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Archive for the ‘Members’ Category
Posted on February 17th, 2012 by pauline
Due to my obsession with Downton Abbey, I was intrigued to write about two of our new members from England. Although the two businesses are extremely different (a graphic design agency vs. an outdoor-inland surf facility), they support similar causes and know the importance of running a sustainable business. We are excited to welcome both of these companies to the 1% team!
United by Design is a graphic design agency that has always made it a priority to donate a portion of their sales to local and national environmental non-profits, so they are thrilled to be part of the 1% movement! Although it is a small company, they know that by donating to certain land trusts and organizations, they are able to make a positive change in their region. They have embraced the notion that the sustainability of the natural environment is fundamental to the sustainability of business. United by Design plans on actively encouraging their friends, clients and suppliers to join 1% for the Planet so there will be even more resources donated to local environmental non-profits in the York region. Thanks for spreading the word!
Although we have a number of surf-related members, this one is truly unique! Wavegarden UK, is a project that appeals to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. They hope people will interact more with both each other and the natural world. It uses cutting edge wave making technology to create a very exciting inland surfing facility, like no other. The facility will include beautiful botanical gardens, which provide a socially inclusive space for fun, reflection and rehabilitation. The project is partly community invested and the core activities are supported by community based projects. The owners, Nick Hounsfield and Tobin Coles hope to finish this facility in 2013 so that the whole community will have a fun place to play and relax!
Tags: United by Design, Wavegarden UK
Posted in Members
Posted on February 16th, 2012 by brodie
It’d be easy to let the state of the world get you down. We’ve got a polarized political system that makes rational dialogue seem impossible, a stagnant economy, freaky weather that brings floods followed by droughts and a skyrocketing global population thirsty for the material comforts that got us in this mess. And that’s not half of it.
Still, it’s hard to feel hopeless when you see people coming together to create the change we need so desperately. Yesterday, when news that the Keystone XL pipeline was once again a threat, 1% for the Planet nonprofit partner 350.org mobilized more than 800,000 people in just 24 hours to send Congress an emphatic NO. The message couldn’t have been clearer.
Last night Bill McKibben had the spotlight on The Colbert Report—check it out if you haven’t seen it yet.
The motivation that gets 800,000 to coalesce around something they care so deeply about is the same energy that motivates businesses to be part of the solution—they’re working hard to create a world that we all want to live in.
In the past two weeks we’ve seen another 16 companies sign on to 1% for the Planet. Our most recent new members are AdventSure, Alisma, Barbara Grant Consulting Group, BeeFlow, BIG Green Island Transportation, Eco-Armour, Executive Property Management, IPR Coaching, Kiyomo, Miquel MAXIME, Neat-os, Peaked Sports, Toast, Trendfinder Trading Systems, Wavergarden UK and Starbars—a warm welcome and many thanks from the crew at 1%!
Tags: "1% for the planet", 1%FTP, 350.org, One Percent for the Planet, sustainability
Posted in 1% For The Planet Community, Members, Monthly Member Updates, News
Posted on February 14th, 2012 by tom
If you’ve ever watched professional cycling, you’ve undoubtedly seen those “pedal dancers” protecting their noggins with some stylish headdress. Now, I’m a cyclist, so I know how important it is to be wearing something that looks good, but boy, it also pays to wear something that protects well. That’s one reason I was so excited to see Lazer Snow Helmets become a member.
Lazer, established and headquarted in Belgium, has been designing brain-cages since 1919. Ever heard of a guy named Eddy Merckx? Maybe not, but Lazer teamed up with “the Cannibal” in 1987 and developed the first specific hard shell bicycle helmet. Essentially, they’ve been innovating for almost a century and keep expanding their reach into new markets.
With the launch of its new Lazer Snow Helmets, Lazer has partnered with Protect our Winters to raise awareness about climate change. Together they will work to create programs that engage the wintersports community around an issue that dramatically affects our enjoyment of the mountains and the future of the snowsports industry.
Although Lazer snow helmets are not yet available to consumers, Lazer is starting its support of POW from day one of the new products, and in conjunction with the launch of the entire snow helmet collection at the Snowsports Industries of America Snow Show in Denver. Hans Dyhrman, Director of Marketing for Lazer Snow states, “Even though we are a new brand in the snowsport business, we feel it is important to take a leadership role within the industry, and this is one of our actions.” Woah, keep track of these mold breakers, they’re going places – albeit safely.
Posted in 1% For The Planet Community, Members, News, Non-Profit Recipients
Posted on February 10th, 2012 by pauline
Today’s post is dedicated to two of our new-ish members, both of which are located in New England! Whether you want to learn more about planning a t-party, or looking for a week of relaxation I think you’re going to want to read the following!
Squam Art Workshops is a creative center that started on the shores of Squam Lake in New Hampshire. Better known simply as “Squam”, this retreat attracts people who want to take a break from the daily grind and need a chance to catch their breath and enjoy life. During the scheduled retreats, they offer tons of different art, cooking and yoga classes. They are planning a Squam trip to Italy (!!) this fall and are hoping to schedule more of these in years to come! If you’re looking to relax and spend some time reconnecting with your creative side, you should sign up for a Squam retreat. Also, check out their store to see what is for sale this month!
