(Pauline, Tom and James exemplify remarkable teamwork skills as they collaborate to calculate 1% of revenue.)
You may have seen some new authors on the blog lately and that’s because 1% for the Planet has recently welcomed three new data doctors. With the New Year upon us (happy Year of the Dragon, today!), 1% for the Planet is transferring its database from a system we’ve long since outgrown to a much more robust platform that will cater better to our member companies and nonprofit partners! Later this year, we look forward to launching a new database and website that will allow for greater interconnectivity, enhanced member and nonprofit profiles, transparent giving information and better search mechanisms for our website visitors! More to come on the new database in due time, but first let’s kick things off with some introductions to the new crew: James, Pauline and Tom.
James Kinne gradutated from Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY, and is our resident pro musician here at 1%. His time outside of the 1% office finds him playing shows and recording with his two groups, Last October and the Phineas Gage Project. His passion for our planet and music merge within the office, supplying a diverse and “interesting” selection of music for all at 1% to hear. Born in New York City, James has always loved Vermont and moved to the Green Mountains in 2005 following his heart. Splitting his time between 1% and music, and sometimes merging the two… it’s safe to say that James dances to his own drummer. Thank goodness he doesn’t currently own a drumset…
Pauline Stevens is a recent graduate of William Smith College is Geneva, NY, where she majored in environmental studies and minored in anthropology. Although she enjoyed living in the Finger Lakes Wine Region for the last four years, she is stoked to be back in Vermont. She has spent the last five summers working on her parent’s organic vegetable farm in Shoreham and while in college, she interned at the New York Wine and Culinary Center and Ventosa Vineyards. Ever since she received a blender for Christmas when she was nine, she has had a strong interest in food and loves every aspect of it- from weekly pizza Tuesdays with friends, to making and selling ice cream to the Shoreham Inn. She’s excited to learn more about how 1% operates and become part of a growing environmental non-profit. Although her new position as a Data Doctor is a major change from having her hands in the dirt every day, she loves spending time with the 1% team and having frequent staring contests with Tom!
Tom Robson is a newly minted alumnus of Dickinson College where he received his B.A. in Environmental Studies. Prior to joining 1% for the Planet he spent his time in Alaska working as an Environmental Scientist for a large engineering company. Life in the for-profit world was interesting, however Tom is excited to help foster new business and non-profit relationships in order to more easily achieve 1%’s mission.
Living in Alaska was nice, but Tom feels more at home working, and recreating in the Green Mountain State, as he’s a New England native. Tom is a competitive cyclist, avid runner, and experienced skier, and the Mad River Valley is the perfect setting for all three passions.
Once the snow melts, Tom is looking forward to cycling up the App Gap!
(Image 1: James, Pauline, Tom | Image 2: Tom, Pauline, James)
Thanks to these guys for their diligent data entry and willingness to flip-flop between monotonous data work and creative writing prompts in a matter of minutes! With the assistance of this jaw-dropping squad, 1% for the Planet is well on its way to providing premium service to the 1% network!!
Although 1% for the Planet is based in a small town in central Vermont, we have made an impact internationally over and over again. We love to hear stories or about specific events that have taken place because of a 1% FTP connection! We recently found out that one of our business members, Frugi, donated £8232 to the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Over the last few years, they have given over £20,000 to the Trust!
Frugi is an organic baby and children’s clothing company based in Helston, Cornwall, England. They have always wanted to make a positive difference in the community and in their customer’s lives. They make comfortable, high quality clothing that children love to wear, and have always recognized the importance of supporting local environmental causes. This money has allowed for the Trust to continue supporting environmental initiatives in the Cornwall area. Their mission is to maintain biodiversity in nature and to have everyone in the community enjoy and appreciate its beauty. In honor of this large donation, the Cornwall Wildlife Trust hosted an event, at which seventy people showed up to thank Frugi for their generosity!
Photo taken by Sheila McCann-Downes
We are proud and thankful for the work and support that both groups have given since making their commitment to 1%!
As most of you probably know, Klean Kanteen has created the ideal water bottle for both cold and hot drinks. However, you might not know that since joining 1% for the Planet, they have donated a portion of their sales to Bridging the Gap by Giving, a group based in Chico, CA. Bridging the Gap by Giving has made it a goal of theirs to raise money in support of clean water projects in developing countries. They host an annual event called “Walk4Water”, where people have a chance to make a two or five kilometer trek while carrying a bucket of water, to mimic the work that African women do everyday so their families are able to drink, cook and clean. This past year, in the third year of this event, they raised $19,500, which will allow for 1,114 Africans to have clean water for the rest of their lives. The money raised by donations from groups like Klean Kanteen and events like Walk4Water has been given to groups in Western Africa to fund safe water projects. This video was made after last year’s Walk4Water event. Thank you to both Klean Kanteen and Bridging the Gap by Giving for making it possible for so many people to have access to clean drinking water.
