Today, on Earth Day, we are celebrating our amazing members who give back to our big blue planet everyday by supporting our nonprofit partners who are keeping our Planet beautiful.
We are thrilled to be jumping into our second decade of existence with our new Love Blue campaign. We encourage all of our members and nonprofits to check out our new brand guidelines and adopt the use of our new logos! Please get in touch if you have any questions about the Love Blue campaign, or want more information on how you can best use these materials- we’re here to chat!
Caudalie, a French natural skincare company who joined 1% for the Planet last year, has done a great job of showing how they Love Blue in this short film….
We are proud of the partnerships they have created with Coeur de Forêt, WWF and Nordesta Reforestation & Éducation. We thank them for giving back to our big blue planet and look forward to seeing the great work that comes from these partnerships!
How to do you Love Blue? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook & Twitter!
Despite the tragic events at the Boston Marathon New Generation Energy will still be hosting the Mint Party on April 20th at Trade. NGE’s mission has always revolved around strengthening our city. Boston is at its strongest when we come together as a community, in times of joy or in times of crisis. The Mint Party is a celebration of Boston and all of the things that Boston does best – it’s a celebration of a city that gets better every day. In light of Monday’s tragedy, New Generation Energy will be donating 50% of every ticket purchased from now until Saturday, April 20th, to the American Red Cross. We want to continue to help Boston and think this is the best way to do it.
Also, if anyone is interested in helping out but does not live in Boston, they should feel free to purchase a ticket in honor of a friend or community member. 50% of the proceeds will still be sent to the American Red Cross, and the ticket can be given to someone in our community who may not be able to purchase a ticket themselves. Buying a ticket allows us to invite members of our community, of the nonprofits we work with, to the event. It is a great way to give back right now.
Beyond monetary donations to the Red Cross, NGE is exploring other ways we can be involved with the healing process of Boston. As we’ve already seen since Monday’s horrible events, the people of Boston are giving back to their fellow citizens in record numbers. Giving blood, offering shelter, providing food, etc. NGE feels it is incredibly important to do our part. We are currently exploring volunteer projects to help the City of Boston. If anyone is looking for a way to help during this time, they should feel free to reach out to our staff at Joffe@newgenerationenergy.org or sign up to receive our e-mails here: http://newgenerationenergy.org/.
NGE’s mission has always been two-fold. First, and most obviously, we are helping build energy efficient, sustainable nonprofits. What is sometimes initially overlooked is that an equally important part of our work is community building. We hold a fundamental belief that strong nonprofits, strong organizations in general, build great communities. Community development and involvement is a core value of ours, and that is what the Marathon represents to us. The Marathon is Boston at its best – a perfect example of our community. It represents strength, togetherness, camaraderie, achieving a seemingly impossible dream. These things are what make the Marathon great; these things are what make Boston great. When we decided to still host the Mint Party on Saturday, we thought about all of these things. We want Saturday to be a place for our community to come together. NGE thinks it is so important to stand strong as a community right now. We don’t want this event to be exclusionary because of a price tag. So, if anyone is interested in coming to the event, but is not sure if they can afford it, they should reach out to us at Joffe@newgenerationenergy.org.
The other 50% of proceeds from this event go directly to Local & Green, NGE’s new program to help nonprofits raise impact by reducing their carbon footprint. Local & Green provides hands-on support for energy efficiency projects in our community. For one year, NGE helps selected regional nonprofits become more sustainable, designing and implementing projects to help nonprofits save money and increase their impact. From project design to 100% funding, Local & Green is our 360° approach to powering sustainable communities.
Hug On A Rug is a company created around one product and one idea. We designed and had manufactured a rug just for hugging. It is a little rug with a big purpose – healing the world one hug at a time. The rug is intended to serve as a reminder of our relationship to each other and to the planet we all share.
We at Hug On A Rug have a deep and abiding interest in the environment and the health of the planet that is home to us all. As folks hug each other they may be reminded that we are all in this together, breathing the same air and fishing in the same seas. This care for the environment led us to 1% For The Planet – a natural partnership!
