The Mule is a not-for-profit, UK-wide project committed to using media and mass distribution as a tool for promoting social, environmental and economic justice. Currently a quarterly newspaper is produced with a circulation of 20,000 copies, handed out free, on the streets of Britain.

There are environmental concerns about adding to the great amount of paper already being circulated on a daily basis in the UK, much of which, particularly when indiscriminately thrust into the hands of rushed commuters, ends up going to landfill or incincerators. However, Notts Indymedia volunteers decided they were interested in having an alternative free newspaper in the region, which could take local issues often unreported or misreported in other media outlets to a new/wider audience. It is an opportunity to develop and promote local, independent grass roots media with the print medium.

"We hope The Mule can fill the free-paper gap between disposable culture and disposable commercial news. Something that informs people's lives and not just their journey to work."