Archived press release

The Big Ask wins award for best green website

13 November 2008

The award for best green website was given to Friends of the Earth's website, thebigask.com, at the Green Awards in London last night (12 November 2008). The website was a key part of The Big Ask, the environmental organisation's hugely successful campaign for a climate change law which has led to the UK introducing world-first legal limits on emissions of climate-changing gases.

The Big Ask website, which was developed with CHI & Partners, invited members of the public to get on board a virtual flight to Parliament and make it one plane the Government could not ignore.

By booking a seat on the plane individuals sent a message to their MP calling on the Government to stop ignoring pollution from planes and ships and include them in the Climate Change Bill.

Thanks to the actions of more than 200,000 people across the UK who wrote, emailed and visited their MP, The Big Ask successfully persuaded the Government to introduce a strong climate law which covers all the UK's emissions. The law is set to be introduced later this month.

The Big Ask website was designed to mimic an airline booking site - giving individuals the chance to choose a seat next to friends, colleagues or celebrity supporters including Thom Yorke, Sean Hughes, KT Tunstall, Lloyd Grossman and Johnny Borrell. Passengers also had the opportunity to view a light hearted video depicting the virtual plane's flight to Parliament.

A series of quirky animations featuring other planes that are difficult to ignore - including a rocker, a pearly queen and a stripper - were also launched to bring the campaign's attention to new audiences.

Friends of the Earth's Head of Communications, Adeela Warley, said:

"We are delighted to have won the Green Award for best website. The Big Ask website helped us reach out and engage new audiences and give people a way of making their voices heard. It's thanks to the actions of hundreds of thousands of people across the UK that we are about to see the introduction of a groundbreaking new climate change law - people power really can make a difference in the fight to stop our planet overheating!"

CHI & Partners creative team, Nick Pringle and Clark Edwards, state:

"In light of the serious subject matter, we wanted to do something that wasn't too preachy and that also rewarded people for taking the time to sign up. We are really pleased this was recognized at the Green Awards this year."

Notes to editors

1. The Green Awards were set up to recognise and reward creative work that communicates the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility, sustainable development and ethical best practice in any sector and across any marketing discipline.

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust