We’ve been growing at a rate of more than one business per day for the past two years, but January was a particularly wonderful month here at 1% for the Planet. 49 businesses started their membership during the past four weeks. For those of you nervously watching the 260-day Mayan Tzolkin calendar this year, that works out to an impressive 2.2 members per day this month.
We’re tweaking the way we introduce new members in light of all the activity in the network and the addition of our talented new staff members James, Pauline and Tom. Look for an initial post announcing the folks who have joined most recently, followed by entries going deeper into the stories of the people, places and motivations that inspired them to join 1% for the Planet.
Welcome all! Stay tuned for posts sharing the stories the individual businesses and their motivations for joining 1%–thanks for making the world a better place!
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.
About a week ago it seemed like every single member company and non-profit partner departed on a giant 1% for the Planet family vacation. Auto-responders trumpeting details of surf trips, beach bonanzas and backpacking forays greeted roughly 50% of the emails I sent. I took to wearing my sombrero in the office and consumed generous amounts of “tropical concoctions” to stave off depression. Just seven days later the tables turned, and this week we welcomed 10 new companies!
Birdman Productions brings video production services and films with an environmental message to the 1% family.
DRINKON offers members huge discounts and insider tips on the best bars, restaurants and clubs in the San Diego area.
Project 571 is supplying college campuses around the country with logo wear made of organic and recycled materials and ensuring that workers are paid a fair wage.
Essential Safe Products helps keep your food (and family) safe from harmful chemicals and toxins with their wide selection of glass, stainless steel and bamboo cookwear. Born of a mom’s concern for her family’s wellbeing, ESP provides a single place to research, buy, learn and share about safe cooking, safe eating and safe choices in life!
Green Denim Initiative lets you make a fashion and environmental statement while sporting their lineup of stylish denim.
Greenhaus Gadgetry stocks everything you need for your eco-friendly home, from goat’s milk soap to natural charcoal.
Indigo Children’s Services Consultancy is a resource for public, private and third party organizations looking to provide the best possible outcomes for children, young people and families.
Kickin’ Kombucha is producing some of the tastiest tea around and will have cowboys in their home state of Texas kicking up their heels along with all you other Kombucha aficionados from coast to coast.
Praxis für Körperarbeit, a German massage studio, will work out all the kinks after your summer adventures, whether you’re battling over the debt ceiling on Capitol Hill or tackling that monster 5.11c at your local climbing spot.
Smith & Tinker, makers of mobile apps, are venturing in to new territory with a game that mixes solid fun with a strong environmental message. Download it for your smart phone soon!
The latest update on new 1% for the Planet members comes from Boulder, CO. After 24 hours of driving from our newly-married Acquisition Guru’s wedding in Hamlin, NY (congrats Grace!) it feels great to stretch the legs and get ready for an attempt at climbing the Grand Teton tomorrow. If only my lower body would get circulation back! I hope you’re all getting to play in the sun as much as the 1% crew has as of late! While you’re out and about, check out these businesses that have recently joined the network.
Our newest member Alexander Trees Company is planting a tree for every single item they sell. Whether you purchase a killer pair of A Trees shades, polo shirt or hoodie you’re making the planet a better place and supporting 1% non-profit partners. They’re just getting started and have already planted 262 trees.
Frozen Laundry is a cool new member who is designing, manufacturing and testing technical wear for mountain bikers in British Columbia. Pick up a jersey from founder Ali Becker at their headquarters in Rossland and then take a few laps at the Whistler Bike Park!
MARK Skateboards elevates the skateboard deck to the level of art, while maintaining durability and enhancing function. Check out their collection of decks. You have my sympathy if you’d rather hang one on your wall than boardslide it. Founder Mark Gobble has one of the coolest life stories I’ve heard, and fyi, those kids in the skatepark might all have Ph.Ds if they’re following in his footsteps.
Seasons Catering joins 1% for the Planet from British Columbia and has your next party, corporate event or summer BBQ covered. They will be happy to customize a menu for you AND they do popovers that would even make Brittany‘s mom, the Queen of Pesto Popovers, jealous.
