summary
(PDF† 523K) November 2007
How UK Government support for GM crops undermines sustainable farming policies.
Planting prejudice - full report
(PDF† 350K) 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.
Up in smoke
(PDF† 154K) 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.
Stopping the waste
(PDF† 358K) September 2007
This briefing explains why the EU Waste Framework Directive is important, what is happening in the current review, what key changes Friends of the Earth are calling for, and answers some common questions.
Anaerobic Digestion
(PDF† 121K) September 2007
With strong public opposition from local communities to incineration, local authorities are increasingly looking for other means to tackle the UK's growing waste problem. One such technique, explained in this briefing, is the process of anaerobic digestion (AD).
Recycling: why its important and how to do it (PDF† 170K) September 2007
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† 125K) September 2007
This briefing outlines the advantages of separating recyclable materials at the kerbside in doorstep collection schemes.
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.
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.
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.
If Tesco really wants to be green...
(PDF† 88K) July 2006
This briefing examines the reality behind Tesco's environmental claims, and highlights what Friends of the Earth believes Tesco should be doing if it is serious about the claims it has made.
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.
Dirty truths: incineration and climate change (PDF† 755K) May 2006
This briefing summarises the report A changing climate for energy from waste?. It 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.
Who benefits from GM crops? Monsanto and the corporate-driven genetically modified crop revolution
(PDF† 843K) January 2006
Who benefits from GM crops: Key Facts
(PDF† 46K) January 2006
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 provides information for campaigners to get local planning policies that favour local food and local shops instead of more big supermarkets.
How to...oppose a supermarket planning application
(PDF† 152K) Sepember 2005
This briefing is a guide to help local campaigners to oppose supermarket applications in their local areas.
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.
From waste to resource: a new strategy for 2005 (PDF† 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. For more on Friends of the Earth's position also see Target recycling: aiming for 50 per cent and beyond (PDF† )
The Tesco Takeover
(PDF† format - 194K) Jun 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.
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.
Summary of Legal Opinion in the matter of co-existence, traceability and labelling of GMOs
(PDF† 18K) March 2005
One page summary of the new legal opinion below.
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".
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.
Biowaste: a guide for local campaigners
(PDF† 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).
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.
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.
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.
Local authority recycling and EU Laws
(PDF† 59K) September 2004
Policies made by the UK Government have a significant impact on local waste orientated decision making. However, the decisions made at a European level have by far the greatest influence.This briefing note outlines some recent developments and suggests what the implications will be for local authorities.
New waste technologies
(PDF† 82K) September 2004
Waste disposal authorities are increasingly looking at new technologies to deal with waste other than landfill or incineration.This briefing offers guidance on the questions local campaigners should be asking when deciding whether to support new proposals.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Mechanical and biological treatment
(PDF† 171K) March 2004
Traditionally, most municipal waste in the UK has been landfilled and more recently there has been a trend towards incineration. Mechanical and biological treatment is a new option for dealing with our waste. This briefing examines the process and explains the potential benefits and disadvantages of using this technology.
Market Forces
(PDF† 124K) October 2002, updated Feb 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.
Herbicide use and GM crops
(PDF† 129K) October 2002, updated Feb 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.
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.
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.
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.
Money to burn - perverse subsidies for incineration (PDF† 404K) December 2003
This briefing looks at the tax breaks and subsidies that incineration currently receives. Much of this investment is driven by energy policy, through exemptions in the Climate Change Levy and the Renewables Obligation, but these exemptions don't fit with current waste policy. We need joined up thinking to introduce incentives that deliver on both waste and energy policy goals.
Home grown apples in short supply...
(PDF† 46K) 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.
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 signficant areas of floorspace may have signficant 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† SPAN class=small> 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.
Genetically Modified Crops and Food
(PDF† ) July 2001, updated Jan 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
The way forward on waste
(PDF† 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.
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.
Pyrolysis and gasification
(PDF† 105K) October 2002
This briefing explains how pyrolysis and gasification processes work and what their benefits and disadvantages are. It also looks at which companies are involved in developing this technology in the UK.
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.
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?
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.
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 (GMOs). This will become increasingly difficult to achieve if GM crops are grown widely in the UK.
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.
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.
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.
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† 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† 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.
The Farm Scale Trial crops - GM maize, beet and oilseed rape
(PDF† PAN class=small> December 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.
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.
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.
