Welcome to our newest members!

Waitsfield, Vermont, like most ski towns, is filled with people who are generally pretty darn happy. The social life of a Valley resident (or a 1% for the Planet employee) revolves around enthusiastic discussion of the outdoor pursuit du jour, or actually getting out and partaking wholeheartedly in that activity. Grins are standard. But this December has been a different story.

When weather doesn’t cooperate, people take a turn to the dark side… especially in the early winter when memories of the previous season’s bounty tantalize us. This past week I’ve seen people stare up at the sky with looks on their faces usually only employed by seven year olds hoping to reprimand their parents for withholding desert. The feeling of tension in town is palpable, and our office is not immune.

Thankfully, release came today with 2-6 inches of new snow over fast grass at Mad River Glen. The 1% team, sporting grins once more, was there early to welcome winter to the valley by hiking a few early morning runs. All this welcoming has me thinking about another long-overdue welcome–the one we owe our most recent 1% members!

Bamboodha is the first out of the gate this week. They’re based in Australia but will ship their bamboo towels anywhere. And best of all, they’re giving away copies of the 1% for the Planet CD! If you haven’t heard it yet, check it out.

The Aromatropolis The Aromatropolis retails printed materials online which concisely convey the complex properties of essential oils.  This is an emerging, woman-owned business developing media in different formats to enhance the experience of the essential oil enthusiast.  Currently they offer a limited-edition, 18″x24″ print and carrying card relating the properties of the twenty most common essential oils.  Future plans include the development of brick-and-mortar locations to retail their products and create healing environments for patrons. The Aromatropolis and parent company Bright Blue Green LLC seek to raise the bar for environmental and social responsibility in business.

David C Dixon LLC offers LEED and sustainability consulting to Food and Beverage corporations. David, proprietor and avid outdoorsman (who would have fit in well at Mad River this morning), has been involved in some of the largest LEED food manufacturing facilities built in the past 6 years, and has helped name brand companies reduce their environmental impact and pursue “closed-loop” technologies. David says that “1% for the Planet is a great initiative which can offer corporate decision makers a “brand” similar to LEED that they can trust, that earns them recognition, and provides funding for vetted organizations.” Glad to have you David!

Keep your eye on Exout for deals on outdoor gear for every sort of pursuit, summer or winter. You’ll find steals for members as low as 70% off retail–stock up and feel good that 1% is going back to the environment!

Gone Surfing Hawaii specializes in surf lessons and customized surf tours in the Hawaiian Islands. Need a break from winter? Check ‘em out!

The Green Line‘s proprietor Janine on coming to 1%: “Discovering 1% For The Planet was the missing to piece to my puzzle.  I always knew I wanted to give back but I didn’t have the proper platform.  Since becoming a 1% member, now I have the resources to do what I always wanted to do:  Give back to something meaningful to me.” Janine is giving to Oceana, so when you purchase her jewelry you’ll know her 1% is going to a good cause!

Hug on a Rug is based in our very own state of Vermont and offers hand-made rugs. They’re still working on their web presence but check back soon to see what they’re up to.

Integral Dialogue Project is a consulting company committed to the greater purpose of “co-creating a better world by empowering people to lead.” They believe we all possess interpersonal greatness. By facilitating and engaging individuals and organizations in generative dialogue there exist the potential to create this ‘better world’ through a sharing process of innovative perspectives – and transformational change.

Integral Ecology Group is a specialist company focusing on applied ecological and cultural research by providing consulting services that interface between human land uses and their supporting and surrounding environments. They have done everything from reclamation projects following source extraction to analysis of traditional land use.

KAVAJ has you covered when it comes to protecting your iPad, Xoom or other tablets with great looking cases.

Ever hear that Uncle Cracker song with the line about being “as cool as the flip side of my pillow?” Well… Polar Pillow is an award-winning cooling pillow that uses specialized gel technology to generate coolness. PolarPillow has identified Philippe Cousteau’s EarthEcho International as its first beneficiary, and will be helping to inspire the next generation to care for the earth.

Tulan supplies everything you need for yoga, from mats to clothing and you can feel good about buying from them!

Welcome all!

Tags: "1% for the planet", 1% members, 1%FTP, climate, energy, Mad River Glen, One Percent for the Planet, polar pillow, sustainability
Posted in 1% For The Planet Community, Monthly Member Updates, News

1% Named Among 30 Best Environmental Non-Profits by Outside Magazine

We are honored and humbled by Outside Magazine’s inclusion of 1% for the Planet in their list of the top 30 environmental organizations on the planet. Click here for the article on Outside’s website or see scanned image below of the 1% section.