Spindrift Soda is producing some of the tastiest soda I’ve had the good fortune to try, and owner Bill Creelman’s concoctions have a lot of the non-soda drinkers in the 1% office reconsidering their position. Whether you’re in the mood for a sparkling mango orange or half & half, Spindrift’s sodas are made with real fruits and juices and raise the bar for summer refreshment and corporate philanthropy at the same time.
The 1% for the Planet crew is going to take a break from listening to Rebecca Black croon about the impending weekend and extend a warm welcome to the 17 new 1% member companies that have joined since the beginning of July!
We’re psyched to gain several water-oriented companies this month. First out of the waves was Kalon Surf, a boutique surf camp in Costa Rica. They were followed closely by Maximum Surfcamps, who will get you hanging ten on the coast of Portugal in no time. And you can get everything you need for your surfing adventures and lifestyle at Envirosurfer, an awesome online green surf shop. And don’t forget, Oceadiet supplies natural products sustainably sourced from the seas.
If surfing is only part of the picture for you, or you’re like my ex-girlfriends and you associate surfing lessons with the swift and traumatic conclusion of relationships, check out Feather & Fin Vacations. A new member based in Montana, they can take you to beautiful places as far from water (or as close) as you like. If you’re trapped in a concrete jungle for the time being, Island Natural Fragrances will bring the scents of nature to your home or office.
In the spirit of getting out there, The Highly Acclaimed magazine has joined our ranks and is a great resource for keeping apprised of the latest outdoor news, places and people. Double Check Ranch Grassfed Beef Crisps, made on the ranch in Winkelman, Arizona, will keep you fueled during your adventures and Teresa at BioSpirit Day Spa will work out the kinks afterward!
July also brings new members with a focus on the home, including In the Barn Woodworks, who makes beautiful custom cabinetry in Tennessee, PaGreenWindows.com, where Eric will help you build it right the first time with Energy Star windows, and Elementem Art & Design, makers of stunning large-scale prints–see below. And if you order a print from Elementem, be sure to call on Quantum Courier to get it to you on time!
stepOut, a Swiss marketing firm brings international good looks and sensibility to 1% and is joined in the European arena by Dr. Andreas Weis’s businesses Dentalogue and Vitalogue, two excellent resources for people looking to find dental professionals or health supplements.
We’re honored to have Skate Lift join the tribe–and stoked they could attend the EcoTrust Sundown Concert Series to announce their participation with 1% yesterday. With two more shows to go, we hope we’ll see you at one of these Thursday night free concerts if you’re in the Portland area!
And to top it all off, 1% is psyched to add AMR Meetings & Incentives, who helps companies build corporate social responsibility in to the bedrock of their business plans. What a great way to finish off the first half of July.
With the change of the seasons and the return of jovial sunshine, the rejuvenating power of the planet has inspired a plethora of companies worldwide to take action and join the 1% alliance. Here’s the lineup of the eclectic yet inspirational mix of new members from June 2011.
California brings us My Own Bottle with new and improved classic reusable water bottles, Ouroboros Ales with their radical microbrews from the central sun coast, and RACER Frames who have filled the niche for affordably showcasing the infamous racer bibs in an athlete’s home.
From the edge of the Great Lakes in Michigan, Traverse Gourmet serves up succulent suppers in seersucker suits.
In New York, skinnyskinny is handcrafting organic, luxurious bath and body treats as well as beautiful, unique home affair.
Arizona brings us Mountain Sports- the leading four-season supplier of all Patagonia outdoor clothing in northern Arizona.
In Pennsylvania, PensionPro Software, LLC is creating innovative, fluid software for cutting edge business.
Montana brings Eric’s Wicked Seasoning to the table with it’s wild kick of flavor to spice up any dish.
From underneath the arch of St. Louis, Missouri comes Brit Stewart Weddings with its’ passionate and creative approach to wedding planning.
In Massachusetts, Stance Collection is creatively merging the worlds of designer toys and sneakers, Althea Jane is baking lovely homemade dog treats for the urban animal lovers, and Swimfish, Inc. provides collaborative, holistic business consulting.
Coming all the way from Laos, Spirulinea Laos Co. Ltd., provides rejuvenating supplements for optimum health.
In France, Eco-Lodgia is setting the bar for ecologically conscious lodging and dining in the heart of Paris, and 2 Display 4 You offers elegant, innovative marketing and public relations services.
