The Week’s Newest Members!

Another week means some great new additions to the 1% for the Planet network.   New member businesses elSage Designs and HR CSS recently decided that it was time to show how much they LOVE BLUE by making the 1% commitment.  By becoming part of the network, they will be supporting the Planet and Loving Blue by donating annual to our approved nonprofit partners.

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!

Tags: elsage designs, hr css, membership, new member
Posted in Members, News

Belts That Love Blue

Check out why the guys from La Matera joined 1% for the Planet… then go buy one of their belts!

Launched by three graduates of the Taft School in Watertown, CT, La Matera offers a line of belts handcrafted in the USA with fabric imported from Argentina.  Distressed patterns, quality leatherwork, and a gaucho heritage dating back hundreds of years lends to a truly handsome look that is already turning heads.

The decision to be a part of 1% for the Planet couldn’t have been easier.  Our look evokes memories of the Argentine countryside for those who have made the trip and inspires people to continue to seek out new, interesting experiences.  Now, we are even more excited that our company gives back to a movement designed specifically to protect the resources and spaces for which we all care deeply.

Have fun out there,

Brook, Alex & Hank

Tags: belts, La Matera, Patagonia, Surf
Posted in Members

Support our Members that Love Blue

People that love being outside LOVE BLUE, and so do all of us at 1%.  With the unbelievable spring weather we’re experiencing in VT, it’s awfully hard to stay indoors, but of course we’re more than willing to do so in order to support our business members and nonprofit partners.  Recently, we’ve been very happy to welcome two great new businesses, Moberi and True Health Family Chiropractic.

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.

Tags: membership, moberi, new member, smoothies, true health family chiropractic
Posted in Members, News

Businesses with a Purpose!

Not only does 1% for the Planet Love Blue, but we love our newest members as well.  As some amazing weather has ushered in the Spring season here in the Mad River Valley, we have also been welcoming new member businesses at a rapid pace.  It’s so exciting to see this momentum!  In recent weeks, The Refillery and Explosion Robinson have both become part of the 1% family.

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!

Posted in Members

Great For Your Body & The Planet

The last few weeks have been very busy here on the first floor of our Vermont office. Kerry has been receiving TONS of certification materials, we have been welcoming Jon as our new Manager of Member Services, while Brodie is focusing more of his time on new member acquisition, we have been getting ready to bid farewell to Andy who is headed up to Alaska for the summer and I’ve been Tweeting and blog-posting up a storm! We have been receiving tons of partnership stories from our awesome members who have completed their 2012 certification on time – and I’ve been working hard to get these stories onto your screen.

While sitting in the office working on all of these tasks, I’ve been able to learn about what motivates our members to give. It has been amazing to hear from both our tiniest and largest member companies. Today, I had the pleasure to assist Mamma Chia in completing their 2012 certification.

Since joining 1% for the Planet in 2010, Mamma Chia has directed most of their support to Slow Money, along with some to Slow Food USA. Two members of our staff, Trina and Rebecca were lucky enough to attend the Slow Money National Gathering which took place in Boulder, CO over the last few days. We love the work that Slow Money does and were proud sponsors of this event. Trina just shared these kind words from the event:

Janie Hoffman of Mamma Chia has just given a speech at the Slow Money National Gathering in Boulder.  In introducing her, Woody Tasch, founder of Slow Money, has mentioned Mamma Chia’s 1% for the Planet membership and its incredible generosity several times – to great applause.  Janie, herself, spoke of her 1% for the Planet membership with pride.  Finally, Michael Bartner, of Slow Money, when thanking sponsors of the National Gathering, mentioned Rebecca Callahan Klein and myself in saying that Slow Money was “honored to have 1% for the Planet as a partner.” 

There were about 500 people in the audience in the Boulder Theater.  The talks and presentations have been terrific and the audience is deeply engaged in all aspects of sustainable agriculture and engaging fully with a holistic approach to food and living. Cheers, Trina

We are so appreciative of Janie & Mamma Chia’s support and we look forward to seeing where else this partnership will lead us!

Tags: Boulder, chia, Janie Hoffman, Mamma Chia, Slow Money, Vermont
Posted in Members, Non-Profit Recipients

Saving the World, One Room at a Time

The following post was sent to us from Maxwell Ryan, the CEO and Founder of Apartment Therapy, who has been a longtime member of 1% for the Planet. We would like to thank Maxwell for sharing his story with us, and for ‘saving the world, one room at a time’!

As soon as I finished Yvon’s book “Let My People Go Surfing” six years ago, I signed my company, Apartment Therapy Media, up for 1% right away. At the time, our revenues were pretty small, giving 1% was easy and we asked our readers to suggest who we should donate to. I saw it as a great was to publicly involve our audience in our participation with this very good cause.

Each year our revenues grew steadily and two years in I was at a fund raiser near my house for the Peconic Land Trust and they were looking to raise a big sum from the event, $10,000. I realized then that if I directed all of our 1% giving to the Peconic Land Trust, we could do some really significant help and the results of it would be immediately visible. I was also really drawn to the opportunity of having an ongoing, personal relationship with the organization my company was helping.

As of this past year, we are giving about $25,000 annually to the Peconic Land Trust and have become the biggest source of funding for their CSA Quail Hill Farm in Amagansett, NY, which also acts as their marketing arm in the Hamptons. They are the largest source of land preservation on Long Island and one of the leading land preservation trusts in the United States.