Tom first wrote his senator asking for support for the first Wilderness Bill in 1960. Tom was 14. He is a founding member of the former High Peaks Audubon in the Adirondacks of NY and participated in three Breeding Bird Atlases. Jean has been a long-time supporter of wildlife through the National Wildlife Federation and Defenders of Wildlife. It was she who designed the rug.
Our connection with Keeping Track began when Tom took Sue Morse’s (founder of Keeping Track) training nearly 10 years ago. He served for two years as a member of its board of directors. Keeping Track trains and educates both citizen scientists and professionals in methods of data collection that can lead to better decisions involving wildlife and land use. Sue’s efforts, along with those who work with her, have helped directly in the preservation of over 30,000 acres of sensitive wildlife habitat. We at Hug On A Rug will continue to support Keeping Track and it’s mission.
Huge thanks to Hug on a Rug‘s Tom Barber for sending us this story and for completing his 2012 certification early with support of Keeping Track. We’re so proud of our Vermont network- thanks for keeping it local Tom!
Next time you’re at your local health food store, check out the tasty juice sweetened fruit snacks called Surf Sweets. I would recommend trying the Gummy Bears or Gummy Swirls- they’re amazing!
At the beginning of this year, I was thrilled to learn that Surf Sweets would be joining 1% for the Planet to formalize their environmental giving. And we just got word that they have started making their 2013 contributions with a donation to Climate Cycle.
Surf Sweets told us that they “share an affinity with organizations like Climate Cycle because, like us, they’re dedicated to kids AND improving the environment. We’re thrilled to support causes like Climate Cycle that are authentic and relevant to our customers.”
We would like to thank our friends at Surf Sweets for not only being on the ball and making their donations early, but also for sharing this great news with us!
Surf Sweets is an American-based candy company whose products are gluten free, allergy free, natural, and organic.
Climate Cycle, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was founded in 2008 out of a concern that today’s youth lacked the tools necessary to respond to global warming or benefit from the emerging green economy. Today, Climate Cycle leads the charge in catalyzing environmental education in the classroom and in our communities by developing young leaders in sustainability.
1% for the Planet recipient, Sailors for the Sea, extends a thank you to Velocitek for their second year in a row of financial support.
Alec Stewart, president of Velocitek notes; “Velocitek is a company made up of people who love the ocean. Being based in Hawaii, we are surrounded by the ocean and we spend a lot of time playing in and on the water. We also realize that clean oceans are essential to our livelihood, and the success of the recreational marine industry as a whole. We believe that individually we have a small impact in preserving our oceans, but together, we can make a big difference. We support the ongoing commitment Sailors for the Sea has made to educating the sailing community on the threats to oceans and coastal waters and empowering sailors – from youth to experienced life-long recreational and professional sailors – on the actions they can take to protect marine health for generations to come.”
Since joining 1% for the Planet in 2006, Velocitek has supported a number of our nonprofit parters in addition to Sailors for the Sea. We are proud of Velecitek’s environmental commitment and thank them for their continued support of our network.
Did you know the largest 6% of US farms now produce 75% of the country’s agricultural products? Large-scale industrial agriculture is driving family farmers from their property, is reducing the connection between consumers and their food and are potentially unsustainable and could have severe consequences for the environment. There are also concerns that the food being produced is less nutritious.
Farm Aid Mission
Since 1985 Farm Aid has been at the forefront of protecting the nations family farms; family farms are essential components of the economy, providing good jobs, growing healthy food, and acting as stewards of the environment. Along with hosting the 1-800-FARM-AID hotline, they provide the most comprehensive national database of farmer resource referrals available.
Farm Aid also provides the Farmer Resource Network, an online space where new and established farmers can find the information and tools they need to thrive.
1% for the Planet Partners
Farm Aid works with a wide variety of partners including a number of 1% for the Planet partner. Some of these include:
- Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp organized the first Farm Aid concert in 1985.
“Shoppers! Buy with a conscience and save the family farm.”