We are also excited to welcome Peace Tree Apparel, based nearby in Massachusetts! Peace Tree Apparel’s mission is to create t-shirts and accessories that inspire everyone to be good to the world we all share. On a personal level, they strive to maintain family practices that are good for the earth and it is also important for them to incorporate these same practices into their business. Check out their online store to buy some comfortable t-shirts and accessories and to learn more about their t-parties!
Tags: Peace Tree Apparel, Squam
Posted in Members
Posted on January 20th, 2012 by tom
It’s always nice to hear from a 1% for the Planet approved non-profit that the money donated to them has done some tangible good. That’s why we were very pleased to hear from Christine at Colorado Open Lands. Christine praises both the people she’s been able to work with and help, and the 1% for the Planet businesses that allow Colorado Open Lands to do what they do best: protect land.
Colorado Open Lands helps families achieve their dream of permanently protecting land. Since they were founded 30 years ago they’ve protected over 250,000 acres of ranch and farmlands, wildlife habitat, river corridors, and scenic views in 39 counties around the state of Colorado.
So far Colorado Open Lands has received nearly $15,000 from The Color People, a 1% for the Planet business member. Colorado Open Lands chooses to devote these resources to projects that focus on protecting land with permanent conservation easements.
One such project was the protection of the 3,796-acre Prewitt Ranch in Washington County, Colorado. Located 100 miles east of Denver, the ranch features a combination of sand hill grasslands, irrigated crop land, sub-irrigated meadows, wetlands and ponds, while supporting a thriving cattle operation – Cardinal Charolais – and a wide-array of wildlife.
Pat Gebauer and Luan August, owners of Prewitt Ranch, reflect on their legacy. “Luan and I are proud of the fact that we operate a profitable cattle operation, while providing and improving habitat for game and non-game wildlife. Some people believe that these are mutually exclusive management goals, but we, and many other farmers and ranchers, are proof that this just isn’t the case. Truth is, without farms and ranches, we wouldn’t have a bounty of food or wildlife. Our conservation easement allows us to preserve both.”
The Prewitt Ranch also controls more than two miles of the shoreline of Prewitt Reservoir, which is leased to the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife as Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area. White pelicans drift across the reservoir while the leaves of 70-foot tall cottonwoods whisper overhead on the ranch’s shoreline. The State Wildlife Area provides year-round fishing, hunting and recreational access.
Tom Kroening, Area Wildlife Manager for the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife, “The permanent protection of the Prewitt Ranch ensures that wildlife will have access to habitat on both private and public land here, which is a long-term benefit to recreational users. The conservation easement also benefits the local economy by maintaining the agricultural land base.”
So, thank you to The Color People, Colorado Open Lands and Prewitt Ranch for making all of this happen!
Posted in 1% For The Planet Community, Members, News, Non-Profit Recipients
Posted on November 19th, 2011 by brodie
When I pick up the phone at 1% I’m always prepared for a surprise. Eight months after my first phone call I’ve finally figured out that solicitations from Publishers Clearing House usually don’t pan out, but I still get excited. While I’ll be the first to admit that I consider myself among the “One Percent,” our fringe benefits come in the form of lunch time yogs, not yachts. An extra million here or there wouldn’t hurt. When I answer and it’s Jeff Denholm, founder of Atira Systems and Patagonia ambassador on the line, it’s almost as good as winning big.
Jeff’s company provides fire protection services that mitigate the highly detrimental environmental and health effects of fighting wildfires. He and his team (advised by luminaries including Nell Newman and Rick Ridgeway) have reworked every facet of the industry to eliminate harmful chemicals and carcinogens that are hazardous to firefighters on the front line and equally bad for the ecosystems they work to protect. To top it off, Atira Systems is now a 1% for the Planet member.
Check out Jeff’s remarkable story:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuS3QuInGoo&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL528898BF7EBA380D
New member Château de Chéronne can take you back to the 1500′s when the castle-turned-weekend-escape was constructed on 400 hectares of woodlands in the Perche Sarthois. The moat and drawbridges were removed in the 17th century to make it easier for guest to join them for overnights and special events.
Dancing Snow is a Japan-based company that specializes in providing their clients to the deepest powder turns of their lives. Let them introduce you to the kind of fluffy white stuff that makes you drool at Teton Gravity Research premiers every fall. In the summers they offer kayaking tours to boot!
Eden Groupe joins us from France and specializes in real estate development with a conscience, giving back 1% of everything they do!
Expedition Broker is based in Haines, Alaska, a recreation paradise (having lived there for two summers I can vouch!). Let owner Greg Schlachter set you up with the finest guides the area has to offer for your next fishing, skiing, climbing or surfing–yes, Alaskan surfing–adventure.