The farm and the Trust are now deeply thankful for the support my company provides, and have invited me to talk about 1% at a number of their fund raising gatherings because company support is not something that people think about, and 1% is not a widely known vehicle for doing it.

I love it because my personal and company mission are now totally aligned in an ongoing relationship that enlarges our circle and allows us to say that we really put our money where our mouth is.

Tags: Apartment Therapy, Let My People Go Surfing, Long Island, Maxwell Ryan, New York, Peconic Land Trust, support
Posted in Members, Non-Profit Recipients

Being TREW to Blue

Our friends at TREW, sent us this awesome explanation of why they support the Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute through their 1% FTP commitment. Thanks for sharing this with us Tripp!

Nearly five years ago, before we had seen one cent in revenue,  Chris, John, and I made a commitment to be an outstanding company-  we signed up for 1% For The Planet.  In our minds this was a simple way to let people know that we believe TREW is an exemplary company and that we recognize the fact that the sports we love so much depend heavily on a healthy environment.  Of course, we strive to be exemplary in many other ways, but making this commitment gave us the structure to give back.

There are A LOT of organizations worthy of receiving donations from 1% members. Yet two things were clear to us- 1) community matters and 2) children are the future of our planet.  We strive to create a engaging community with our customers and we strive to be great members of our local community- Hood River.  Additionally, we believe the most effective way to preserve our environment is to empower future generations with a passion for our planet and the outdoors.  As today’s children grow old, those that have a vested interest in and knowledge of our planet will fight harder and make life choices that aid in maintaining a healthy environment.

That is why since our founding we have partnered with the Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute- a local organization based in Hood River focusing on environmental education.  In addition to our monetary donation, we like to spend time in the field with the great people of CGEI.  This allows us to see how our donation is being spent and to engage with the kids of our community.  On Friday, April 5, I spent the morning at Mid Valley Elementary in Hood River teaching kids about photosynthesis and how amazing it is that a plant can generate its own food with a few simple ingredients.  This wasn’t just a lecture to 5th graders , but a fully interactive game that reinforced the key components of the lesson.   Over the course of the next couple months all these 5th graders are going to learn a tremendous amount of knowledge- all of which arms them with the basics to understand the problems facing our planet.  To be a part of that transfer of knowledge, even if for only an April morning, was great.  Here’s to future generations that care!

Tags: Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute, gear, Hood River, kids, Oregon, TREW
Posted in Members, Non-Profit Recipients

Great Gorilla Giveaway!

Don’t miss out on this amazing package of goodies and make sure to sign up by April 28th!

Tags: envirokidz, Facebook contest, Gorillas, Nature's Path
Posted in Announcement, Members

It’s never been difficult to give…

My name is Cliff Hodges – I’m the CEO and founder of Adventure Out.  We are an outdoor school based in Santa Cruz, CA and we operate programs all over the western United States: surf camps, rock climbing trips, wilderness survival skills instruction, backpacking trips, mountain biking tours, and more.  I founded the company in late 2004 with the mission of cultivating environmental stewardship through adventure programming.  In short, I started Adventure Out to help people fall back in love with nature.

1% For The Planet was a no-brainer for us – we joined in early 2006 as member number 430.  When people ask me if it was a difficult commitment to make, I always say with complete honesty: “The business was so new at that point, it was 1% off nothing – it was easy!”  But I firmly believe that making that commitment early on in the business was crucial because it just became business as usual – we give 1%, no questions asked.  As the company has grown, from serving a couple hundred people in 2005, to over 5000 last year in 2012, obviously the revenues have increased, and so has that 1%.  But it’s never been difficult to give, in fact, it’s always been a complete joy.

Last year our major donation went to the Portola Redwoods & Castle Rock Foundation. In the face of a huge California state budget shortfall, Castle Rock was one of our state parks that were put on the chopping block.  I joined a coalition of non-profits and businesses that stood up and raised $250,000.00 to keep that amazing park (and amazing rock climbing crag) open to the public.  It was quite a thrilling experience and victory for public open space.

Looking ahead, the thing I’m most excited about is teaching and inspiring other young adventure entrepreneurs to make that same charitable commitment. After years of getting requests to train guides and franchise our business, Adventure Out has just launched our Affiliation and Guide Training programs.  Both new guides/programs, as well as existing outdoor businesses can get training, and license the Adventure Out brand name to run and promote their own adventure programs.  We hope to be able to offer business coaching, marketing help, a powerful brand, and of course, a 1% For The Planet commitment to all the businesses that join the Adventure Out network.

(Thanks for sharing this Cliff- we’re so thankful for your support!)

Tags: Adventure Out, Love Blue, Portola Redwoods & Castle Rock Foundation, rock climbing
Posted in Members, Non-Profit Recipients

Investing in the Future

Making the 1% commitment with your business is about more than growing the bottom line; it’s about investing in a world that you want to live in.  With each donation, our members are helping to create a more sustainable world that our children and grandchildren will get to enjoy.  Two of the most recent businesses to make this pledge are EcoTaxFile and Ozone Global.

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!

Tags: ecotaxfile, membership, new members, ozone global
Posted in 1% For The Planet Community, Members, News