Feathers That Give Back to Blue

Fine Featherheads, a member since 2011, does more than just keep us all looking good; they support nonprofits that keep us healthy too!  Last year alone, they donated $45,000 to the Keep A Breast Foundation.

As a company started by a woman, mostly run by women, and selling predominantly to women, they feel breast cancer awareness is an important issue to highlight.  The Keep A Breast Foundation does a great job of educating people, especially youth, about cancer-causing toxins in our everyday environment to help with prevention, early detection, and, more importantly they do so in a fun and engaging way.

They also generously donated a large portion of their 1% commitment directly to us! Thank you Fine Featherheads! This type of support above and beyond membership helps us to broadcast the 1% for the Planet message, increase the size of our network and the amount of funding for environmental causes, and deepen member relationships and impact with their 1% FTP non-profit partners.  1% for the Planet leads the movement to harness the strongest force in our time, commerce, with the greatest need in our culture, sustainability.

We are extremely appreciative for the support that Fine Featherheads has offered in the past to both Keep a Breast and 1% for the Planet. We’re thrilled to be Loving Blue alongside them and look forward to increasing our impact together.

Tags: donations, Fine Featherheads, Keep A Breast, Love Blue
Posted in Members, Non-Profit Recipients

Saunas & Sea Turtles

Mark Nicholson of Wilderness Creations sent us some info on why he donated to a diverse assortment of nonprofits this year- thanks for Loving Blue Mark!

We gave to 5 different charities this year. We chose to support the Coral Reef Alliance and The Sea Turtle Conservancy because the oceans are just so crucial and face so many challenges. When we do have a chance to get away from work and from the New England winters, we love to go down to the Caribbean and enjoy the beautiful weather and waters. We love to snorkel, dive, and view all of the amazing ocean life.

Another charity we gave to was the Adirondack Council which helps protect the Adirondack Park in upstate New York. Being in the Rustic/Adirondack furniture business, we are very tied to the beauty and culture of Adirondack’s.

We also gave to the Rainforest Alliance and to Save the Redwoods. We feel that it is incredibly important to find ways to protect the vital rain forests from abuse and degradation. The redwoods are a magnificent tree that deserve to have protection from irresponsible logging, so that future generations can witness their greatness.

Check out Mark’s Rustic Furniture Gallery to see his amazing work! My personal favorite is the barrel sauna….

Tags: Adirondack Council, Coral Reef Alliance, Love Blue, New England, Rainforest Alliance, Rustic Furniture Gallery, The Sea Turtle Conservancy, Wilderness Creations
Posted in Members, Non-Profit Recipients

…I Wanted To Do More Locally

We’d like to thank all of our members, nonprofits, donors and friends who attended our event in NYC earlier this week- we hope you all had a great time! While there, we had a great chat with Dawn Kikel, the owner of Arcadia Home and she sent us this great reflection on why she joined 1% FTP and why she supports a variety of NYC-based nonprofits. Here is Dawn’s story…

I decided to join 1% for the Planet after thinking about how I could make more of a difference as a corporation. Of course, Arcadia Home creates jobs and helps individuals in the countries we produce in but I wanted to do more locally.  In looking at the many options it seemed that by aligning Arcadia Home with so many fantastic companies that are part of 1% for the Planet, there could be a multiplier effect  for the organizations I support. For many years I have personally donated to organizations that I believed in, but the discipline of sitting down and making sure the dollars I have committed to 1% has been spent by the time the auditing comes up is a great exercise for me.

Arcadia Home supports some fantastic local organizations. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an oasis of calm and beauty in the middle of NYC with an amazing Japanese Garden and wonderful community education programs. At the other end of the scale AH supports the Gowanus Canal Conservancy which is a non-profit dedicated to cleaning up one of the most polluted waterways in the country. The canal is walking distance from my house and their work has resulted in some amazing transformations including the return of some native species to the canal, a big composting initiative for area Farmers Markets and the greening of the neighborhood around the canal. Transportation Alternatives is another local organization we support. Living in Brooklyn, many of us love our bike lanes but there are lots of people that don’t seem to feel the same way. TA works hard to convince the naysayers. They also work to make the city more walkable and get people out of their cars.

