Julien Pritchard interviews Steven D Quirke
How long have you been volunteering with BFoE?
Since October 2012, just over a year and a bit.
What do you do here?
I’m the in-house graphic designer, producing campaign/marketing material for events. In addition to that, every two months I get to swear at the office colour printer (or stop others swearing at it) as I produce the layout, source the photos, print, fold and staple all 500 copies of the newsletter you’re currently holding.
What do you like about working here?
The people, the fact it’s in Birmingham. I get to do what I love (the design work) and alongside the little ego trip of pointing to something, poster, flyer or newsletter, and saying “I did that”, knowing I’m doing it for the good guys as well.
What have you learnt from volunteering with BFoE?
Birmingham Police can’t tell the difference between a push bike and a Range Rover; never bring in sour cream and chives pretzels in, as others in the office will jump on them and you’ll never see them again (the pretzels); I can be really loud at times without realising it (sorry guys); but mainly that no matter how rubbish the world and those that run it are, there are people willing to give their time and effort to stand up against it all.
What do you think is the most important environmental issue and why?
To my mind it’s short-sightedness: only considering the short-term “benefits” whilst doing something. For example; building housing estates on greenbelt without considering the need for greater public transport links or other infrastructure. This results in greater use of private vehicles, and therefore further congestion and pollution, as well as the loss of land that could be used for future agriculture and food production.
What’s your best green tip/advice?
Check yourself and your actions. Once you’re happy with what you’re doing, start checking what those “above” you are doing, and if you don’t agree, let them know in no uncertain terms.