Hiking early season turns at Mad River Glen with the 1% crew
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
We’re lucky every so often to get to head north (and west) to beautiful British Columbia. Home to 55 1% members and 88 non-profit partners, BC is the most stunning convergence of mountains, sea, and sky I’ve ever experienced. It was also the site of the first stop in our recently launched Canadian event series, Conversations on Conservation, a national campaign highlighting urgent, local environmental issues and the impact 1% member businesses and non-profit partners are having on them.
In Vancouver, the panel discussion focused on issues facing BC’s coastal waters, ranging from increased tanker traffic and recreational boating impacts, to salmon farming and orca habitat protection. Local, issue-experts Sabine Jessen of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), Jeffery Young of the David Suzuki Foundation, Christianne Wilhelmson of the Georgia Strait Alliance, were joined on the panel by Marc St. Onge, CEO of 1% member and leading omega-3 producer Ascenta Health.
From Vancouver, we took a(n exhilarating!) seaplane ride across the Georgia Strait to Victoria, for a chance to meet for the first time with our active and fast-growing network of members and NGOs on Vancouver Island. Thanks in large part to the support of long-time 1% member Horne Coupar and 1% recipient Victoria Foundation, we convened a lively reception, made many new friends, and left with a deepened understanding of the environmental challenges facing Vancouver Island.
During the trip, 1% CEO Terry Kellogg also had a chance to sit down with Vancouver Sun reporter Scott Simpson to talk about 1% and our impact in Canada. Check out the resulting article, which also features comments from members Mountain Equipment Co-op and Clif Bar, and CPAWS, one of our largest 1% non-profit recipients in Canada.
The next event the series takes place in Montreal on November 16, where panelists from the David Suzuki Foundation, Fondation de la Faune du Quebec, and Naya Water will discuss initiatives to protect Quebec’s freshwater resources. Please join us if you’re in the area!
Well, we may be a day late, but we wanted to be sure to give a nod to National Coffee Day. Kelsey, owner and founder of Grounds For Change, passed this video along to us–it’s the perfect accompaniment to your morning cup! Part of 1% since 2003, Grounds For Change is one of the longest standing members in our network.
I recently had the delightful pleasure of attending Patagonia’s Tools for Grassroots Activist Conference. Five days spent with engaging individuals across all lines of work – government, film & entertainment, economics, business, technology, grassroots activism, education – every sector was present and every person had a story of success to share.
After five days of inspiring stories, engaging lectures, collaborative workshops and gusty paddle boarding adventures, the conference facilitators asked us to sum up the week into one key takeaway. One group’s response:
Work with business. Get more businesses to join 1% for the Planet.
Bingo! I returned to 1% for the Planet reenergized and further inspired.
Just for grins, and because the environmental movement tends to lean (too often) toward dreary facts and sad figures, here’s a sampling of inspirational stories to share with our network:
Annie Leonard– if we’re to shift behavior and really redesign, everyone needs to watch her videos. Here’s a woman who has nailed her messaging and exemplifies effective communication in all aspects of her work.
The Elwha Damis coming out right now in Olympic National Park! This dam removal is a huge milestone in the efforts to restore our rivers and salmon populations, and it is one of many to come. Follow American Rivers to keep up to date on removal progress!
The International League of Conservation Photographers joins EP Films to create the film SPOIL, which exemplifies how powerfully film and photography can document and portray the pristine beauty and significance of threatened ecosystems, such as that of the Great Bear Rainforest. If the Enbridge pipeline plans go through, this area will soon be threatened by potential oil spills from tankers that will begin transporting oil through the narrow and windy coast of the Great Bear Rainforest. This film is an incredibly effective means of spreading awareness and prompting a response as it invokes a strong emotion from its audience. Try and watch it without getting a little teary….
Lastly, as we’re all working to protect the planet we love, it’s important that we remember to take the time to enjoy it.
(1% CEO, Terry Kellogg, slacklines with 1% Development Program Manager, Leah Cameron, at our annual staff retreat in Warren, VT)
In less than a month, 1% for the Planet will be in San Francisco for the Slow Money National Gathering. Slow Money is an emerging network of investors, donors, and farmers committed to building local food economies, and they are playing a critical role at redefining the boundaries between philanthropy and investing. This is their third National Gathering and the first two have launched national activity that holds great promise for all of us who want to see our economy transformed.
1% for the Planet is an early and proud supporter. Our very own, Rebecca Calahan Klein will be speaking on 1% for the Planet’s model of corporate engagement and environmental investing on a panel: Giving Something Back: New visions of corporate philanthropy. See the schedule for details.
As a benefit of our partnership, Slow Money is offering all 1% Members a 10% discount to attend the gathering on October 12-14th. Click here to register at the discounted price.
Click to listen to Woody Tasch, Slow Money Founder, explain how moving towards more local economic principles can benefit our planet and everyone involved.
