Natural Products Expo West – a grandiose three-day tour of flavors to savor. Have a bite of raw cacao, munch an organic corn chip with fresh salsa, sample a kale chip with vegan cheese, and how about a sprouted cashew to top it off?
Aww the tasting extravaganza that is ExpoWest!
1% for the Planet was pleased to have a solid presence from our member companies Clif Bar, ECOlunchboxes, Spindrift, PeopleTowels, Harney & Sons and TruSweets. Wherever we went, a bustling member booth was to be found: Janie Hoffman, of Mamma Chia, was debuting her new Chia Squeeze vitality snack; Neal, of Three Twins Ice Cream, sported his Three Twins branded shoes around the show while also talking about his delectable new ice cream sandwiches; Klean Kanteen started the party off right with a Happy Hour to benefit their 1% for the Planet recipient partner, 5 Gyres; Mark, at Ascenta Health, showed off their new animal supplement line; Caroline, at Elemental Herbs, presented her beautiful new sunscreen line; Elizabeth, at Purely Elizabeth, discussed her up ‘n coming Ancient Grains Oatmeal; and Wean Green lit up the party with their colorful glass containers and gelato party to benefit their 1% for the Planet recipient partner, Grades of Green.
You guys rocked it and it was truly a delight to find so many familiar faces amongst the masses!
While we walked the show quite a bit to check in with all those near and dear, Rebecca, Brodie, and I were also hugely grateful to be sharing a booth space with Nature’s Path EnviroKidz. In the midst of what could quickly become sensory overload, having our home base at Nature’s Path was just what the thing. Perhaps unbeknownst to some, Arran Stephens, founder of Nature’s Path, is also quite a gifted poet. I, along with many others, was hugely grateful for Arran’s calming presence and thoughtful poems that he would share with us throughout the show. Thank you, Arran!
And while the show is a busy space, it’s also hugely inspirational and a true coming together of so many wonderful people working to really make a difference.
Bud Sorenson, board member of Whole Foods Market and proud padre to our beloved 1% Development Director, Trina Peterson, walked the show floor with us, introducing us to his many friends exhibiting at the show, and also invited us to join him in the conference room where Whole Foods Market was announcing live that they would be requiring all products in their stores to include GMO labeling, to achieve full transparency by 2018. After a busy fall working to support GMO labeling through our high impact partnership initiatives, we were very excited to hear this news, along with many of our attending member companies. This step taken by Whole Foods Market is a prime example of how business can work to really make a difference on this planet.
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.
Two weeks ago, I celebrated my first Christmas as a 1% for the Planet employee. It’s been amazing to see the wide variety of businesses and nonprofits in our network that are working toward the goal of making our world a better place! A few months ago I challenged myself to see how many 1% FTP members I could support during the holiday season. It was amazingly easy to find something for everyone on my list and I am proud to say that I way able to support nine of our members (and indirectly supporting hundreds of nonprofits)!
I’d like to give major props to POP Paddleboards for shipping me one of their awesome “Classico” boards from Anaheim. It was a bit of an adventure to figure out how to get this 10’6” board into my house, as well as where to store it until we can play with it this summer- but we managed! Nick was super helpful and I would highly recommend checking out their products next time you’re looking for an awesome gift.
Created by a family of watermen, POP Paddleboards is an emerging lifestyle brand in the stand up paddleboard (SUP) industry. Characterized by a unique color palette, their range of lightweight, high performance SUP boards are shaped for riders near and far across all bodies of water. Headquartered in Southern California, POP’s mission is to branch out and inspire those near a river, lake, or ocean to stand up and paddle. They want to develop an all-encompassing, inclusive identity for the paddleboarding lifestyle that encourages fitness, exploration, and fun. POP makes their boards easily accessible to the masses via poppaddleboards.com and shops across the country.
POP understands that paddleboarding couldn’t exist if it wasn’t for Mother Nature and her incredible lakes, beaches and scenic backdrops. Partnering with 1% FTP was a no-brainer for the crew at POP, because they have made it their responsibility to ensure that generations to come can experience these moments on the water’s surface. The POP crew is influenced by the 1% FTP network and is excited to see what part they have in making the planet a better place. Like any business, they couldn’t do it without their customers, who are indirectly the engine that drives 1% FTP. They’re excited to work with you to find a board that fits well with your lifestyle- whether it be salty or fresh!
