Join the 1% for the Planet Network in NYC!
Posted on September 26th, 2012 by Leah
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Archive for September, 2012Emerging Environmental LeadersPosted on September 25th, 2012 by Leah
As the last ears of corn return from the grill and our white pants get packed away until next year, here at 1% for the Planet we are reflecting on a summer of environmental innovation from our non-profit partners. Clean Air-Cool Planet’s Summer Climate Fellowship program is one of our most exciting summer initiatives. For five years they have been pairing outstanding students with challenging real-world projects in order to help propel society toward a low-carbon future. The students either work directly with Clean Air-Cool Planet or they are placed with a private and public sector sustainability partners. Pax World Funds, Poland Spring, Sustainable Nantucket, Yale’s Office of Sustainability and Portsmouth NH’s Chamber of Commerce have all hosted Fellows in recent years.
Remarkable projects emerge from these summer placements, and the students come away having had a fantastic experience and a lot of professional mentoring. Each Fellow works full-time for 10 weeks and receives a stipend of $5,000. The Climate Fellows represent the next generation of environmental leaders and through the collaboration with Clean Air-Cool Planet accomplish some high-impact projects for a low carbon future. This summer, recent Connecticut College graduate Davey Ives, worked in the Bridgeport (CT) Mayor’s office of Sustainability came up with a way to save the city and residents in its vulnerable low-income coastal neighborhoods $170,000 annually through flood insurance programs. 2009 fellow, Meg Giuliano, a Masters candidate at Duke University, created a guide for energy efficiency and renewables for Historic District Commissions that has now been used all over the country. CA-CP partners enthuse about the benefits of having a Fellow: “The Fellow from Clean Air-Cool Planet made the difference between our city’s moving forward on climate planning and action or losing ground. This is a terrific opportunity all the way around. “ Troy Moon, public works director, City of Portland, Maine During the past five years, Clean Air- Cool Planet has built a prestigious and competitive program with a growing and thriving alumni network. Nearly 50 exceptional fellows have passed through the program, and almost 240 applicants from across the country competed for 10 positions in 2012. Most of the Fellows program alumni have gone on to continue their work in fields related to the environment and sustainability.
CA-CP has big plans for the expansion of the Climate Fellows Program to 50 students annually by 2017, and create cohorts each summer focused on specific areas of work or in particular regions. In 2013, in addition to the Climate Fellows in the Northeast, CA-CP looking for partners to host and fund a cluster of Fellows out West in Montana and Wyoming and into the San Francisco Bay and Chicago areas. Clean Air –Cool Planet needs to raise $120,000 in 2012 to expand the 2013 Fellowship program and begin advertising the summer positions in January. Investing in the next generation of environmental leaders, you will be joining 1% for the Planet Members; Harney and Sons, Andrew M. Sidford Architects, Patagonia Footwear and many others in driving innovation for a low carbon future. Contact CA-CP President Adam Markham to discuss opportunities to host and support Summer Climate Fellowships for 2013. amarkham@cleanair-coolplanet.org
About Clean Air- Cool Planet (CA-CP) Clean Air-Cool Planet is about practical solutions to climate change. We focus on accelerating the transformation to sustainable campuses and resilient communities. Our nationwide efforts are linked to the work nurturing young emerging leaders and our free Campus Carbon Calculator™ is the carbon management platform of choice for more than 2,100 colleges and universities. 1%FTP Ambassadors Chase Jarvis and Leilani Munter Mobilize Awareness to Respect and Protect DolphinsPosted on September 25th, 2012 by gaelan
This is perhaps the most amazing footage ever captured of what’s referred to as a “mega-pod” of dolphins…thousands of dolphins migrating together, one of the most rare wonders of the sea. Click here for the full post on Chase’s blog or see below. Chase Jarvis is a world-renowned photographer and film-maker, doing what he does best. He invited fellow 1%FTP Ambassador Leilani Munter into the discussion, since she’s spent much time defending dolphins from the slaughter as revealed in the film “The Cove” which sponsored her 2012 race season. A “Top 10″ Life Moment: Video of Dolphin “Super-Pod” Stampede
