Archived press release

Friends of the earth director demands better business in the midlands

1 February 2003

The new director of Friends of the Earth will call on businesses in the Midlands to develop a better relationship with local communities today when he speaks at the final event in the group's week of activities 'Challenging Corporate Power in the Midlands' [1].

Tony Juniper, who took over as director of the national environmental group in January this year, will speak at the Open House session at the Carrs Lane Church Centre at midday. A leading campaigner for improved business accountability, Juniper recently returned from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he pressed the case for international business reform [2].

The Open House day brings to a close a week of activities launched with the publication of Friends of the Earth's report highlighting cases where business activities in the Midlands have had a damaging impact on local communities and the environment [3]. The week also included a debate on the role and responsibilities of big business, a celebration of local food and a festival of film.

Local environmental campaigners, students and members of the public will join Friends of the Earth's international corporate campaign mascot - an inflatable 30-foot high business man - for a programme of workshops, talks and films at the Open House, running from 10.30am - 5pm.

Friends of the Earth Director Tony Juniper said:
"It is in the long-term interest of business to look after the environment, and to listen to the views of people in their communities. But this is often forgotten in pursuit of short-term financial advantage. We cannot afford to keep ignoring the environmental, health and social impacts of business activities. If we do, the living planet we all depend on will itself be going out of business. Companies here in the Midlands must do their bit and support the call for greater corporate accountability".

Notes

[1] See www.bigbusinessexposed.com
[2] See www.foe.co.uk/pubsinfo/infoteam/pressrel/2003/20030117100025.html
[3] See www.foe.co.uk/corporates/resources/media

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust