Youth are increasingly disengaged from the natural world, spending more and more time sitting in front of screens and less time outdoors. This environmental deficit among young people is a serious problem.  For 40 days every summer, Adventure Risk Challenge (ARC) takes a group of high school youth away from their plugged-in lives and into the woods. Using alternative learning strategies they provide intensive, life-changing experiences through wilderness expeditions, outdoor classrooms, and place-based environmental science studies.

Taking it Home

Youth return to their families, neighborhoods, and schools with a new perspective and desire to give back and make a difference. After a summer in the wilderness learning about sustainability, they are far more likely to participate in community service projects for local and regional environmental causes.

ARC is influencing the next generation to build strong bonds with nature, instilling a love of the wilderness and a desire for stewardship. In the words of a participant, “This program has helped me to find my way; it has opened new doors, reinstalled a sense of empowerment, cemented my desire for life in the outdoors and most importantly, showed me the value of service to others and the environment.”

Jamie Husain photo

Support from the Network

A couple of 1% for the Planet member businesses have already stepped up to support the cause, including:

• Wai Sup Paddle Boards
• Tahoe Dream Team

Successes:

- In ten years, ARC has spent 2,400 days in the wilderness, positively influencing youth to spread the ripples of their learning out into their communities.

- Participants learn the principles of 1% for the Planet nonprofit partner Leave No Trace, and embrace our four core values of determination, integrity, compassion, and service, all of which they take back into their communities and homes.

Call to Action: 

The success of ARC can be traced back to every hour and every investment made by individuals who believe in inspiring youth through the outdoors. Our volunteers are incredible mentors to our young people, providing hundreds of hours of service every summer as writing coaches, workshop facilitators, and outdoor guides. Contact scottley@berkeley.edu to learn more about our volunteer opportunities, and consider donating here.

ARC also invites the public to attend our Voices of Youth events in Tahoe or Yosemite, an annual presentation of profoundly moving poetry, written in and about the wilderness, and performed by our participants every July.

Jamie Husain photo

The Environmental Leaders of Tomorrow:

ARC’s outcomes are multi-leveled. Over the past 10 years, 77% of our summer course graduates have gone on to college, compared to 46% nationwide. These young people are the next generation of decision-makers, and because of their participation with ARC, they are armed with an ethos of conservation and a love of the outdoors.  Lets help this trend continue!

Contact Sarah Cupery Ottley, Director of Programs, scottley@berkeley.edu, 559.676.5096 with any further questions.  You can also visit www.arcprogram.org or www.facebook/AdventureRiskChallenge.

Here’s some quotes from recent participants of the program:

“Being in the wilderness has calmed me down and taught me not to take everything for granted. I want to protect the parks and make sure everything isn’t urbanized. We need to work with nature instead of against it.”

“I consider myself special, because not many people are able to see the Sequoia trees and admire all of this. I also think that we all need to take care of nature more and not destroy it.”

To help finish up a fantastic week here at 1% for the Planet, we wanted to extend a warm welcome to new member business One Tribe 2010.  Founded and operated by a great couple of guys, it’s great to have their enthusiasm in the network.

Here’s some words from the owners about why they’re in business.

We’re fueled by our passion for Surf, Skate, Snow, Global Ecological Harmony, Philanthropy and anything else we find that is Rad, Gnarly & Straight up Bad Ass. Now in its fourth year, One Tribe 2010 Clothing & Apparel began as a hobby of creating clothes with original silkscreen, old school heat press designs for family, friends & ourselves. Selling our first tee in 2010, this hobby has turned into an amazing endeavor. Offering high quality clothing and apparel products, the designs are a reflection of our proud culture, which is carved out and influenced by the old school evolution of the 60’s & 70’s along with a continued progression through the 80’s, 90’s, and today.  With growing community demand, we are extremely stoked to officially launch One Tribe 2010 to the world.

At One Tribe 2010, the original badass attitude of the 70’s is still as alive as it was when the roots of surf, skate and snow began to define the scene and explode into the mainstream. During this time period, people were simultaneously being given a shock of environmental consciousness. The birth of Earth Day catapulted a new perspective on how and why we live with each other on this big blue marble and why we should be channeling our energy towards environmental concerns. By bringing forth our own proactive initiatives and desire to embrace new innovative ideas, we believe teaming up with 1% for the Planet would help refine as well as positively impact our goal for global ecological harmony.

The important work being done through 1% for the Planet’s networks of businesses and nonprofits is not unlike several of our own in house programs. To simplify this message, we created “Envy Green”, which is dedicated to conservation and sustainable resources. Why Envy Green? Basically, we would like everyone to be envious of this awesome planet we call home and be encouraged to help preserve it for future generations. This platform will promote collaboration with 1% for the Planet members and assist global/local communities by helping them initiate their own programs or financially complement their efforts.

We hope to engage with the community to celebrate the flourishing ecological plans of companies that bring more attention to creating unique quality products and services. We are stoked to contribute one percent of our annual sales to aid ongoing programs and ecological projects throughout the world. One Tribe 2010’s enthusiastic focus is maintaining the original culture of this revolutionary period of sport with greater emphasis on putting our efforts into creating positive and sustainable results. Helping everyone to become successful promotes good health. The connection to 1% For the Planet illuminates the power of knowledge and how talented and passionate companies can bring together a variety of awesomeness to get the party started. And we at One Tribe 2010 like to party.

elSage Designs, which just debuted a new campaign on Kickstarter provided this great background about the business:

My name is Phoebe Carpenter Eells and I live in Washington State with my husband, two boys and our dog. I was a middle school math teacher and after having kids I rediscovered my love for art. I started my printmaking company, elSage Designs, as a side project in 2010. elSage grew steadily for a few years and last June I made the leap and quit my teaching job. I now run the printmaking business (and hang out with my kids) full time.

I print on various materials and everything is printed directly from a carving (both lino and wood). My substrates include paper, reclaimed wood, fabric and apparel. I work hard to source my goods from eco friendly sources. The paper I print on is often recycled, the wood is all reclaimed or off-cuts. Much of my apparel is organic or sustainable blends. All of my inks are water soluble and non-toxic.

I joined 1% For The Planet because I want to be proud of the business I’m creating. Setting a good example for my kids is important to me. I have always been an advocate for the environment, and I feel like being a part of this organization helps to continue my environmental advocacy. Living in the Pacific Northwest, we spend much of out time outside. From skiing in the winter to camping, kayaking and riding bikes in the summer. My hope is that my great-grandkids will be able to enjoy the same version of nature that I am fortunate enough to know.

Here is a link to the latest process video that takes the viewer through the carving and printing process and make sure to checkout their Kickstarter promotion.

Based in Germany, HR CSS is a human resources consultancy firm that can help to improve the internal operations of your business.  According to owner Manuel, Seyffert, “I joined the community as I am convinced about every single person’s responsibility – for her or himself, for others, and for the environment. My business works to bring sustainable Human Resources Solutions into the scope of smaller companies. It´s about the sharing of IT-solutions (which is something what saves resources in hardware-production, less energy and paper usage) combined with innovative HR Management strategies.  This combination will help to create effects that include improving employee retention, development and motivation. My goal is to contribute to a rainforest initiative.  Personally I believe that this is one of the keys areas that will help to turn around the environmental effects we cause.”

Those that love the rainforest LOVE BLUE and 1% loves having HR CSS in the network!

Moberi is a Portland, Oregon Food Cart that specializes in bicycle powered smoothies and fresh juice. They started in 2011 with an old Schwinn Exercise bike with a blender strapped to it, a cooler, and a homemade portable sink. From these humble beginnings, they’ve grown to be a full-time food cart, a mobile events cart, 4 bike blenders, and an interactive catering business.

Moberi is super exited to join this community of environmentally responsible businesses!  They consider looking after the planet a given and joining 1% for the Planet is a good way to incorporate it into their business structure.

Moberi is currently raising funds for their next chapter through Kickstarter. The project video gives a good visual about what we do and where we are headed.  Check out the Kickstarter campaign here. According to the Moberi team, “the business is centered on a sustainable concept and it only makes sense for us to show our support for the organizations working every day to help keep our planet awesome! Hope to pedal a smoothie with you all one day!”

Started in 2012 in Stratford, CT by Peter Braglia, D.C., True Health Family Chiropractic’s mission is to educate, adjust, and inspire a health transformation in as many families as possible and to put them on the path toward optimal health. True Health Family Chiropractic offers safe, gentle, customized chiropractic for all ages as well as whole food nutritional supplements.  “1% for the Planet is a great fit for us because Chiropractic is a safe, natural, and non-toxic healthcare that does not put foreign bodies or toxins into the body and has no detrimental impact on the environment. The environment has a huge impact on our health, and we’re looking forward to partnering with groups who will help make this planet a better place for future generations.”

It’s awesome to have these great new businesses in the network!  Thank you Moberi and True Health Family Chiropractic for making this commitment.

Based in Santa Barbara, California, The Refillery is on a mission to offer an ecofriendly way to shop for your skin care and home cleaning products. The Refillery offers all natural products that are biodegradable, sulfate, paraben & phthalate free by the ounce. They encourage everyone to BYOB {bring your own bottle} to refill your necessities and reduce the waste created by single-use packaging. Ideally, The Refillery hopes that by making this alternative means of shopping easily accessible and reasonably priced, they will be able to make a huge impact and save 2,000 bottles from being produced just in their first year. Those that love reusable bottles Love Blue!

We’re also very happy to welcome Explosion Robinson, a firm that creates original music, sound design, and sonic identities for advertising, television and digital media. They are centrally located in Midtown Manhattan and are comprised of composers, sound engineers, and production staff. In their free-time they are all musicians. Explosion Robinson’s passion for all things sound has fueled an in-house music label, album releases, and countless collaborative music projects.

In addition to their love of music, the ExRob staff has a shared enjoyment of snorkeling and scuba diving. Several of the staff have traveled the globe, together and individually, to visit world renowned coral reef systems in countries such as Indonesia, Honduras, and the Mexican Rivera. Because of their love of sea life, they take ocean conservation very seriously and plan on donating our 1% to this very important cause.  Of course it goes without saying that people that love the Ocean also Love Blue!

We hope that everyone take a minute to check out these amazing new 1% members.  Welcome again to The Refillery and Explosion Robinson!

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, EcoTaxFile provides personalized accounting services to businesses and individuals who want exemplary accounting services combined combined with environmental assessments. The experienced tax professionals will maximize your tax refund and take the stress out of tax time – all while providing advice on how to reduce your carbon footprint and live more sustainably.

You can use EcoTaxFile’s Free carbon calculator to discover the impact of your carbon footprint and get a personalized EcoReport with over 150 sustainability tips.

EcoTaxFile: Accounting that can change your life.

If you haven’t done so already, it’s well worth taking the time to take a look at this free tool. You might be amazed at your own footprint and the suggestions provided to minimize your impact.  Thanks EcoTaxFile for making this available and welcome!

Australia based Ozone Global invests in a variety of business sectors / environments throughout the world with a focus on working together with people and their vision. They especially enjoy being involved from the ground floor up with new and exciting business ideas, until such stage that the founders are able to take their vision and business model to the table of a larger audience.

What inspired Ozone Global to join 1% for the Planet was no doubt the same reason that inspired many others to join. To stand up and do something positive to Protect the Planet for future generations. According to the owner, “this really hit home last winter when my 7-year old Daughter was sitting in in a cold room and shivering with the heating turned off. When I asked her why she doesn’t turn on the heat she answered, if I turn on the heater the planet it will get too hot and the Polar Bears home will melt. I felt ashamed to be a so called grown up. Why does a 7 year old get it and the educated world doesn’t. From this point forward I start a new road to Respect & Protect Our Planet and promote this in all areas of my life.”

Sometimes inspiration comes form the least expected places.  We’re thrilled to have Ozone Global in the network!

When funds are limited and challenges are great, environmental nonprofits must find innovative solutions to solve global issues.  One of 1% for the Planet’s newest partners, Organic Perspectives, is working diligently to promote environmental sustainability in Uganda. Organic Perspectives protects the environment, promotes food security, and helps to enhance smallholder farmers’ incomes through sustainable and economically-viable agriculture.  Most recently, the organization is promoting responsible eco-tourism in the region as a means to fund these important efforts.  

The Issue:

Over the last few decades, deforestation has produced widespread land degradation in most of Uganda’s rural areas. As an effect, smallholder farmers in the countryside face a series of social and environmental challenges including nutrient depleted soils and a sharp decline in fuel wood—the only source of household energy for cooking and heating.

Since 2007, Organic Perspectives has used a ‘three-pronged’ approach integrating community forestry, sustainable household energy, and organic gardening to help farmers in the heavily deforested areas of the Kamuli and Buyende districts. The approach is intended to reverse deforestation through agroforestry and cleaner alternative fuels, and to implement more resilient organic agricultural practices.

Collaboration & Success:

- In collaboration with our key partner ‘Trees for the Future’ (USA), Organic Perspectives has provided over 200,000 free saplings of multipurpose, fast-growing leguminous trees

- Over 700 households have planted trees from our community nurseries

- Agroforestry training is being provided to more than 30 schools

- Over 100 households have acquired a fixed dome biogas digester

- 200 more efficient, cleaner burning woodstoves have been disseminated with the help of Envirofit International

Challenges:

- The two current target districts are categorized by Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development as being among the 10 most deforested (charcoal producing) regions out of 112 districts in Uganda.

- Rural farmers in Uganda depend on subsistence agriculture. With the degradation of soils, agricultural production is continuing to decline—constraining incomes and causing frequent food shortages.

How can Eco-tourism help:

In response to growing challenges, Organic Perspectives recently launched ‘EcoTours & Travel Uganda’ specifically for the purpose of involving travelers in expanding our work. Uganda’s tourism industry is directly dependent on our planet’s natural resources—and, as such, travelers are key stakeholders in environmental sustainability. 

- EcoTours & Travel Uganda is developing a ‘Travel CO2 Offsets’ initiative designed to create personal, real-life connections between travelers and environmental causes in the local destinations they are visiting.

- EcoTours & Travel Uganda will enable Organic Perspectives to scale its much-needed efforts faster. Programs like the “Sustainability Travelers’ Trip” will take eco-minded travelers to Uganda’s little-discovered natural places for the purpose of promoting ecotourism in these areas and reflecting on the challenges to local ecosystems.  Proceeds will be used in our reforestation efforts.

Call to Action

You can learn about Organic Perspectives here and donate through GlobalGiving or using additional donation options on the website. Donations will be used primarily for creating new Community Reforestation Centers, as these will become hubs for informing farmers about Organic Perspectives overall work.

In the long-run, Organic Perspectives hopes to use the passion of Uganda’s travel industry to promote environmental sustainability.  Through this innovative approach, they will be able to restore forests, create a more sustainable food system, and transition local households to healthier, more environmentally sensitive sources of fuel.

Please contact Anthony Kalulu, info@ecotours-uganda.org, for additional information.

Vermont Land Trust’s campaign to conserve the historic Bragg Farm is set to receive a $10,000 donation from Timbers Restaurant at Sugarbush Resort and the Winthrop H. Smith Family Foundation.

Vermont Land Trust’s Bragg Farm initiative is an effort to protect the agricultural heritage and the vitality of farming in the Mad River Valley. With incomparable views of the Green Mountains, the Bragg Farm showcases the beauty and agricultural productivity of the Valley’s working landscapes.

“This project exemplifies the spirit of the Mad River Valley, both in that it preserves and protects our open spaces but also by keeping this land in agricultural use,” said Win Smith, President of Sugarbush Resort. “It was our intent at the onset of joining 1% for the Planet to support local environmental initiatives and the Bragg Farm project combines so many of our values into one project.”

Through a competitive process Vermont Land Trust has chosen an experienced farmer to purchase the land. Marisa Mauro, owner of Ploughgate Creamery, plans to craft artisanal butter and cheeses from a small milking herd. The conservation and sale of the Bragg Farm advances the goals of the Vermont Land Trust’s Farmland Access Program, which helps experienced farmers gain access to productive, affordable farmland.

“Timbers Restaurant has always supported local agricultural and Vermont’s working landscapes by purchasing and serving the produce, meats and cheeses from our neighbors’ farms.” continued Smith “Perhaps in the future you may see Ploughgate Creamery products on the menu at Timbers.”

Overlooking the Mad River Valley the Bragg Farm is perched on one of the Valley’s finest pieces of real estate. The iconic and over one-hundred year old barn and farm boasts views that overlook Mt. Ellen at Sugarbush and has been seen on the cover of Vermont Life magazine among other publications, including Sugarbush’s marketing material.

For more information contact Patrick Brown at pbrown@sugarbush.com.

Despite the tragic events at the Boston Marathon New Generation Energy will still be hosting the Mint Party on April 20th at Trade. NGE’s mission has always revolved around strengthening our city. Boston is at its strongest when we come together as a community, in times of joy or in times of crisis. The Mint Party is a celebration of Boston and all of the things that Boston does best – it’s a celebration of a city that gets better every day. In light of Monday’s tragedy, New Generation Energy will be donating 50% of every ticket purchased from now until Saturday, April 20th, to the American Red Cross. We want to continue to help Boston and think this is the best way to do it.