– Neil Young
- Dave Matthews joined the Farm Aid Board of Directors in 2001
- Farm Aid has raised more than $40 million to promote a strong and resilient family farm system
- For over 27 years, Farm Aid has answered 1-800-FARM-AID to provide immediate and effective support services to farm families in crisis
- Fielded 800 farm contacts via the hotline in 2012 alone
- Provided drought assistance funds to 45 farm and ranch families in 2012
- Provided emergency support to 7 farm families in 2012
Challenges:
- Over the last 30 years, America has lost an average of 350 small and mid-sized farms each week
- According to the USDA Census of Agriculture, between 1982 and 2007, the US lost over 40 percent of its small and mid-sized farms - or 460,000 farms
- 93% of soybeans and 80% of corn grown in the US are under the control of one company
- The effects of climate change make running small and medium-sized farms even more challenging
Call to Action
1. Anyone can help to support Farm Aid’s cause by first and foremost, supporting your local farmers.
2. You can also check out, Farm Aid’s Action Center, where you can use a number of tools to make your voice heard for family farmers. Issues discussed include the US Farm Bill, mandatory labeling of GMO’s, fair markets for all farmers, and farm to school programs.
3. There are also a multitude of opportunities for volunteering at Farm Aid’s annual concert.
A Brighter Future for Farm Aid and America
Farm Aid’s longevity and commitment to the American family farm make them a unique and inviting resource for independent farmers. As new resources and new organizations spring forward to service the next generation of America’s family farmers, Farm Aid is committed to the task of mapping out and promoting these educational opportunities and tools. If Farm Aid is successful, it will meet these objectives:
- Farm Aid’s Farmer Resource Network is known, utilized and effective in getting farmers the resources they need.
- Family farmers are no longer driven off the land by corporate greed and outdated governmental programs.
- Fair farm policies are enacted to defend and bolster family farm agriculture.
- Strong markets exist to support more family farmers.
- Consumers prefer food from family farms, and reconnect with their local farmers.
- Everyone can afford good food from family farmers to feed their families.
- There is no longer a need for Farm Aid! Hopefully everyone who wants to grow can successfully make a living farming
Contact Kari Williams, Farm Aid’s Development Director, kari@farmaid.org, 617.354.2922 with any further questions.
“The gathering was life changing. Welcome to a revolution!”
—Paul Tryba, THE FARM, Long Beach, CA
Looking for a new kind of social investing for the 21st century? If so, plan to join Slow Money’s emerging network of thought leaders, investors, donors, farmers, social entrepreneurs and everyday folks for their 4th National Gathering this April in Boulder, CO. Two days of conversations, network building and action planning in a food-loving town. What could be better?
The list of speakers is phenomenal: the international founder of Slow Food Carlo Petrini; Wes Jackson, founder of The Land Institute, which for 30 years has conducted cutting-edge research on sustainable agriculture; Author Joan Gussow, who Michael Pollan has referred to as “my guru”; and many more.
There will also be investment presentations from two dozen small food enterprises and break out sessions on topics ranging from New Visions of Corporate Philanthropy to Exploring Seeds and Biodiversity to Impact Investing, plus the opportunity to collaborate with folks from around the country who are finding new ways to connect money, culture and the soil—including members of the 16 chapters channeling millions of dollars into local small food enterprises.
The Slow Money National Gathering brings together people who are rebuilding local food systems across the U.S. and around the world. More than 2,000 people attended the first three national gatherings—with over $22 million now invested in more than 185 small food enteprises!
Join this forward thinking group now. For details and to register, click here.
There are many different ways to advocate for a healthier planet. This year, 1% for the Planet would like to extend the opportunity to join us in action to further sustainable solutions.
1% for the Planet has joined forces with Climate Ride for our 3rd year of climate advocacy on wheels. Trina Peterson will be leading the 1% for the Planet Team this year, training for the ride from her home in the mountains of Colorado. In addition to our team, 1% for the Planet has been named one of the beneficiaries for our dedication to sustainable solutions and bike advocacy. Trina will be riding over 300 miles to raise awareness of sustainability solutions and further 1% for the Planet’s climate action.
Climate Ride is a nonprofit partner that organizes life-changing charitable events to raise awareness and support sustainability, bike advocacy, and environmental causes. Each year, Climate Ride holds two week-long events: Climate Ride NYC-DC and Climate Ride California.
