Greenpeace

As you read this, there are eight Greenpeace activists trapped inside an office, surrounded by an angry mob of 300 loggers in trucks, vans and on motorbikes.  You can read more about the story here. 

Shortly after arriving in the office this morning, I learned Greenpeace activists in the Amazon were trapped inside a government building that was surrounded by loggers. As I was updated on the situation, there were chills running down my spine. I can't make believe to know exactly how they are feeling, but do remember what it is like to be surrounded by an angry mob in the Amazon.

Last year, I went to the Amazon to take action with other activists and close down Cargill's illegal soya plant  in Santarem. Shortly after we arrived at the facility, our ship and the plant were surrounded by angry soya ranchers and farmers.  I can remember standing on the deck of the Arctic Sunrise and watching boat after boat of angry men screaming and shooting fireworks at the ship.  Eventually, the Captain decided the situation was too dangerous and we were all ordered down into the hold of the ship.  Because I was fielding media inquiries, I ended up with 2 other people in the radio operators room just next to the deck.  As the angry mob boarded the Arctic Sunrise, we could hear them breaking windows, knocking in doors, firing fireworks and screaming.  Even though I was comforted to be with other activists, knowing that we were trapped inside with nowhere to go was still very frightening.  Eventually, the military and federal police boarded and the men went back to their boats. 

It's almost 5:30 in DC and it's for some of us to head home for the day.  I am inspired by the work our activists were there to do today and waiting to hear about their safe return.  Stay tuned, I'll make sure to update you all as soon as we hear something.

In solidarity,

jess 

So after a pretty long hiatus from posting here, I'm back.  I'm headed to the X-Games this week and I figure, that is as good of a reason to post as I am going to get. A few years ago, the X-Games started using FSC-certified wood on all of their ramps and Greenpeace was there to see a greener games in 2004.  Greenpeace, along with the ASEC had worked hard to get the X-Games to commit to FSC-certified woods and other green initiatives.  Read more about our trip to the Games in 2004. It was great to see the Games take such an important step towards environmental responsibility.  The good news is, this year they have gone even further. There's even more FSC wood, composting, carbon reduction, you name it.

I've always wanted to go the the summer X-games. Skateboarding, moto-X and surfing are all sports I really like watching (some of which I have tried to learn) and now I am going to get a chance to watch the games in person and maybe if I'm lucky even get to meet some of the athletes.  The Games start on Thursday and run through the weekend.  Unfortunately, I have to leave on Friday to get back to NYC for a family party but I am going to make the best out of the days I am there.  I promise to post as many pics as I can.  I can't wait to see this greener version of the X-Games.