Although I technically got this paddleboard for my mom, I’m definitely looking forward to getting it out on the lake this summer! If only it wasn’t 33 degrees here today… In the spirit of a new year, how about we all make a resolution to support 1% for the Planet members whenever possible. Next time you need some tea, coffee, chocolate, a new jacket, or even a paddleboard, make sure to check out our website to see which companies are giving back to the planet everyday through their 1% FTP commitment. Trust me, you’ll feel good about it!
Power Plant is a unique gathering bringing together sustainable business leaders, social entrepreneurs, eco-adventurers, green artists and media activists for socializing and learning about great ideas. The event takes place every few months at different venues around the city, offering an innovative and casual approach to networking with the aim of celebrating success, sharing ideas and knowledge, creating strategic partnerships and promoting the growth of Vancouver’s green economy.
This first-time “Special Edition” of Power Plant was focused exclusively on 1% for the Planet, a global movement of more than 1,000 member companies in 45 countries that donate one percent of annual sales directly to approved environmental organizations worldwide. Representatives from 1% for the Planet were on hand to mix and mingle with the sold-out crowd of 185 people, Power Plant’s largest event to date.
After an hour of purposeful connecting in the foyer (while snacking on delicious appetizers and sipping local wine and beer), the group moved into the theatre’s auditorium, where Melody Badgett, Senior Vice President of 1% for the Planet, kicked off the presentations by giving a high energy overview of the benefits businesses gain from joining 1% for the Planet.
Each presenter followed the Power Plant format, giving a three-minute and 20 second presentation accompanied by 10 slides appearing on screen for exactly 20 seconds each, lending a snappy tone to the presentation portion of the evening.
Other speakers included:
-Devon Page, Executive Director of Ecojustice, a charity made up of some of Canada’s leading lawyers and scientists who work to fulfill their mission of using the law and to protect and restore Canada’s environment. Devon talked about Ecojustice’s conservation work, funded in part by 1% for the Planet member Mountain Equipment Co-op, consisting of law suits representing animals such as the caribou and the orca, fighting against the federal government for not following their own regulations around species protection.
-Monica Pearson, a biologist who discussed her work conserving Oregon spotted frog habitats in the Fraser Valley through the BC Conservation Foundation, a non-profit supported by 1% for the Planet member Frogbox. She pointed out that 67 animal species in the Fraser Valley are currently under threat of extinction, and how the work she and her colleagues are doing in riparian restoration is making a difference in stopping that momentum.
-Michael Ableman, an acclaimed farmer, author and founder of SOLEfood Farm, who spoke about this innovative social enterprise that provides urban agriculture employment and training opportunities for Vancouver’s inner-city residents.
-Kris Holm, a mountain unicyclist, who spoke about what inspired him to make his business the first Canadian company, and internationally the first cycling brand, to become a member of 1% for the Planet. Kris is also a 1% for the Planet Ambassador.
Sponsors of the event included prominent members of the 1% for the Planet in Canada: Mountain Equipment Co-op, Salt Spring Coffee,Nature’s Path/EnviroKidz, and Frogbox. Each sponsor had an information table for attendees to visit during the networking portion of the evening, highlighting the work of the nonprofit organizations they partner with and support through their 1% for the Planet commitment.
MEC’s table hosted information from Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society about their joint Dare to be Deep campaign, calling for 12 new marine protected areas. Salt Spring Coffee’s table was dedicated to the work of LOCO BC, an alliance of local companies working to strengthen communities, grow the local economy and build strong, sustainable businesses.
In 2013, Junxion will continue its work with 1% for the Planet to expand the breadth and depth of its network in Canada, bringing more organizations into this strong and growing movement.
Let me introduce Florent- a friend of ours from France!
Corporate boardrooms begone! Florent, visiting the States from France, is hitting the road on behalf of 1% for the Planet.