1% for the Planet will be represented during the California Ride (May 19- 23, 2013) and we are looking for additional climate advocates to saddle up. Cycle to a clean energy future through majestic Redwood Forests, famed wine country, and iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
You will be joining a community of active advocates who believe in 1% for the Planet’s ability to transform business as usual. All skill levels are welcome as are all levels of financial support. You can make a secure online donation today by clicking on the ‘Support Me‘ button. You’ll automatically receive an acknowledgment and I will be notified by email of your support.
Imagine a more just and vibrant future that integrates vision, systems thinking, reflective conversation, and creative expression. This could mean working with coffee growers in Central America, providing farm apprenticeships in rural Vermont, or promoting green chemistry in the pharmaceutical industry.
The Sustainability Leaders Network trains both seasoned professionals and youth to be lifelong sustainability and social transformation champions. Members of the network are skilled in:
- establishing alliances with diverse stakeholders
- building shared vision for a just, sustainable, and peaceful future
- identifying and addressing root causes of complex challenges
The Sustainability Leaders Network helps each individual work at their highest capacity over a lifetime and to deepen the impact of the network now.
Working on sustainability issues on a global level requires collaboration with a variety of partners. The Sustainability Leaders Network collaborates with a range of organizations including: Cobb Hill Ecovillage, Cedar Mountain Farm CSA, Sustainable Food Lab, Biomimicry 3.8, and Climate Interactive. Their key stakeholders are the members in their network and, by extension, members’ organizations and companies.
Photo Credit: Clemens Kalischer, 2009
Some of these include approved 1% for the Planet non-profit partners:
- American Rivers - Protects and restores U.S. rivers, and the variety of life they sustain, for the benefit of people, fish and wildlife.
- Center for Whole Communities - Leading a new movement for change – building healthy, whole communities by reweaving the connections among people, land and community.
- Ocean Foundation – Supports, strengthens, and promotes organizations dedicated to reversing the trend of destruction of ocean environments around the world.
Successes to Date
Creating a more sustainable world is challenging, but the SLN is making progress.
- The Fellows network consists of 80 professionals around the world, plus dozens of young leaders.
- 90% report that the network has been essential to their professional growth.
- 80% collaborate with other Fellows in their sustainability efforts.
- Fellows work with and directly influence over 170,000 people and indirectly reach over 2 million through publications, presentations, and videos related to their efforts.
Success for SLN is a well-trained and connected network of diverse professionals and young people who increase their impact and effectiveness – individually and collectively – in bringing about the transition to sustainability.
For example, Fellow Tse-Sung Wu is leading GreenBioPharma at Genentech. Drawing on his SLN training, he has helped lead a successful effort to reduce costs and benefit the environment in the research and development of medicines.
Here are just a few testimonials from SLN’s network of sustainability champions, participants:
“These practices have been phenomenal for me. This is probably the most caring, sensitive, deep thinking group I have experienced. The content regarding systems thinking, visioning, the area of coaching, and deep listening are my touch stones.”
“I still go back to the binder to look through and use the program material, both for my own learning and for training others. Mostly visioning, coaching, systems thinking and reflective conversation.”
“I see the fellowship as a continuing process, rather than something completed and over. I feel very appreciative of the ongoing learning, resources, and support in my professional life.”
Contact Edie Farwell, Executive Director, edie.farwell@gmail.com, 802-291-2896, with any additional questions.
The simple truth is that people are addicted to oil. Unfortunately as we continue to burn it, the amount of carbon in the atmosphere continues to rise. Scientific evidence shows that the world is now suffering the disastrous impacts of climate change caused by elevated levels of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere. As oil supplies dwindle there is a push to uncover new resources by using dirty tar sands mining practices as in the case of the tar sands of central Canada. The 240 gigatons of carbon stored in the tar sands is equivalent to adding at least 4 million new cars to the road. Current plans will pipe this dirty oil west, south, and east to coastal waters. Areas around these pipelines will be put at risk of serious environmental disasters, while the entire globe will be increasingly threatened by climate change.
Oil companies plan to pump tar sands oil through some of the most pristine areas of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Linking tar sands oil production centers in central Canada to international shipping facilities in Maine will boost the industry’s profits, while ignoring the potential risks imposed upon the people and environment of New England. Unlike the Keystone XL pipeline and the Northern Gateway pipeline, the proposed project does not require new pipeline construction. The plan is to simply reverse the flow of two existing pipeline systems: the 40-year-old Enbridge Line 9 and the 62-year-old Portland-Montreal Pipe Line.