THE YEAR OF GIVING ADVENTUROUSLY By: KATE SIBER AND THE OUTSIDE MAGAZINE EDITORS

You’re ready to act on those good intentions, but how do you know the organizations you’re backing deserve your trust? Here are the 30 best—smartly managed groups with transparent financials, efficient spending, and track records of on-the-ground success.

Citizen philanthropy is on the rise—and so are the nonprofits. Here are the 30 organizations and innovators truly making a difference, delivering health care in rural Asia, distributing bikes in Africa, and championing preservation in your backyard. Plus: Carbon-eating superplants, why the solar-powered car is MIA, and more.

THE ORGANIZATIONS
Shelterbox
American Himalayan Foundation
Oceana
Kiva
1% for the Planet
Big City Mountaineers
African Wildlife Foundation
American Forests
World Bicycle Relief
Water For People
Climate Counts
Ioby
American Trails
The Marine Mammal Center
Afghan Child Education and Care Organization
Foundation Rwanda
Environmental Defense Fund
Trekking for Kids
American Rivers
Health in Harmony
Pathfinder International
Rainforest Alliance
Technoserve
Vital Voices Global Partnership
World Wildlife Fund

Posted in News

New faces at 1%

When I pick up the phone at 1% I’m always prepared for a surprise. Eight months after my first phone call I’ve finally figured out that solicitations from Publishers Clearing House usually don’t pan out, but I still get excited. While I’ll be the first to admit that I consider myself among the “One Percent,” our fringe benefits come in the form of lunch time yogs, not yachts. An extra million here or there wouldn’t hurt. When I answer and it’s Jeff Denholm, founder of Atira Systems and Patagonia ambassador on the line, it’s almost as good as winning big.

Jeff’s company provides fire protection services that mitigate the highly detrimental environmental and health effects of fighting wildfires. He and his team (advised by luminaries including Nell Newman and Rick Ridgeway) have reworked every facet of the industry to eliminate harmful chemicals and carcinogens that are hazardous to firefighters on the front line and equally bad for the ecosystems they work to protect. To top it off, Atira Systems is now a 1% for the Planet member.

Check out Jeff’s remarkable story:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuS3QuInGoo&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL528898BF7EBA380D

New member Château de Chéronne can take you back to the 1500′s when the castle-turned-weekend-escape was constructed on 400 hectares of woodlands in the Perche Sarthois. The moat and drawbridges were removed in the  17th century to make it easier for guest to join them for overnights and special events.

Dancing Snow is a Japan-based company that specializes in providing their clients to the deepest powder turns of their lives. Let them introduce you to the kind of fluffy white stuff that makes you drool at Teton Gravity Research premiers every fall. In the summers they offer kayaking tours to boot!

Eden Groupe joins us from France and specializes in real estate development with a conscience, giving back 1% of everything they do!

Expedition Broker is based in Haines, Alaska, a recreation paradise (having lived there for two summers I can vouch!). Let owner Greg Schlachter set you up with the finest guides the area has to offer for your next fishing, skiing, climbing or surfing–yes, Alaskan surfing–adventure.

HDRcreme

Tags: "1% for the planet", 1% members, 1%FTP, Château de Chéronne, Eden Groupe, expedition broker, fire, France, new members, One Percent for the Planet, Patagonia, philanthropy, ski, skiing
Posted in 1% For The Planet Community, Members, Monthly Member Updates, News

Need a boost spreading the word about your nonprofit?

Swimfish, 1% for the Planet member and CRM expert, would like to partner with a group that is focused on protecting oceans, rivers or wildlife.

Their clients include IBM, Fidelity Investments and the University of California, and they want to put that expertise to work telling your story. They will implement their Microsoft-based CRM solution, Relationships 2.0 for free and provide free use until the end of 2011. In 2012 they will discount their fee by $2,000. They will also provide awareness through their social networking sites and website and can have the ball rolling within two weeks.

Drop Ashley Alnwick a line at +1 978 767-2713 or email her at ashley.alnwick@swimfish.com to get started!

Posted in News

Great things happening in new membership…

While it comes as no surprise, the latest addition to the 1% for the Planet family includes companies who are approaching business in unconventional ways and as a result doing good things for their bottom line and for the planet.