Also, if anyone is interested in helping out but does not live in Boston, they should feel free to purchase a ticket in honor of a friend or community member. 50% of the proceeds will still be sent to the American Red Cross, and the ticket can be given to someone in our community who may not be able to purchase a ticket themselves. Buying a ticket allows us to invite members of our community, of the nonprofits we work with, to the event. It is a great way to give back right now.

Beyond monetary donations to the Red Cross, NGE is exploring other ways we can be involved with the healing process of Boston. As we’ve already seen since Monday’s horrible events, the people of Boston are giving back to their fellow citizens in record numbers. Giving blood, offering shelter, providing food, etc. NGE feels it is incredibly important to do our part. We are currently exploring volunteer projects to help the City of Boston. If anyone is looking for a way to help during this time, they should feel free to reach out to our staff at Joffe@newgenerationenergy.org or sign up to receive our e-mails here: http://newgenerationenergy.org/.

NGE’s mission has always been two-fold. First, and most obviously, we are helping build energy efficient, sustainable nonprofits. What is sometimes initially overlooked is that an equally important part of our work is community building. We hold a fundamental belief that strong nonprofits, strong organizations in general, build great communities. Community development and involvement is a core value of ours, and that is what the Marathon represents to us. The Marathon is Boston at its best – a perfect example of our community. It represents strength, togetherness, camaraderie, achieving a seemingly impossible dream. These things are what make the Marathon great; these things are what make Boston great. When we decided to still host the Mint Party on Saturday, we thought about all of these things. We want Saturday to be a place for our community to come together. NGE thinks it is so important to stand strong as a community right now. We don’t want this event to be exclusionary because of a price tag. So, if anyone is interested in coming to the event, but is not sure if they can afford it, they should reach out to us at Joffe@newgenerationenergy.org.

The other 50% of proceeds from this event go directly to Local & Green, NGE’s new program to help nonprofits raise impact by reducing their carbon footprint. Local & Green provides hands-on support for energy efficiency projects in our community. For one year, NGE helps selected regional nonprofits become more sustainable, designing and implementing projects to help nonprofits save money and increase their impact. From project design to 100% funding, Local & Green is our 360° approach to powering sustainable communities.

To learn more, visit http://newgenerationenergy.org/

Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Color by Amber is in the business of making amazing eco-friendly jewelry.  According to the website, Amber is the concept of creating gorgeous materials from the natural world and encapsulating them in stunning eco-resin. Hand-spun silks, exquisite mohair, artisan-crafted fossil leaves: each piece of Amber is a beautiful expression of style, sustainability, and social responsibility.

CEO Talley Goodson was inspired to join 1% for the Planet after a meeting with Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard.  “Some time ago I had the chance to spend a couple of days surfing with with Yvon Chouinard, at his place north of Santa Barbara, California.  Yvon’s house was built from dry-stacked recycled sidewalks and as we talked, I couldn’t help but be impressed by his deep commitment to the environment both personally and as the spiritual leader of Patagonia.  Over the years, I have sought to incorporate similar principles of sustainability into my business ventures.  I love the idea that private enterprise can have a positive impact on the planet. I am proud that Color by Amber is a member of 1% for the planet!”

We’re so happy to have Color by Amber in the network.  In the years to come, hopefully their efforts will help to encourage additional businesses to adopt similar values and practices.

Based in Camarillo, California, Lifetime Legal provides a variety of services to its clients including estate planning, living trust packages, charitable planning, estate administration, wills, and advanced healthcare directives and durable powers of attorney for financial matters.  Owner and attorney Eric Smith pays particular attention to his clients’ values, concerns, needs, and what can be done to protect those you care about.

Through his involvement with the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy, Eric was inspired to have Lifetime Legal join 1% for the Planet.  He learned about 1% for the Planet from a short clip at the Wild and Scenic film festival in Ventura and was impressed that so many business owners had made such a commitment to work for the common good of our planet.  While his new law firm, Lifetime Legal, is still in its growing stages, he decided to make the environmental commitment as well. While estate planning, which is the firm’s focus, has little to do with the environment directly, Eric believes that any business can help do its part and every business should. Eric would love to meet other local business owners and 1% members who share this concern and commitment.

Lifetime Legal is the perfect example of a business that is making its commitment to the environment an integral priority.  Hopefully other 1% members and nonprofits will have a chance to meet Eric at an upcoming California meet up.