The areas through which these lines travel include some of the most spectacular ecological resources in the region. The tar sands that will be flowing through this line are not like conventional oil. Tar sands diluted bitumen is mixed with natural gas liquids and other volatile petroleum products and it is transported at high temperatures and high pressure. This combination can weaken pipelines and increase the risk of spills.
Important Areas:
Saint Lawrence River – Canada’s most important river provides drinking water to 50% of Quebec.
Lake Memphremagog – 27-mile long glacial lake, provides water in the U.S. and Canada.
Victory State Forest – A 15,000-acre state complex in Vermont’s pristine “Northeast Kingdom” that is home to 130 bird species.
Connecticut River – One of New England’s most important watersheds.
Missisquoi River – A major tributary to Lake Champlain. A 767,000-acre watershed, with a 6,700 National Wildlife Refuge at its mouth.
Coos County – known as the “North Country,” this is the least developed area in New Hampshire.
Androscoggin River – The pipeline will cross this important river twice and run alongside it for 13 miles. Recent rehabilitation efforts are once again threatened.
Crooked River – A favorite area for outdoor enthusiasts, this river is also the primary spawning and nursery ground for Sebago Lake’s landlocked Atlantic salmon.
Sebago Lake – Covering 30,000 acres, this area includes Maine’s busiest state campground and provide clean drinking water to Portland.
Gulf of Maine – One of the ten most productive marine ecosystems in the world and essential to Maine’s economy.
There is a history of pipeline spills, including an incident near Marshall, Michigan in 2010. More than 1 million gallons of diluted bitumen spilled and drained into the Talmadge Creek, eventually spreading down a 30-mile stretch of the Kalamazoo River. The results included health effects among the local population and devastating effects on the ecosystem. Enbridge, the owner of Line 9, has had 804 spills between 1999 and 2010, which resulted in 6.8 million gallons of hydrocarbons.
The proposed tar sands pipeline threatens both humans and the natural environment.
Take action and call on our governments to thoroughly review all pipelines that might carry tar sands,
Call on President Obama to require a Presidential Permit for the proposed New England pipeline, necessitating a full environmental impact review.
Conduct long-range clean energy plans before committing to infrastructure that will increase oil consumption.
Embrace policies that will reduce oil demand.
Successes to date:
Successfully organizing grassroots efforts.
24 Vermont towns with a Tar Sands Free Resolution on the March ballot
Nationwide Fossil Fuel Divestment campaign at several universities
Filed a request with the Act 250 Commission for a Jurisdictional Opinion on whether any pipeline reversal would require an environmental review
Demonstrations in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Québec: no tar sands in the East!
Challenges to completing the project:
Lack of public knowledge in the areas surrounding the tar sands pipeline
Building political support of this opposition movement
Creating long-range energy plans that will provide alternatives to tar sands oil
Embracing new policies that promote renewable energy and reduced consumption
Fighting the power and financial resources of the oil industry
Call to Action
Get involved in the Tar Sand Northeast Solidarity Actions. Events will be taking place throughout New England. There is a national rally to stop the Keystone XL Tar Sands pipeline in Washington, DC on February 17th, 2013.
Please consider donating directly to, joining and supporting the partner organizations doing this vital work:
An independent state chapter of the 350.org movement focused on building a volunteer-based grassroots movement to confront climate change issues in Vermont. Campaigns include Rethinking Transportation, Tar Sands Free Northeast, Fossil Fuel Divestment.
A grassroots movement to solve the climate crisis. Online campaigns, grassroots organizing, and mass public actions are lead by volunteer organizers in over 188 countries.
America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization. Sierra Club’s 2.1 million members and supporters urge the president to cement our nation’s position as the global clean energy leader by going all in on sustainable energy, holding polluters accountable, and rejecting the dangerous tar sands pipeline.
Providing a voice for wildlife, this organization is dedicated to protecting wildlife and habitat and inspiring future generations of conservationists.
Contact Emily Tompkins, Development Coordinator at 350Vermont, emily@350vt.org or the 350Vermont office, 802-444-0350 with any further questions.