On the international front, Arcadia Home supports the World Monuments Fund which is an organization dedicated to preserving the worlds important architectural and cultural heritage sites, helping the local community to maintain and preserve the sites that are often neglected and deteriorating. Once these sites are gone, they can never be replaced. Check out their site and see the fantastic work they do in the US and around the world. Lastly we support the American Museum of Natural History- both a local and international institution – promoting education and scientific research about people, cultures and environments around the world. A must see when visiting NYC.

Thanks for sharing these wonderful organizations with the 1% for the Planet members. Please let me know if you need any help reaching organization in the NY area. I would love to help spread the word about 1% for the Planet.

Thanks for your kind words Dawn- we look forward to seeing you again soon in NYC!

Tags: American Museum of Natural History, Arcadia Home, Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Gowanus Canal Conservancy, Love Blue, New York City, NYC, Transportation Alternatives, World Monument Fund
Posted in Members, Non-Profit Recipients

Sea Kayaking For A Cause

Breanne Quesnel, the owner of Spirit of the West Adventures, explains why they became members of 1% for the Planet….

From a selfish perspective, we all need healthy and functioning ecosystems for our own survival, to have clean water, air and food. As an eco-tourism business, our livelihood is also directly connected to beautiful wild places, open spaces and plentiful wildlife. We try our best to be a sustainable business and to consider the environment and the ramifications of our choices and actions in all that we do, but we also need to give back. We are able to generate revenue by sharing sea kayaking trips on the beautiful British Columbia coast with people from all over the world. We feel it is only right to direct some of that revenue back to organizations and groups that help to protect these wild spaces and wildlife.

We became 1% for the Planet members in order to help raise the profile of the need for all businesses to give back to the environment. While quietly donating to environmental charities gets money where it is needed, 1% for the Planet helps to encourage all businesses to share their success with environmental charities and highlights the fact that together we can make a greater impact. The brand recognition helps customers to make informed decisions, supporting companies who support the environment. I know when I see the 1% for the Planet logo at other shops or businesses, I feel better about purchasing their product or service. My dollar spend has the capacity for a greater positive environmental impact.

The mainstay of our business is providing tours which allow people to sea kayak with whales and a variety of other wildlife in wild and untouched spaces. It is for this reason that over the years as 1% for the Planet members we have chosen to donate to groups which help in protecting the marine environment, the food sources of the whales as well as our local community in which we operate our business. Past donation recipients have included (plus others who still need to apply to become 1% FTP approved nonprofit partners);

- Cetus Research and Conservation

- Save our Salmon

- The Wilderness Tourism Association of British Columbia

- West Coast Environmental Law

- The Sierra Club of BC

- Raincoast Conservation Foundation

- Quadra Island Salmon Enhancement

Donating 1% of all sales is a small contribution to a very worthy cause.  I heard a great quote once which helps to sum it all up nicely, “The economy is a wholly owned subsidiary of nature”.

Tags: British Columbia, Canada, Great Bear Rainforest, kayaking, Raincoast Conservation Foundation, Spirit of the West Adventures, Whales
Posted in Members, Non-Profit Recipients

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

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

Caletti Cycles Gives Back

John Caletti, the owner of 1% for the Planet member Caletti Cycles, sent along this great post about his 1% commitment… thanks for Loving Blue, John!

I value and respect our natural world, and I understand that running a business takes a toll on the environment . It’s important to reduce and offset the damage as much as possible. 1% FTP is a good structure for my business and has the added value of being a movement in partnership with others with similar values. I’m a cyclist and I build custom bicycles, so the bulk of my donations went to “Bikes Belong” to get more people on bikes for cleaner and simpler transportation.

Additionally I gave to Shark Savers, as I live on the coast and have a fascination and appreciation for sharks as an important part of our ecosystem who are endangered and misunderstood. Maybe they’ll be even nicer to me when I’m out in the water paddling, surfing or diving.

Tags: 1% members, bicycles, Bikes Belong, Caletti Cycles, California, Santa Cruz, Shark Savers
Posted in Members, News, Non-Profit Recipients

Protecting the Environment in Uganda

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.

Tags: ngo, nonprofit, organic perspectives, uganda
Posted in Non-Profit Recipients