I’ve been lucky enough to travel to a lot of far-flung places and I’ve seen my share of amazing things. But this hour-long event captured in the video above was one of the most beautiful, humbling and amazing things I have ever seen in my entire life. I was so dumb struck that I could hardly put the camera in front of my face to capture it… Last month my crew and I were sailing with Mike Horn off the coast of South Africa. We are working in collaboration with a visionary company called Polyform who are helping Mike and I bring the beauty and wonder of our oceans to as many people as possible. It was about an hour’s sail south of Capetown, cutting through the water on Mike’s 110-foot sailboat Pangaea, when “it” appeared. At first, on the horizon, we noticed what appeared to be a giant ball of bait fish. The water boiled for literally a mile in every direction…only as it approached at the speed of a swift wave did we see first a nose, then another, then a dorsal fin and then a thousand of them, then more. Only then did we realize we were experiencing the rare “superpod” of dolphins. Not dozens, not hundreds, but thousands of them — so thick you could have walked across their backs had they been game for it. As they approached our boat and quickly surrounded us, our cameras were blazing…every camera, iPhone, point-and-shoot, DSLR, GoPros, every camera imaginable was firing off frames…until we realized that they were with us, and that the moment was actually too rare to shoot photos. After just a few minutes, we all put down our cameras, we stopped talking, and we simply took in the beauty with our eyes. In all of my days as a photographer, there have only been a handful where I’ve been witnessing / pariticpating in an event like this and simply stopped shooting to take it in. This was one of those moments. In the few minutes we did shoot, we were able to get the footage to make this video above. And while it’s impossible to truly convey the magic of this experience – I hope these clips give you just a little sliver of what it’s like to encounter something so rare and stunning – especially when you least expect it. I think Mike does a good job of trying to communicate this with his little voiceover we cut into the video. Once you see something like this – you are truly marked for life. The next step. YOUR next step. // …to the mindblowing documentary film, The Cove (Oscar winner for Best Feature Documentary.) If you haven’t seen it, watch it. You’ll love me and hate me for the recommendation. // …to my friends at 1% For the Planet where I’m an ambassador along with musician, Jack Johnson, and pro surfer, Dan Ross. Please give 1% For The Planet a donation. They are an amazing organization and can use your help. $1, $20, $100. Anything will help them. And then they connected me with…
// Leilani Munter, is also an ambassador for 1% for the Planet. She says, “I am using my voice and my race car to address environmental issues by trying to educate and engage 75 million race fans and hopefully inspire them to rethink their day-to-day habits. I am a big believer in not preaching to the choir.” Amen. Most recently, Leilani has teamed up with the Oceanic Preservation Society and Louie Psihoyos, the director of “The Cove”, on his new film called “The Heist” about species extinction. Bringing the message to the masses is their mission. Their kickstarter project is just thousands away from becoming a funded project. Let’s put them over the edge and give them money here. “We can’t say much about what we are doing, but it will be a big event, something people will definitely remember and will be equally as inspiring as the first film.” // …which led me back to The Cove website where I found a wonderfully simple directive on what YOU can do take action to preserve, protect, and help these cool creatures and our planet: 5 Things You Can Do Now Thank you for reading all of this. If you’ve been moved by this at all, if you’re not able to donate, then you can still help by sharing this post, this video with your friends. Also, huge thanks to Zoe Keating – check out the gorgeous music accompanying this video get it here on iTunes. Many thanks, much #respect.
Telluride Venture Accelerator Opportunity for Responsible EntrepreneursPosted on September 25th, 2012 by gaelan
This is a great opportunity that has been initiated by a member of the Board of Directors of 1% for the Planet, Jesse Johnson. Telluride, Colorado, a picturesque historical mining town perched just below 9,000 feet in the San Juan Mountains, has long been a world-class destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Now it is to become a world-class destination for promising entrepreneurs. The Telluride Venture Accelerator (TVA) is now accepting applications for its inaugural 2013 year. Three winning entrepreneurs/companies will receive $30,000 each and be invited to spend 6 months in Telluride working in our newly formed accelerator. TVA FOCUSES ON…Entrepreneurs with innovative businesses in the following areas:
*TVA will prioritize technological products and services (e.g. software, mobile, mobile apps, hardware) We are accepting applications starting Oct 1st through Nov 15th. To register your interest, ask questions, receive a summary of our program, or learn more about the application process, please ”Click Here” to register. TVA promises to get back to you quickly. Naturally Designed PayrollPosted on September 24th, 2012 by pauline
It’s been a beautiful start to fall here in Vermont, with the foliage looking as great as ever! Although the following members joined this summer (it’s been fall for 3 days!!), it’s never too late to give a new member shout-out! Welcome to Natural Design from the UK and Rainmaker Payroll from Santa Barbara, CA!
Natural Design specializes in creating beautiful paper flowers, gifts, decorations, favors and stationery for weddings and special occasions. Their paper flowers are made from “saa paper”, a sustainable resource and all of their stationery is 100% recycled. Ann-Marie Edmondson, the founder of Natural Design was inspired to join 1% for the Planet after reading Yvon Chounard’s book. She really admires Patagonia’s approach to business and is pleased to be part of this responsible business community. Welcome Ann-Marie!