RareForm is one of my favorites. Based in Camarillo, CA, owners and adventure buddies Alec Avedissian and Ryan Judy have teamed up to “upcycle” billboard material. The vast majority of the ads that line our freeways are bound for the landfill when their time comes, but Alec and Ryan have found a way to keep that material in productive use: making it in to protective bags for surf, SUP, snow and street gear.

Alec was inspired while working for a non-profit in El Salvador, where he saw friends repurposing billboard waste as roofing for their homes. When he returned to the States and started work at an advertising agency, the idea for RareForm was born. He and Ryan now have a partnership that benefits everyone: the advertising agency that supplies them with waste material reduced their footprint, Alec and Ryan get the material they need for their bags at minimal expense and without adding to the waste stream, and the environment benefits from each and every product they sell.

BluePulse Technologies is a company based in our neck of the woods–they call Quebec home. They specialize in all things wireless and have now decided to make giving back part of their expertise by joining 1%!

Conscious Box has recently joined the 1% for the Tetons network. They offer a subscription service that will deliver a hand-picked selection of ecologically-minded product samples to your door once a month.

Expedition Toys is an Ottawa company that provides gear for the outdoors, action sports and travel.

Natural Action General Store is our most recent Japanese member, and while their name might lead you to believe otherwise, they offer adventure tours and rafting expeditions from their base in Shizuoka, just south of Fuji.

The Natural Action Crew

La Islenita offers designer silver and gold jewelry with an ocean and natural theme.

Natural Mini Market is taking healthy, sustainable foods to the mainstream by acting as a provider for retail stores near you. They work hard to select foods that are healthy, toxin and pesticide free and sustainably packaged.

Net Dating Assistant is just that, but based in France and working to make connections at a global level. Séduisez les partenaires de vos rêves!

Posted in News

1% 2011 Print-Ad Campaign Wins Ethic Mark Award

1% is fortunate and grateful to have the support of more than two dozen media partners who donate 1% of their annual revenue to 1% in the form of free advertising, which equates to more than $1 million in ad-value for the 1% movement. This list of partners includes publications such as Outside Magazine, Outside TV, Utne Reader, Mother Jones and many other amazing publications. Collectively this program should create more than 50 million impressions for 1% in 2011, building our movement with the general public.

Our 2011 print-ad campaign in the media-partner-network took a subtle yet humorous approach at explaining our movement. See below. As we’re building a global movement of businesses working with causes of sustainability, we’re also working to engage the general public to convey that businesses can and must play a critical role in creating a healthier planet.

Thanks to our pro-bono PR agency, TDA Boulder, for their work helping to create our 2011 print-ad campaigns, which earned us this Ethic Mark award. And thanks to Ethic Mark, the World Business Academy and the University of Notre Dame for the recognition.

Posted in News

TGR and POW

Why is TGR a part of 1% and how does supporting POW through 1% align with your values as a company?

In anticipation of Wednesday’s Vermont premier of One for the Road I caught up with TGR’s Amy Haverkampf and asked her to tell me a bit more about why TGR has been a 1% for the Planet member for the past four years. Here’s what I learned:

At TGR we are passionate about the outdoors. At a time when many of our natural playgrounds are being threatened by climate change, pollution, and development, we see a need for action. While not perfect, TGR is always evolving and looking for new ways to help preserve the places in which we work and play. TGR was the first action sports film company to go carbon neutral. We calculate and offset our carbon footprint by logging all airline, automobile, snowmobile, and helicopter use. And in 2008, our clothing line went “green” and currently features fabrics made with organic and recycled materials.

Becoming a member of 1% For The Planet was a no brainer. 1% gives TGR the opportunity to be a part of a larger movement to protect the world we live in. This year we specifically earmarked our donation to Protect Our Winters. Founded by long time TGR athlete Jeremy Jones and dedicated to saving our snow, POW is a cause that is very close to our hearts at TGR.

TGR is about inspiring people. We want to inspire people not only to live the dream, but to keep the dream alive for generations to come. We hope that by supporting organizations such as 1% and POW we can help to protect and preserve the places we love by educating and inspiring others.

Well said Amy. We couldn’t be more fired up to have TGR as a member, and we’re equally psyched they’ll be bringing the show to Vermont on Wednesday. The whole 1% for the Planet crew will be there and we hope you’ll join us at Higher Ground in Williston. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Doors at 7PM, show at 8.