He’s left his cush job in PA and is hitting spending the next five months driving across the continent from New Jersey to Mexico, spreading the word about 1% for the Planet and getting the flavor of the US and Canada.
A modern de Tocqueville if you will, but without the political element to the trip!
Florent’s goal is to meet people in the 1% FTP network and also try to recruit new members. In the first two weeks of their trip, they have already visited around 40 businesses in Quebec! We are very grateful for the time and effort that Florent and his family have given to 1% and helping us spread the word! Make sure to check out their blog and feel free to contact us (info@onepercentfortheplanet.org) to see if they will be in a city near you! Safe travels!
Founded in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia and Craig Mathews of Blue Ribbon Flies, 1% for the Planet is an alliance of businesses that donate at least 1% of revenue to organizations focused in sustainability. The Jessie B. Cox Charitable Trust and 1% for the Planet share an interest in the long-term preservation of New England’s unique environmental resources and are working to put the power of business to work for the planet.
With the support of the Jessie B. Cox Charitable Trust, 1% for the Planet is dedicating a team, led by Barbara Friedsam, the organization’s New England Network Director, to expand business support for the environment initiatives in the region, such as preserving and enhancing New England’s large forests.
“In an effort to push the envelope of our social-environmental mission, … we are proud to make the commitment to join 1% for the Planet,” said Skinny Pancake co-founder/owner Benjy Adler. “We’ll donate 1% of our sales to grassroots environmental non-profits, with a focus on local food and farm-advocacy groups like NOFA-VT (North Eastern Farming Association of Vermont) and Intervale.”
To date, 1% member companies have donated nearly $1 million to New England non-profit organizations working on land conservation, climate change, water resource protection, renewable energy development, and environmental education. 1% members donate directly to approved non-profits allowing them to remain closely connected to the issues they care about.
1% for the Planet will continue to help businesses work for their communities, both locally and on a larger scale.
The new initiative will include heightening awareness in the business community about key environmental issues and targeted investment opportunities. Ultimately, this will enable collaboration between businesses and non-profits that generate long-term environmental and business benefits. Individuals can help by supporting 1% for the Planet member companies in their strategic giving choices and participating with our local partner NGOs. Please follow 1% for the Planet online for updates on regional developments.
“New England is fertile ground for both business and individual participation in the sustainability movement,” said Barbara Friedsam, New England Network Director at 1%. “We know New Englanders care about how business gets done. When businesses align their purpose with their consumers’ concerns, we can collectively increase the triple bottom line.”
That increased bottom line means making giving easier, which in turn results in happier communities and a healthier ecosystem.
“1% for the Planet applauds those businesses committed to donating 1% of their annual sales to environmental causes and welcomes inclusion of more members to the network. The work New England environmental organizations do to protect the unique resources in this region is critical, and 1% member companies can play a unique role in supporting their work. We are excited about the opportunity to grow our network in New England in collaboration with the Jessie B. Cox Charitable Trust” said Friedsam.
###
About 1% for the Planet
1% for the Planet is an alliance of business financially committed to creating a healthy planet. In 2011, the 1% network donated an estimated $22 million to sustainability initiatives. Despite the challenging economic backdrop, over the last three years we have grown by more than one new member company a day. As a network, 1% is a leading funder of environmental work globally, making reinvestment in the environment a necessary tenet of doing business.
About the Jessie B. Cox Charitable Trust
The Jessie B. Cox Charitable Trust, a New England Philanthropy, funds projects in New England in the areas of health, education and the environment. In its environmental grant making, the Trust is focused on large-scale habitat conservation. For more information on the Trust, please refer to www.jbcoxtrust.org.
What a day! As promised, 1% for the Planet participated in and sponsored a Climate Impacts Day event in our hometown of Waitsfield, VT, this past Saturday afternoon. The event was successful, informative, and fun! Booths where people talked about their local businesses or their non-profit organization, a panel of community members whose homes or businesses were damaged by flooding that occurred during Tropical Storm Irene last August, and speeches from Senator Bernie Sanders, Bill McKibben and an array of other local organizations, all echoed the importance of working to curb climate change.
