Lobbying is the process by which you put your case directly to decision-makers. If you want to prevent harm to the local environment or argue for an environmental improvement, you can lobby your local MP or councillors at their regular surgery. Or you might lobby the whole council at a council meeting.
Write to your representatives. Invite them to see evidence of the problem you are complaining about. Personalised letters make more impact than 'form' letters where you just add your signature.
Politicians are lobbied frequently and they won't remember every conversation so prepare a printed briefing to give to them when you lobby them. Your briefing should state what the issue is, why you are concerned about it, and what you are demanding.
Pre-empt bad environmental decisions by being present at consultations. Many local authorities have environment or parks forums. There are frequent consultations on transport issues and planning applications. Find out what forums your council has and when they meet. When you hear of new developments ask questions about potential environmental hazards.
If you fail in your attempt to prevent an environmentally harmful decision, organise a campaign to pressurise the decision-makers into changing their minds. Find like-minded people – neighbours, workmates and local groups – and prepare a short and simple petition.
Give the campaign a name, set up a website, and contact the local media. Organise a public event such as a meeting, a stall at a local fete, a press conference or a demonstration with placards and leaflets.
Remember that you want to change people's minds, so attack documents and decisions not individual people. Be prepared for a long campaign!