Rainmaker Payroll provides payroll services to small businesses, households, and nonprofits. They want to do their part to reduce the waste typical of the payroll industry, and in keeping with that, all of the payrolls they process are paperless. This eliminates the bulk of the paper resources used in the payroll process. The small amount of necessary paper they use is shredded and fed to their composting worms. When Tamra Gill envisioned this company, being a 1% for the Planet member and forming relationships with nonprofits was part of that vision. They’re excited to be a member of a community of businesses with similar values and they plan on donating to an organization in the Santa Barbara community.
We hope you support the products and services of these two new members! Welcome to 1% for the Planet! Greg McEvilly, CEO of 1%FTP Member Kammok, 30 Seconds of InspirationPosted on September 24th, 2012 by gaelan
1% Kammok from Ty Clark on Vimeo. Greg McEvilly, CEO of 1%FTP member Kammok, with 30 seconds of inspiration. Thanks Greg! You are being the change we all wish to see and inspiring others to do the same in their own way. DAM-termined – the unprecedented partnership to save the Penoboscot RiverPosted on September 16th, 2012 by Leah
After ten years in the making, The Penobscot River Restoration Trust has removed the Great Works Dam. It is first dam in a series slated for removal along Maine’s largest river!
 Top: The Great Works Dam original timber cribworks was built in the 1800's. Photo (c) Penobscot River Restoration Trust
The Penobscot River Restoration Trust is working to restore access to critical habitat for sea-run fisheries of New England’s second largest watershed. Atlantic salmon and the 10 other species of migratory fish in the Penobscot are at less than 1% of their historic numbers yet amazingly can all still be found hanging on below the first dam. “It is amazing to see – and hear! – the Penobscot River flowing freely where the Great Works dam stood just weeks ago! Our sights are now set on removing Veazie – the head-of-tide dam – next year,” Laura Rose Day, Executive Director of Penobscot River Restoration Trust. By addressing the root of the problem – too many dams – this innovative and cost effective project will have a wide range of benefits for fish and wildlife populations, water quality and communities along the river while continuing to supply hydropower. The Penobscot River Restoration Trust is an unprecedented public-private collaboration that has raised $60 million to date. In order to complete restoration, an additional $3 million must be raised. Funds will be directed to the removal of the Veazia Dam and the implementation of an innovative bypass channel around the Howland Dam over the next two years. By targeting restoration efforts on the Penobscot, we are not just saving a river we are empowering a watershed.
 Great Works Dam was breached on June 23rd, 2012- Another step forward in re-opening the Penobscot River from Old Town to the sea! Photo (c) Penobscot River Restoration Trust
Fully implemented, the project will remove the two dams closest to the ocean, Veazie and Great Works, and bypass the Howland Dam with a natural river channel. At the same time, the power company is building state of the art fish passage what will be the only remaining dam on the main stem, improving passage at other dams, and increasing power production at several facilities so there will be no overall loss of hydropower produced in the watershed. “When it is gone, half of the Penobscot’s sea-run species, including ancient and now endangered sturgeon, will have access to 100 % of their historic habitat. A new fish lift and a bypass upstream will soon enable the leapers like the nation’s last remaining wild Atlantic salmon to reach inland water inaccessible to them for generations,” said Day.
 Volunteers removed approximately one ton of broken glass, rusty metal, pottery shards, and other debris left in the river after nearly two centuries of industrial use and past practices of dumping waste directly into the river. Photo (c) Jim Mitchell
For the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF), a founding partner in the project, this project offers real hope for preventing the extinction of Atlantic salmon in the US. It also complements ASF’s Tributary Project, which over the past decade has removed four dams and built four fishways on key spawning tributaries in the Penobscot. Other partners in this project include, The Penobscot Indian Nation, state and federal agencies, hydropower companies, and seven conservation organizations (all approved 1%FTP NGO’s) including, American Rivers, The Atlantic Salmon Federation, Maine Audubon, Natural Resources Council of Maine, The Nature Conservancy, Penobscot Nation, and Trout Unlimited. The Penobscot River Restoration Trust is focused on opening up the sea-run fish-migration corridor on the Penobscot River to restore free-flowing waters, fish, wildlife and natural river functions that have been compromised by industry for nearly two centuries. Wildlife, fisheries, culture, recreation, tradition and opportunities to experience wildness all will benefit. 1% for the Planet members are joining together to support such a profound project and to date have donated nearly $40,000 to the effort. Please consider supporting The Penobscot River Restoration Trust as they work collaboratively to restore and repair two centuries of ecosystem damages and utilizes appropriate technology for continued hydropower production. For more information contact: Cheryl Gerrior, Finance Director, 207-430-0146. Get project updates here: The Penobscot River Restoration Trust Inspiration In The HamptonsPosted on September 6th, 2012 by pauline
The Peconic Land Trust is one of our non-profit recipients based in Southampton, NY. The Land Trust’s mission is to protect Long Island’s working farms, natural lands and heritage. Since 1983, they have preserved over 10,000 acres of land, making them the largest conservation organization on Long Island!