Photo Courtesy of Katie Costello
The event culminated in the formation of a human dot in a large field, where a couple hundred people in attendance all joined hands and gathered around a giant canvas dot that said “Vermont, USA Connects the Dots.” A small heli-cam flew overhead and took pictures of the crowd’s formation. Our event’s picture was then added to thousands at 350.org, all screaming the same thing, climate change is directly connected to extreme weather!
Photo courtesy of 350 Vermont
I’d like to thank everyone, on behalf of 1%, who helped put this event together and everyone else all around the world who took part in helping the growth of the climate change movement. If you’d like to see photos of the event check them out on our Facebook or Pinterest pages!
Wedding gifts: often redundant, sometimes essential, occasionally pulled out of the closet just before the person who gifted it to you comes by for dinner, and always, of course, a useful tool to impress the ladies — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDda4zG3zvE. But other times wedding gifts have an entirely different effect: Arjan and Rimjhim tell the story of how Nature’s Path’s latest granola series, Love Crunch, came out of an idea to have their wedding guests gift community service projects in place of material items. Love Crunch is now a product that gives back Bite4Bite so that for every bag you buy, Nature’s Path will donate the equivalent amount in cash or organic food to the food bank (up to $1 Million per year!).
This story was my introduction to one of our newest members, Nature’s Path, who has joined 1% for the Planet with their EnviroKidzBrand. Nature’s Path donates 1% of sales from EnviroKidz products, the brand’s children’s line of cereals and bars, to species and habitat conservation or education programs for kids. Since the inception of EnviroKidz, Nature’s Path has donated $1.4 million. In 2012, Nature’s Path proudly joined 1% for the Planet with EnviroKidz.
I was completely taken aback (with delight and admiration, of course!) by the core values that began Nature’s Path and that remain as the solid foundation upon which the company thrives today. Nature’s Path is a remarkable example of a company looking at its triple bottom line and really living and breathing its everyday values. Founded by a family that grew up on an organic farm, they’re highly committed to organics and proper land stewardship. As founder, Arron Stephens, says, “Always leave the Earth better than you found it,” Nature’s Path truly goes the distance to provide a product that does good from the moment its ingredients are planted in the soil, to the point where kids eating it for breakfast are prompted by artwork on the cereal box to learn about the food cycle.
It was truly a pleasure to kick off this year’s Natural Product ExpoWest show with a luncheon hosted by Nature’s Path. Myself and colleague, Rebecca, had the pleasure of welcoming the Nature’s Path family into the 1% for the Planet network, hearing their history, plans for growth and engaging with the 1% network, and watching as a scholarship from the Rodale Institute to support young organic farmers was named in honor of Arron Stephens. Congratulations, Arron!
It’s the stories like that of Nature’s Path, and the diverse nature of our membership base that make this alliance so intriguing. It’s enormously encouraging to see the movement spreading virally, and during our happy hour co-hosted with Klean Kanteen it was a hoot to bring together such an eccentric crew — from ice cream makers (Three Twins & McConnell’s!), to lawyers (Lara Pearson and Wendel, Rosen, Black and Dean) or green retirement plan providers (SocialK), we had a solid 1% presence. In addition to current members, prospective members swung by to check in and other show attendees frequented our booth to learn about the business model and/or to find out how they could get one of the beautiful steel 1% pints! I want to graciously thank all of our members that attended the show! There’s nothing more invigorating than getting out and meeting the faces that stand behind the good work, and to speak with the people who are causing revolutionary change in the way we do business.
(Pauline, Tom and James exemplify remarkable teamwork skills as they collaborate to calculate 1% of revenue.)
You may have seen some new authors on the blog lately and that’s because 1% for the Planet has recently welcomed three new data doctors. With the New Year upon us (happy Year of the Dragon, today!), 1% for the Planet is transferring its database from a system we’ve long since outgrown to a much more robust platform that will cater better to our member companies and nonprofit partners! Later this year, we look forward to launching a new database and website that will allow for greater interconnectivity, enhanced member and nonprofit profiles, transparent giving information and better search mechanisms for our website visitors! More to come on the new database in due time, but first let’s kick things off with some introductions to the new crew: James, Pauline and Tom.