 HDRcreme
Tags: "1% for the planet", 1% members, 1%FTP, Château de Chéronne, Eden Groupe, expedition broker, fire, France, new members, One Percent for the Planet, Patagonia, philanthropy, ski, skiing
Posted in 1% For The Planet Community, Members, Monthly Member Updates, News
Posted on September 30th, 2011 by grace
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.
Posted in 1% For The Planet Community, Members
Posted on August 1st, 2011 by danny
The 2011 Ecotrust Sundown Concert Series wrapped up Thursday night with an all-star showing of the 1% network! Throughout the concert series, 1% members and non-profit partners have been coming out every Thursday evening to exhibit their commitment to creating a healthier planet. But last week we got to see the whole 1% model in action with 1% member, Trew Gear and their 1% non-profit partner, Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute exhibited their longstanding partnership protect and promote the Columbia Gorge. This was the first week where it was a full partnership at the booth and it was great to see them laughing together and explaining their work together!
 Photo Courtesy of Trew Gear Trew Gear is a ski and snowboard clothing company based out of Hood River, Oregon. They sell jackets, hats, t-shirts, hoodies, and pretty much anything else you would need for a great day of riding in the mountains. Dedicated to sharing the “trewth” Trew gear joined 1% for the Planet in 2009 and has donated to the Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute consistently each year. They haven’t just handed out money either. Tripp, John, and Chris are active volunteers with CGEI, showing that their commitment to the environment runs deep throughout their business.
 Aaron and John enjoying their evening at the booth! Photo courtesy of Trew Gear Aaron Morehouse, Executive Director of Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute, came out on Thursday evening to represent the NGO and their partnership. Aaron works closely with the Trew crew on the projects that they fund and in facilitating their partnership. CGEI works to promote knowledge and stewardship of the Columbia River Gorge canyon in Washington and Oregon. They work with schools and other groups of people, taking them to the canyon and helping them find their place in the environment.
1% would like to thank Trew Gear and CGEI for coming out to last Thursday and for work together to create a healthy planet. It is partnerships like these that speak to the power of the 1% model in action!
Posted in 1% For The Planet Community, Events, Members, News, Non-Profit Recipients
Posted on July 26th, 2011 by Leah
If you want to really understand something, you should go to the source. And if you are interested in seeing sustainable transportation in action, you have to go to Portland, Oregon; the epicenter of bike culture and sustainable community design.
Last week on a beautiful summer evening, more than 70 people — 1% member companies, 1% NGO partners, along with Patagonia customers and other interested folks dropped into Patagonia Portland for an update on sustainable transportation initiatives.
 New Belgium Brewing- Follow your Folly Bicycle We heard from Dan Powell, co-founder of Portland Design Works, a 1% member company that makes great bike accessories, about why he and his partner decided to locate their company in Portland. While they loved Wisconsin, Portland is “the place” for people who love bikes and biking in the United States. He loves being a part of a community where nearly 6% of the residents make their daily commute to work or school on a bike. This is a much higher percentage than is found in communities around the United States.
 Gerik Kransky, Bicycle Transportation Alliance (left) and Dan Powell, Portland Design Works (Right)
Dan and his partner wanted to build investment in environmental NGOs into their business model right from the start, and made the decision to become a 1% member. They support the Bicycle Transportation Alliance and work in partnership to help make Portland and other communities in Oregon more bike friendly.
Gerik Kransky, Advocacy Director for the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, gave an update on biking issues at the local, state and federal levels. BTA is working to get funding for a bike sharing program in Portland, as well as advocating for bike friendly policies at the state and federal level. The BTA is a 1% NGO Recipient supported by six 1% member companies, five of whom are based in Oregon.
After the presentation, we got a chance to eat some great local, organic food and look at a display showing products from many Portland area companies involved in biking including Sweet Pea Bicycles, Truce and Patagonia.
 1% Member Products on Display Looking forward to seeing you all again on July 28th, at the final Eco-Trust Sunset Concert. Bring your friends and co-workers!
Posted in 1% For The Planet Community, Events, Members, News, Non-Profit Recipients
Posted on July 15th, 2011 by danny
 Photo Courtesy of Focus the Nation Last night was the third week of the Ecotrust Sundown Concert Series and the theme was energy, particularly alternative energy. 1% for the Planet had its usual tent and table, which was hosted by the fantastic Focus the Nation and sweet new member Skate Lift. The NGO and business handed out t-shirts and stickers to the crowds of people who attended while sharing their 1% stories and getting to meet each other and discuss the 1% network. They also got the chance to meet 1%’s VP of Organizational Development, Rebecca Calahan Klein who was in town for the day and made it to the show.
 Photo Courtesy of Focus the Nation We’d like to extend a big thank you to Anne and Sasha from Focus the Nation and Bobby and Anthony from Skate Lift for holding down the fort last night! If you’ll be in Portland make sure to stop by next Thursday at 5:30 for a great concert and exhibits with the theme of forests.
Posted in 1% For The Planet Community, Events, Members, News, Non-Profit Recipients, Our Team
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