A burning passion8 April 2011
Thousands of people volunteer with their local Friends of the Earth group. So what's it like? Keith Kondakor, veteran of several incinerator campaigns, tells us his inspirational story.
Keith Kondakor has been involved with Nuneaton Friends of the Earth for several years, working on many campaigns.
Last year's big result was helping to stop a billion-pound incinerator proposed for Coventry, together with other local groups in Warwickshire and their allies.
We've not only stopped millions of tonnes of CO2 being emitted over the next 30 years, but also saved a few hundred million for the taxpayer.
Creative Campaigning!
Keith puts a lot of effort into campaigning - and a ton of creativity. One of his brainwaves was applying for the job of managing the proposed incinerator project at half the advertised salary! But he feels that tried and tested approaches and perseverance still make the difference.
For every off-the-wall stunt, there were many more times traditional campaigning, for which the wider local group network was vital.
Keith Kondakor
Winning is only half the story
It's successes like the Coventry incinerator which inspire Keith to push for further environmental change.
He continues to work with the Nuneaton group and others to promote positive alternatives to incineration and landfill.
With his track record, we wish him the best of luck!
A fuller version of this article is included in issue 78 of Earthmatters, our magazine for financial supporters.
Get involved locally
Find your nearest Friends of the Earth group and get involved in your own community.
© Friends of the Earth
