September 15 is Greenpeace Day, a day to celebrate an inspiring organization that started from the humblest of roots. Read on to find out the history of Greenpeace, why it matters more today than ever, and how you can get involved.

We believe that a billion acts of courage can spark a brighter tomorrow.

Greenpeace Canada

The History of Greenpeace

The origins of Greenpeace are a testimonial to the power of each of us as individuals to make a difference. It started right here in Canada in 1971 when 12 ordinary people came together in Vancouver to protest offshore nuclear testing in Alaska. Their goal was to set sail to the Arctic in a fishing boat they named Green Peace.

Their mission attracted a lot of attention. To raise money, Joni Mitchell, Phil Ochs and James Taylor played a benefit concert for 16,000 people at Vancouver’s Pacific Coliseum.

The vessel never made it to Alaska, and the nuclear testing went ahead. But the protest turned broader public opinion. In early 1972, the United States abandoned the nuclear testing grounds at Amchitka Island. A movement was born.

Since then, Greenpeace has grown into the world’s most visible environmental organization, operating in 55 countries with millions of supporters around the world.

Greenpeace’s impact

From its humble roots, Greenpeace has had a significant impact. Their peaceful protests have succeeded in turning the tide on many policies, including:   

• A whaling moratorium adopted by the International Whaling Commission.
• A 50-year ban on mineral exploitation in Antarctica.
• Major clothing brands committing to eliminating discharges of hazardous chemicals from their supply chains and products.
• The cancellation of pipeline projects, logging initiatives and mining expansions that threatened sensitive ecosystems.

Learn more about the many initiatives on Greenpeace’s website.

Why Greenpeace matters more today than ever

We live in an increasingly unjust world. The gap between the top 1% and the rest of the population grows wider every day. And the world’s poorest countries pay the largest price for decisions made by the richest countries. 

Today, Greenpeace encourages peaceful protest to hold governments and corporations accountable for their actions. From their humble roots, their vision and values have remained steadfast.  

“Greenpeace seeks to:

• protect biodiversity in all its forms,
• prevent pollution and abuse of the earth’s ocean, land, air and fresh water,
• end all nuclear threats, promote peace, global disarmament and non-violence.”

How to get involved in Greenpeace Day

It’s easy to think that individual actions don’t make a difference. Greenpeace’s growth from a grassroots protest into a global organization proves that individual actions add up. Here are three ways you can get involved in Greenpeace Day. 

Sign a petition

You can do this today without leaving your home and it only takes a minute. Visit the Greenpeace Canada or Greenpeace International website and sign one of the many active petitions. Here are some that I signed:

• Keep Canada out of oil wars
• Stop arming Israel
• Fight the billionaire takeover
• Fast track climate solutions, not fossil fuels
• Tell Ontario Premier Doug Ford to repeal Bill 5

Volunteer

Like many organizations, Greenpeace needs volunteers to spread the word. Visit the website and sign up to be notified of volunteer activities in your area.

Donate

Greenpeace doesn’t take money from corporations or governments. They rely on individual donations. Consider making this worthy cause part of your charitable giving.

As I learned more about Greenpeace, this quote from Margaret Mead came to mind:

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead

Greenpeace Day is an opportunity for each of us to do our part to change the world for the better. The power is within us!