Spain brings us Pensando en Blanco, a funky design firm highlighting the beauty of natural forms and raw materials.
In Germany, Hoehenfaktor is breaking ground in sustainable construction with the innovative use of climbing ropes, and Ailola is launching online interactive educational resources for both students and teachers alike.
Canada brings us Acoustic Creative, a studio and gallery with a minimalist, organic approach to design, Xclamation Media & Communications Group who is bridging the gap between traditional marketing and positive civic engagement, GearOutHere.com with their online outdoor store featuring funky, quality items for the raw adventurer in us all, and Native Canada Footwear who is mixing it up with a new, versatile, and stylish slip-on shoe.
In Alabama,The Speaking Husky replaces the jitters of public oration with fun.
British Columbia’s Native Shoes keeps feet in style with molded EVA kicks that you can rock while chilling at one of Sunwolf‘s cabins after a white-knuckle rafting trip.
In California, Fishhound will help you find the perfect fly fishing spot. If you’ve already burned this year’s vacation days and your boss is going to fire you for taking a fourth angling trip this quarter, do the next best thing and bring green to your office with eco-friendly supplies from EcoVerte.
When the long day is over, relax with a glass of wine from member company Wautusha Wines and pop in an environmentally-themed movie from MacGillivray Freeman Films.
The next day, consider calling in Peak Teams to help you build fishing trips in to your company’s business plan, or talk to Wollman Wealth Designs and plan your early retirement.
Colorado’s Dinkum Systems gives you the photographic necessities you need to capture the action on your next adventure and Take One Creative markets good causes by sharing compelling stories.
In D.C., SwitchtoClean makes the transition to renewable energy effortless.
Florida brings us Credit Card Builders, helping business and individuals access capital, and Karmafarm supplies eco-friendly products, home wares and gifts.
France member IRISccg spreads the good word with interactive online communications.
Japanese company Bike Plus supplies high-end road bikes that would make Lance jealous.
In Massachusetts, Swimfish keeps companies of top of their game with personalized customer relationship management software.
North Carolina brings us Adam Shay C.P.A., helping keep the books in line.
Don’t take New Hampshire for granite: Primal Media‘s web work is anything but antediluvian.
New York breaks new ground with green business promotion and Make Things Matter, Arcadia Home brings eco-chic to your living room and Sprout Watches leafs their mark on the timepiece market.
In Oklahoma, Planet Heal enables an environmentally friendly lifestyle with products that lessen our impact on the planet.
Ontario company Purse Nest covers your furniture needs, and Quebec members company Frio Transport can bring it to you!
Mexican company Rainforest Rumcakes keeps the party going and makes Vermonters like me wish the sun would come out. But I’ll settle for a rumcake.
In Michigan, Traverse City Bass Guide Services and Manistee River Salmon Guide service can get you on the fishing trip of a lifetime.
WashingtonState’sNorthwest LoveFest brings together great bands, good vibes and environmental awareness.
Wisconsin mixes it up with rowing supplies from Stroke Seat and sustainability consulting from Organic Alternatives.
After quite a busy April with many inspiring earth day events and highlights, 1% is proud to introduce 35 new members to the network! Find the member nearest you and see what they have to offer!
Oregon brings brands to life, while simultaneously providing an ecofriendly home cleaning experience ecopop | CleanVia, Inc
California offers fashion, art, ecofriendly computer cables and all natural soaps with 1% member companies: Lazy Glamour Apparel | Wild About Crafts | Ohmlop | Swami’s Homegrown
NewYork consults, educates about recycling and trash, and all the while keeps surfers up to par on their nutrition thanks to Birchyard | Grey Box Inc. | Jimmu Enterprises Incorporated
Pennsylvania is all about connections this month as they bring two new members whom help artists connect and locate one another geographically with A Dying Breed | Purple Lizard Publishing
If you’re in the United Kingdom, get a screen printed new tee or learn about sustainable marketing with members GET A GRIP | Orbis Marketing
France engages with graphic designers, exceptional mountaineering tools, natural soaps and keeps it all together with great accountants with members Solutions Graphik’n Print | Blue Ice UP France | Mayumi-Bio| L’Abeille Comptabilite
Norway encourages us all to take more holiday, venturing out to some beautiful rentals in Crete from Almyra