Here’s the trailer to give you a taste of things to come:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp2ZYWaOaX4

Posted in News

Who’s doing the good work?

Well, by now I’m sure most of our followers, members and partners have had a chance to watch our remarkable film, [one percent] of the story. No?! Grab a cup o’ tea (maybe a crumpet too!), and settle in for 15 minutes of sheer delight.

Once you’ve seen our film you can’t help but love it, but also, you may realize that it truly is one percent of the story. The film touches on the stories of our member companies – the businesses making this 1% commitment – but it does not zoom in on the real reason we exist: our nonprofit partners. As Yvon Chouinard said when he co-founded 1%, we all (business too!) have a responsibility to the planet and “the best way to do it is to just dig into your pockets and give the money away — to people who are willing to do the good work.” That’s what this blog post is about – those people who are doing the good work. You may remember last year we shared some stories by collecting films from our nonprofit partners, and this year we take a similar approach but with written stories of success. Here is the first story of many to come, about how our member companies have assisted nonprofits to do the good work:

Today we have a story from The Snow Leopard Trust – a group working to protect the endangered snow leopard. The Snow Leopard Trust received a 1% donation from member company Mountain Outfitters.

This past summer, Mountain Outfitter’s donation was put toward special projects focused on education, species conservation and research. One of their first projects this summer involved working with local families to develop livestock insurance programs. Upon removing the economic burden that livestock predation places on these rural communities, the Snow Leopard Trust has implemented a system that will reduce snow leopard persecution in these communities. Once these insurance programs were implemented, the organization furthered their community engagement by working with local schools and educating the students about the importance of a keystone species such as the Snow Leopard.

The Snow Leopard Trust has seen great results from these recent efforts. In their reserves in India, they’ve seen population growth increase three fold over the past 11 years! The organization has chosen a comprehensive model to protect the species, and a smart model that does not just rope off areas designated solely for the leopard, but a model that works with the current system to create an integrative solution that benefits all parties involved.

Thank you to The Snow Leopard Trust for sharing your inspiring story of success, and thank you to Mountain Outfitters for providing the support that allowed this great work to happen.

Are you a nonprofit that’s done something great with a 1% donation? Tell us about it! Send your written highlights (and maybe photos, too!) to brittany@onepercentfortheplanet.org.

Happy Friday!

Posted in News

Climate Ride California: Global Weirding Strikes Back

Tim, Brodie and Victoria, triumphant and drying out in San Francisco on day five

Just in case the 125 riders who congregated in northern California on October 2^nd weren’t entirely convinced that climate change was a reality, the upcoming week’s weather report offered further evidence that the implications of human impact on the planet are real and tangible. Temperatures in the 40s complemented by torrential rain isn’t most folk’s ideal bicycling weather, especially when combined four nights in a tent and only one change of bike shorts, but the people attracted to Climate Ride aren’t your run-of-the-mill cyclists.

They come to Climate Ride with a deeper motivation—a desire to raise awareness about the Climate Crisis, and, more importantly, to prove that there are solutions at hand. That 125 people of varied ability and every age could cycle 320 miles in conditions that oscillated between pretty darn bad and just plain miserable is a testament to the power of the movement. Watching people well over twice my age straddle their bikes with a grin each morning, despite their soaking clothes and already freezing hands, gives me hope. If that’s possible, what’s a five mile ride to work?

Victoria, undaunted by a third straight day of rain

Climate Ride California was an unbeatable opportunity to share ideas and convictions with passionate people, and an equally wonderful place to share the story of 1%. Tim Mooney of Tranquil Space Yoga Studio, 1% member Victoria Vox and Aubrey Delone, the fastest woman ever to ride a bike two decades her senior, joined me on the ride. Together we were Team 1%, and we couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to engage likeminded people who are deeply involved in the environmental movement.

Over five days we bantered about 1% on our bikes, talked about the model over meals and had the privilege to show 1% of the Story to the whole group after our second night of riding. While most people understood the model, this was an opportunity to go deeper and to share the accomplishments and nuances. Responses were great—several participants are working on having their companies join, and we were lucky to get to ride with folks from non-profit partners who joined us for the week. Groups including 350.org, NRDC and the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition were represented on the ride. While we whizzed along I got a first-hand account from each about how 1% funds have supported their work, what’s going well and what could be improved. We all came away from the week with a renewed sense of purpose and new energy for our mission as part of the 1% family.

The drive-through tree goes carbon neutral!

