Who we are And how we work

Together we make things happen

The first images of Earth from space inspired a movement of people who wanted to protect the only planet we have to call home. It looked beautiful yet vulnerable.

Friends of the Earth stands with anyone who cares about the world we live in, whether you’re a first time supporter or a seasoned campaigner. We work with local groups, experts, business leaders and politicians. And we push for change on causes that matter to you:

Protecting your home and local environment.
Promoting safe and healthy food and water everywhere.
Supporting alternative energy solutions that can change the world for the better for everyone.

Together, with us, your voice is louder, your actions more significant, your impact greater. We’re with you every step of the way: supporting your local community, defending human rights, protecting nature, moving mountains.

Together, with you, we are determined to change the world for good, creating a cleaner, healthier, fairer world for everyone, for today and generations to come.

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Did you know we did this?

How we got the UK recycling

A Friends of the Earth campaign that led to recycling collections on your doorstep.

How we got the UK recycling

A Friends of the Earth campaign that led to recycling collections on your doorstep.

How we made climate change history

Thanks to campaigners and people like you, the UK government brought in the historic Climate Change Act.

How we made climate change history

Thanks to campaigners and people like you, the UK government brought in the historic Climate Change Act.

Our history
48 years of campaigns in pictures

Check out our images of just some of the amazing campaigns that our supporters have helped win over the past four decades.

Our history
48 years of campaigns in pictures

Check out our images of just some of the amazing campaigns that our supporters have helped win over the past four decades.

Together we make the difference

Beat climate change

Information about climate change, its causes, impacts, solutions — and what you can do to help.

Beat climate change

Information about climate change, its causes, impacts, solutions — and what you can do to help.

Flamborough Head, Yorkshire. Cliffs and stony sea with stone pillar at foot of cliffs.

Save EU environmental protections

As Britain leaves the European Union, what are the prospects for our air quality, beaches and wildlife? And what protections will there be for our bees?

Save EU environmental protections

As Britain leaves the European Union, what are the prospects for our air quality, beaches and wildlife? And what protections will there be for our bees?

A seagull picks a plastic crisp packet from the sea

Reduce plastic waste

The leading campaign against plastic pollution – including facts about plastic and the environment, and how to avoid single-use plastics.

Reduce plastic waste

The leading campaign against plastic pollution – including facts about plastic and the environment, and how to avoid single-use plastics.

Save the bees

British bees need your help. Lots of our precious species are in danger of extinction. Find out how you can help to reverse bee decline in the UK.

Save the bees

British bees need your help. Lots of our precious species are in danger of extinction. Find out how you can help to reverse bee decline in the UK.

Fight air pollution

Learn about air pollution and what's happening in the clean air campaign

Fight air pollution

Learn about air pollution and what's happening in the clean air campaign

$Nanas against fracking$

Stop fracking

Fracking is controversial and unpopular. It is not the solution to our energy needs or climate change. Join us to help keep fossil fuels in the ground.

Stop fracking

Fracking is controversial and unpopular. It is not the solution to our energy needs or climate change. Join us to help keep fossil fuels in the ground.

Our local groups in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Friends of the Earth England, Wales and Northern Ireland has local groups – and affiliated groups – in around 150 neighbourhoods. That makes us the largest grassroots environmental campaigning community in the UK.

These groups are run by thousands of volunteers from all types of backgrounds, including teachers, nurses, lawyers, students, grandparents and more. They bring people together to improve their local environment, and see off polluting and unjust proposals.

Find out what your nearest group is working on. If there isn't one, consider starting a new one. Check out our resources for local groups.

Our amazing community

When you join Friends of the Earth, you become part of the biggest grassroots environmental campaigning community in the world. It covers 75 countries – from Norway to Australia, from South Korea to Colombia.

We're talking around 5,000 local activist groups and over 2 million members and supporters worldwide. All of them doing incredible things for a healthier, fairer world.

Make a donation

There’s never been a better time to be a Friend of the Earth

Join Friends of the Earth today