Waste streams in the UK
(PDF† 76K) February 2001
This briefing examines the various types of waste including municipal waste (mostly household waste), commercial waste, industrial waste, agricultural waste and hazardous waste. It also looks at the way each waste stream is managed.
Recycling in action
(PDF† 2.1M) February 2001
This report details 15 leading and innovative recycling schemes across England and Wales. It is intended to help persuade local councillors to set high recycling targets, and is full of interesting ideas on how to achieve these. Written by the Community Recycling Network for Friends of the Earth.
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.
Contaminated GM Crops
(PDF† ) May 2000
The accidental' release of GM oilseed rape into the UK countryside.
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
Dec 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
Oct 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
Sept 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
Feb 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.
Toxic tips
(PDF† 30K) 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.
Paper recycling - exposing the myths
November 1997
This briefing examines the arguments surrounding the potential environmental impacts of paper recycling in relation to energy use, pollution, contribution to climate change and in comparison to incineration as a waste management option.
The Environmental Threats of the Kielder Transfer Scheme
October 1997
Inter-river transfers are used to redistribute water from areas of surplus supply to those where there is a
shortage of water. Such projects may cause serious environmental and social impacts.
Sustainability and Logging In Canada's Forests
October 1997
This briefing examines the current forest management practices in Canada and assesses whether they are sustainable.
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.
Lost at sea? - Shoreline management plans and coastal defences
August 1997
This briefing reviews progress of the first set of plans in their attempts to ensure habitat compensation for the inevitable losses that lie ahead.
The environmental consequences of pulp and paper manufacture
October 1996
The aim of this briefing is to provide a general understanding of the processes and issues associated with the paper manufacturing process
Environmental assessment of drought orders and permits
July 1996
Drought orders, emergency measures for use in times of drought, are being abused to meet rising demands for water.
Out of the woods - Reducing wood consumption to save the world's forests
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 remedies relating to supply chain practices
(PDF† 93K) March 2008
Competition Commission: Provisional decision on planning remedies
(PDF† 100K) March 2008
Friends of the Earth's response to Leeds University's application to grow GM potatoes
(PDF† 121K) March 2008
Consultation on recycling targets for packaging for 2008 and thereafter
(PDF† format - 202K) November 2007
Our response to Defra's consultation on proposals for revisions to packaging recycling targets.
Friends of the Earth's response to the Competition Commission: Notice of Possible Remedies
(PDF† 175K) November 2007
Response to consultation on sustainable consumption and production action plan
(PDF† 276K) September 2007
Friends of the Earth's response to the European Commission's consultation on a Sustainable Consumption and Production Action Plan, and for a Sustainable Industrial Policy.
Response to consultation on waste indicators for local authorities
(PDF† 35K) August 2007
This is Friends of the Earth's response to the Defra consultation on waste indicators for local authorities.
Response to consultation on recycling incentives for households
(PDF† 72K) August 2007
This is Friends of the Earth's response to the Defra consultation on recycling incentives for households.
Friends of the Earth's objection to BASF's GM blight-resistant potato trials
(PDF† 52K) April 2007
Environmental Liability Directive
(PDF† 63K)
February 2007
Friends of the Earth's response to DEFRA's Consultation on options for implementing the
Environmental Liability Directive.
GM 'coexistence' consultation - Summary of the legal opinion
(PDF† 209K) November 2006
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
Friends of the Earth's response to Consultation on the ACRE report on "Managing the Footprint of Agriculture: Towards a Comparative Assessment of Risks and Benefits for Novel Agricultural Systems"
(PDF† 68K) June 2006
Friends of the Earth's response to the Competition Commission: Grocery Market Investigation
(PDF† 68K) June 2006
This is Friends of the Earth's first submission to the Competition Commission's grocery market investigation.
Consultation on the Review of Waste Strategy 2000 - Response from Friends of the Earth
(PDF† 602K) May 2006
This is Friends of the Earth's response to the Defra consultation on the Review of Waste Strategy 2000, the Government's waste strategy for England. The consultation closed on 9th May 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 reponse 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† ) 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† ) 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† ) 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† ) 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† ) 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† ) 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
Jan 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.
Sustainable forestry in the UK
August 1995
Friends of the Earth's Paper to the Government Panel on Sustainable Development - Forests
Climate change and waste management: why we should Stop the Waste
(PDF† 169K) September 2006
Presentation given by Dr Michael Warhurst, Senior Campaigner in the Reduce Resource Use team, at Friends of the Earth's Labour Party Conference fringe meeting 'Reducing the climate change impacts of waste management'.
Stopping the waste: setting a long term direction for EU waste policy
(PDF† 800K) September 2006
Presentation given by Dr Michael Warhurst, Senior Campaigner in the Reduce Resource Use team, to European parliamentary hearing on the current review of the European Union's Waste Framework Directive.
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.
Proposal for a market study for OFT consideration
(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.
40 worst condition ships in the US
(PDF† 404K) December 2003
A US Marine Administration document detailing the 40 worst condition ships in the US "ghost fleet" of which 9 (marked with X) are intended to be sent across the Atlantic for dismantling in Teesside. In total 13 ships are due to be exported to the UK from the US.
Audit report on scrapping obsolete vessels
(PDF† 2.4M) December 2003
A US Marine Administration report which describes the environmental threat the "ghost fleet" ships pose to the fragile environment in Virginia, USA, due to the poor condition of the ships and the waste oils and hazardous chemicals on board.
Report to congress on scrapping obsolete vessels
(PDF† 70K) December 2003
A US Marine Administration document in which the President of the US Shipbuilders of America states that the US has the capacity to scrap all the ghost fleet ships within a 5 year period.
Submission to the Environmental Audit Committee on the Pesticides Voluntary Initiative from Friends of the Earth and PAN-UK.
(PDF† 100K) Dec 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.
Friends of the Earth's response to oral evidence of Peter Mandelson
(PDF† ) November 2003
Response to Peter Mandelson's statements at the select committee hearing on the ghost fleet on 19th November.
Why the voluntary initiative will not deliver on the Government's pesticide objectives -a submission by Friends of the Earth and PAN-UK.
(PDF† ) 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.
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.
The fleet for disposal
(PDF† ) July 1997
Appendix A from the US Marine Administration report, 'Environmental assessment of the sale of national defense reserve fleet vessels for scrapping'. Report MA-ENV-820-96003.
Polychlorinated biphenyls in vessels
(PDF† ) July 1997
Appendix C from the US Marine Administration report, 'Environmental assessment of the sale of national defense reserve fleet vessels for scrapping'. Report MA-ENV-820-96003.
EU Landfill Directive and Waste Strategy
(PDF† 132K) September 2002
This factsheet outlines the targets contained in the EU Landfill Directive and the Government's Waste Strategy.
Recycling: Can local authorities afford it?
(PDF† 53K) February 2002
It costs money to provide households with a quality doorstep recycling and composting service. This factsheet outlines the costs and assesses whether the money already provided by the government is enough.
Malaysian palm oil - green gold or green wash?
( PDF † 1.6MB) 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† 1.4MB) May 2008
An assessment of the expected effectiveness of applying sustainability criteria to agrofuel and animal feedstock production in the Mercosur region.
Executive Summary - Losing Ground: The human rights impacts of oil palm plantation expansion in Indonesia
(PDF† 153K) 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. 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.
Residual waste research
(PDF† 276K) June 2007
This report analyses what materials are likely to be in residual municipal waste after high levels of reuse, recycling and composting. Please also see this note on the report.
A changing climate for energy from waste? (PDF† 798K) May 2006
This report investigates the climate impacts of energy from waste and residual waste treatment. It is summarised in the briefing Dirty truths: incineration and climate change.
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 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.
Greasy Palms - The social and ecological impacts of large-scale oil palm plantation developmen 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 - 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.
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.
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.
Science as a smokescreen?
(PDF† 793K) March 2003
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.
Local food, future directions
(PDF† 1.53MB) 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† 435K) June 2002
An investigation into the economic, environmental and social benefits of a local food project on Merseyside.
Communities speak out on waste
(PDF† 981K) June 2002
In this research report over fifty community groups, working on local waste issues around the UK, share their experiences and give their recommendations for the Government.
Get real about food and farming - Friends of the Earth's vision for the future of farming in the UK
(PDF† 819K) 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.
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) July 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.
Beyond the bin: The economics of waste management options
(PDF† 576K) March 2000
This report is intended to enable better decision-making in local and central Government on waste management, by looking at the financial and environmental costs of various options.
A summary report is also available - for a copy please get in touch.
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:
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.
Landfill campaign guide
(PDF† 550K) June 1997
A comprehensive guide for campaigning against landfill.
†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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