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the generous support 1% for the Planet member companies. Acadia on Main, CHARTA BUREAU Prague s.r.o., Collared Greens, Eclipse LED, Tranquil Space, Victoria Vox, Watt Works Consulting Ltd all supported us with fundraising or product donations. Thanks to each of you!

As a member of Team 1% and a second-time participant in Climate Ride, the week was a wonderful reminder of why there’s hope for our planet. Is there anything more powerful than a group of people using their bodies to make a statement about their beliefs? I don’t think so.

We’re making plans for Climate Ride NY-DC in the spring, and Shamini Dhana is already signed on as our first 1% business representative. Will you join us for the adventure? Saddle up by sending me an email at brodie@onepercentfortheplanet.org!

Posted in News

Welcome October members!

Happy Halloween! My apologies for letting this turn into a ghost blog as of late… Spooky. It’s been a busy month between Climate Ride and our upcoming board retreat, which kicks off tomorrow. Time to welcome the  1% for the Planet members who joined us in October!

Michel Blomgren IT Service, based in Sweden, has your computing needs covered worldwide.

Consumer Club is a Belgian company that has the beta on environmentally friendly products–they test them and then share their recommendations with you, cutting out all the guess work.

DoKnowHarm offers eco-friendly products online (website up soon, be sure to check back!)

Greenbeeparking.com offers discounted airport parking around the country, stop by their web site and feel better about parking the car next time you travel.

Itchy Dog Productions‘ owner Kirk is proud to join 1% for the Planet with his Olive the Wooly Bugger books. According to Kirk, “as the author of the Olive the Woolly Bugger series of children’s books, it’s my goal to use fly fishing as a vehicle to teach important life lessons about kindness, perseverance and accepting others, as well as to instill a strong sense of conservation ethics. Kids are the stewards of tomorrow, and this is why I wanted to become a member of 1% for the Planet.” We’re glad to have you Kirk!

Grin Unlimited, distributors and retailers of Eco-goods is proud to be launching Ecobubs Wool-Blend Diapers from New Zealand.  We are an eco-friendly business that believes in starting babies and children off on the right foot, promoting a better world for us all to live in.

Kumanoya Fujito distributes arts and crafts from an indigenous group in Japan. I haven’t seen their work yet, but I’ll be sure to share photos when they come my way.

Los Angeles Classical Guitars is your source for beautiful classical guitars from around the world, whether you live in LA or La Rioja.

Festival du Film d’aventure de la Rochelle joins us from France and has all of you European adrenaline junkies covered, bringing action from around the world to your home town.

My Green Generation makes reusable bags and will sporting 1% for the Planet hang tags at your local store soon!

My Green Interior has you covered in France for interior decorating and eco-friendly products.

Obalys specializes in organizational development and can help you hone your business plans at any stage. Check them out for consulting advice in French, English and Chinese!

One Green Liter is soon to launch their Fuoristrada Red Wine, made from Organic Grapes. Their wines will be again nicely while they finish their web site.

Practically Green, based in Scotland but working worldwide, is helping clients achieve significant reductions in their carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. Enhance your bottom line and your efficiency simultaneously.

Ruell and Ray makes great looking denim right here in the states. I know where I’m looking for my next pair of jeans!

The Skinny Pancake serves up the best creative crepes we’ve every had, right here in Vermont (all day long and in Burlington and Montpelier!). We couldn’t be more excited to welcome them to the 1% for the Planet family!

Spinal Care of Wilmington joins us from NC. If you’re an active person living in the southern US, stop by for an adjustment and check in with Dr. Aaron Richardet, new 1% member and fellow adventurer!

Team Chow and The Pickle Wax Remover join us from Hawaii–now that it’s hurricane season and there’s “good” surf here on the east coast the Pickle is just what I’ll need.

The crew at Timber Creative deliver creative branding and marketing solutions for businesses large and small and do it all while maintaining a focus on minimizing their footprint and maximizing fun.

Treks and Tracks is an adventure travel company that specializes in immersing you in transformative experiences. Get in touch with Paul and Jacob next time you get the itch to hit the road.

WHITEAPES.com has you covered for action lifestyle gear, from snow to surf. Many thanks to them for the great shout-out below:

YDoc Snowboards, named for owner Cody, has been hand-crafting top quality snowboards in the Canadian Rockies since 2007. From classic to custom, they’ve got it or can make it.

Posted in 1% For The Planet Community, Monthly Member Updates, News