The Kitchen Table Activist: 3 Things you can do right now that matter

By now, you know real-life activism is one of the core ways Ben & Jerry’s stands up and fights for what we believe in. We don’t shy away rolling up our sleeves either - being on the frontline at rallies, marches and protests to make sure our voices are heard. What you might also know is Ben & Jerry – our founders – actually got arrested for their social justice activism this time 4 years ago.

So, in keeping with current rules and making sure no-one gets arrested, we thought we would help our fellow activists remain action-ists over a time when we can’t leave the house. We have rounded up all the things you might have missed in these weirdest of times and invite you to join us in getting our voice heard! 

Fight against the coal mine expansion under Sydney’s Water Basin:

Wait what? While everything has been going on with Covid-19, the NSW Government approved a coal mine under a drinking water catchment? This doesn’t sound good, and that’s because it isn’t.

As environmentalists point out, it’s a direct threat to the water that millions of people drink. If the roof of the mine collapses, the threat of water contamination will be there forever. And all of this was done without community consultation.  

What can I do about it?

Decisions this big shouldn’t be made without meaningful community consultation. Join us in contacting the Minister for Planning to ask that a block is placed on all planning decisions until a good plan is developed that allows for meaningful community consultation. 

Politicians are literally paid to listen, so let’s speak! You can contact Minister Stokes here. And for those who haven’t written to an MP before, our friends at Climate Council have this nifty guide ready and waiting.

 

 

#StopAdani and Save the Reef

The magnificent underwater world that is the Great Barrier Reef is more at threat than ever – along with the 60,000 jobs that the reef sustains. In early April, the Great Barrier Reef suffered it’s worst mass bleaching ever. 

You have probably heard about the proposed mega coal mine Adani in Queensland, set to do all kinds of damage to the natural environment and ruin pristine natural landscapes. Ben & Jerry’s have fought to #StopAdani and we will keep fighting until we know the reef is no longer threatened! 

What can I do about it?

Want to join the movement? There is so much you can do, from helping to pressure contractors working with Adani to exposing Adani’s bad side, you have an important role to play. Join us here to #StopAdani

Tasmania’s ancient forests are up for logging

In Tasmania, 356,000 hectares of forests that should be in protected reserves became available for logging on 8 April. Instead of being protected forever, these ancient pristine forests have been made available for logging again. Despite the fact that these forests are so old they literally survived the last ice age, they (and the wildlife that live among them) won’t survive logging. 

What can I do about it?

Write a letter, call or email the person who makes decisions on this, and let them know why the forests should be left alone. You can join us in contacting MP Peter Gutwein, Tasmanian Minister for Climate Change here.

And just so you know that everything you do is all worth it? Here’s a good news story for you.