Eco-Warrior? Moi?

'Stroud Life' the new paper from The Citizen stable (see last two blog entries) features Green Mayor Cllr John Marjoram as an Eco-Warrior alongside wind entrepreneur Dale Vince and myself. Read my entry below and John Marjorams here.

Photo: Who is that guy?

I have to say I'm not so convinced I am worthy of the title - Green activist and campaigner maybe, but I do not have the glorious history or tales to tell about swimming with whalers or climbing coal-fired power stations. Certainly direct action is wholly legitimate in certain situations - read more below - and I have been a part of that but eco-warrior conjures up more glamorous activities. Although talking exotic I do remember once distributing Kanak independence leaflets over a weekend in the 1980s in New Caledonia - a Pacific island that remains a French colony today.

The French police took a very, very dim view of such activities - such literature I was informed was banned and I was inciting violence - far from it - I was advocating non-violence - sadly the issue remains one that virtually no one in this country is aware of....anyhow enough of this perhaps more of that in a blog another day...

Philip Booth, 47, has been a community activist and campaigner since his teens. His recognition of the need for urgent social and environmental change led to him being elected in May 2006 as the Green Party District Councillor for Randwick, Ruscombe and Whiteshill.

Philip moved to the Stroud area from Bristol in 1993, brought by the countryside, the creative energy and work. Then, he was managing services for adults with learning disabilities, but Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME meant he was himself disabled for a number of very difficult years. As health slowly returned the pen was the main tool of action. Seven years ago he became the Green Party's Press Officer, and still makes daily updates to the Green Party's website as well as keeping his own blog, Ruscombe Green (2000 visitors a month). He also works part time as a Community Mental Health worker.

Philip passionately believes that social justice is central to environmental justice and much of his work is based upon the green principle of acting locally while thinking globally. His enthusiastic involvement in a wide range of local activities includes a vigorous campaign to stop the expansion of Gloucestershire Airport, promoting energy efficiency and renewables, improving the water quality of our brooks and fighting the introduction of ID cards.

Philip has supported many non-violent direct actions and sees them as a legitimate form of political activity when traditional forms are blocked. Citing the example of airport demonstrations, he points out that scientists are virtually unanimous in saying we need immediate action on climate change, yet the Government still plans massive airport expansions.

Philip thinks that many eco-warriors and 'greens' could do more to focus on the positives of a greener life. He says we're sometimes seen as concentrating on negative campaigns such as being anti-nuclear, when in reality we are about creating a greener, more just and more enjoyable world. He is convinced that stronger communities, secure energy supplies, warmer homes, healthier food, and clean, safe, reliable public transport are all possible.

He sees eco-warriors as coming in many different forms and guises. He says the clock is ticking on climate change and whether eco-warriors are championing local food and insulating their homes, or demonstrating in trees, they are needed more than ever for a better world.

Philip's blog has been listed amongst the top Green blogs and linked to sites like the New Statesman, and is found at: http://ruscombegreen.blogspot.com

(you are already at the blog if you are reading this!).