The Peconic Land Trust would not be able to complete this work without the help from their donors and volunteers. They recently shared a great story about their connection with Apartment Therapy through 1% for the Planet. After Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, Apartment Therapy’s owner, read Yvon’s Let My People Go Surfing, he was inspired to join 1% for the Planet. Apartment Therapy, which is an online blog/magazine devoted to helping its readers make their living spaces beautiful, organized and healthy, launched in 2001. They joined 1% for the Planet in 2007 without knowing exactly what organization(s) they wanted to support with their 1% contribution. After listening to some recommendations from 1% for the Planet staff, Maxwell realized that there was a place close to his heart that would benefit from his donation. He asked the Peconic Land Trust to become an approved non-profit partner so that his 1% donation could support their great work.
(Photo taken from the Peconic Land Trust’s Spring/Summer 2012 Newsletter) Having summered and spent many weekends in East Hampton, Maxwell was very familiar with the area and wanted to support a local project. Quail Hill Farm is an organic farm that was donated to the Peconic Land Trust and distributes food to local schools, food shelves, and restaurants, in addition to having a CSA and selling at the local farmers market. Maxwell decided to donate 1% of his income annually to the Land Trust to ensure that this land would be used productively for many years to come. Maxwell is glad to have joined 1% for the Planet, because it is clear to him that through his business he is able to make a huge difference. While a part of a larger global network, Maxwell is thrilled that he can still independently choose precisely what causes his dollars support! The Land Trust is very thankful for Apartment Therapy’s support and enjoys working with Maxwell. Thank you for sharing this inspiring story with us, and if any other businesses or non-profits have similar tales, please email them to Pauline at Pauline@onepercentfortheplanet.org Patagonia Footwear Advocate Weeks: Localize and Socialize Environmental EngagementPosted on September 4th, 2012 by gaelan
Please watch this two-minute, highly entertaining music video from the staff of one of Patagonia Footwear’s independent retailers in Arizona. The employees of Mountain Sports in Flagstaff, AZ, created this video and coined the phrase “Patagonia is the first to admit, you’re only cool if you’re an advocate” as part of this project. I would think that is pretty darn cool, even if I didn’t work at 1% for the Planet. Have you ever seen employees of a retail store creating music videos and social media campaigns about a product in their free time, just because the brand or program inspires them? The Patagonia Footwear Advocate Weeks program is an innovative engagement campaign that is part of Patagonia Footwear’s membership with 1% for the Planet. The program empowers retail-store employees to support local non-profits working on environmental issues. And it’s been a huge success in terms of employee/community engagement, while boosting comparable weekly sales by over 300% in some stores and generating tens of thousands of dollars for local environmental organizations. Each Spring and Fall, retailers select two weeks within a three-month window to run their Advocate Weeks. During these weeks Patagonia Footwear makes the program and promotion materials available to all of their independent retailers. As a member of 1% for the Planet, 1% of sales (not profit) already goes to environmental non-profits. Patagonia Footwear created the 1% for the Planet co-branded Advocate line of footwear to serve as a conversation-starter at retail and when the consumer wears the shoe. During Advocate Weeks Patagonia Footwear donates $10 for every Patagonia shoe sold through their independent retailers to local environmental non-profits that are selected by the employees of each store. The Advocate Weeks program brings the “Advocate” culture to every shoe in Patagonia’s portfolio, while localizing and socializing the environmental benefits to engage customers and employees around local non-profit organizations. “Our business has an impact on the environment,” said Patagonia Footwear Marketing Manager Sue Harvey Brown. “We wanted to offset that impact and give back to the environment, while creating a program that empowers and engages employees and local communities.” Two years after the program was launched in 2010, the Advocate line of 1% for the Planet co-branded footwear usually has at least one product in Patagonia’s weekly top ten, and retailers participating in the Advocate Week program has grown from 11 to more than 75, says Harvey Brown. The Advocate line of products is also growing much faster than the overall Patagonia Footwear business. “The Advocate weeks have been a great value added program for us and our retail partners, both in terms of being able to educate consumers and raise money for local non profits,” said Patagonia Footwear Sales Director Jamie Barbor. Imagine the impact that could be made if more brands and products developed “advocate” style engagement campaigns where each transaction creates a contribution to a relevant environmental cause; imagine what business could do for environmental causes while engaging employees and customers if more companies took this “contributory consumption” approach; ok, now stop imagining, and figure out how you can make something like this happen in your world. Be an advocate!
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