James Kinne gradutated from Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY, and is our resident pro musician here at 1%. His time outside of the 1% office finds him playing shows and recording with his two groups, Last October and the Phineas Gage Project. His passion for our planet and music merge within the office, supplying a diverse and “interesting” selection of music for all at 1% to hear. Born in New York City, James has always loved Vermont and moved to the Green Mountains in 2005 following his heart. Splitting his time between 1% and music, and sometimes merging the two… it’s safe to say that James dances to his own drummer. Thank goodness he doesn’t currently own a drumset…
Pauline Stevens is a recent graduate of William Smith College is Geneva, NY, where she majored in environmental studies and minored in anthropology. Although she enjoyed living in the Finger Lakes Wine Region for the last four years, she is stoked to be back in Vermont. She has spent the last five summers working on her parent’s organic vegetable farm in Shoreham and while in college, she interned at the New York Wine and Culinary Center and Ventosa Vineyards. Ever since she received a blender for Christmas when she was nine, she has had a strong interest in food and loves every aspect of it- from weekly pizza Tuesdays with friends, to making and selling ice cream to the Shoreham Inn. She’s excited to learn more about how 1% operates and become part of a growing environmental non-profit. Although her new position as a Data Doctor is a major change from having her hands in the dirt every day, she loves spending time with the 1% team and having frequent staring contests with Tom!
Tom Robson is a newly minted alumnus of Dickinson College where he received his B.A. in Environmental Studies. Prior to joining 1% for the Planet he spent his time in Alaska working as an Environmental Scientist for a large engineering company. Life in the for-profit world was interesting, however Tom is excited to help foster new business and non-profit relationships in order to more easily achieve 1%’s mission.
Living in Alaska was nice, but Tom feels more at home working, and recreating in the Green Mountain State, as he’s a New England native. Tom is a competitive cyclist, avid runner, and experienced skier, and the Mad River Valley is the perfect setting for all three passions.
Once the snow melts, Tom is looking forward to cycling up the App Gap!
(Image 1: James, Pauline, Tom | Image 2: Tom, Pauline, James)
Thanks to these guys for their diligent data entry and willingness to flip-flop between monotonous data work and creative writing prompts in a matter of minutes! With the assistance of this jaw-dropping squad, 1% for the Planet is well on its way to providing premium service to the 1% network!!
I recently had the delightful pleasure of attending Patagonia’s Tools for Grassroots Activist Conference. Five days spent with engaging individuals across all lines of work – government, film & entertainment, economics, business, technology, grassroots activism, education – every sector was present and every person had a story of success to share.
After five days of inspiring stories, engaging lectures, collaborative workshops and gusty paddle boarding adventures, the conference facilitators asked us to sum up the week into one key takeaway. One group’s response:
Work with business. Get more businesses to join 1% for the Planet.
Bingo! I returned to 1% for the Planet reenergized and further inspired.
Just for grins, and because the environmental movement tends to lean (too often) toward dreary facts and sad figures, here’s a sampling of inspirational stories to share with our network:
Annie Leonard– if we’re to shift behavior and really redesign, everyone needs to watch her videos. Here’s a woman who has nailed her messaging and exemplifies effective communication in all aspects of her work.
The Elwha Damis coming out right now in Olympic National Park! This dam removal is a huge milestone in the efforts to restore our rivers and salmon populations, and it is one of many to come. Follow American Rivers to keep up to date on removal progress!
The International League of Conservation Photographers joins EP Films to create the film SPOIL, which exemplifies how powerfully film and photography can document and portray the pristine beauty and significance of threatened ecosystems, such as that of the Great Bear Rainforest. If the Enbridge pipeline plans go through, this area will soon be threatened by potential oil spills from tankers that will begin transporting oil through the narrow and windy coast of the Great Bear Rainforest. This film is an incredibly effective means of spreading awareness and prompting a response as it invokes a strong emotion from its audience. Try and watch it without getting a little teary….
Lastly, as we’re all working to protect the planet we love, it’s important that we remember to take the time to enjoy it.
(1% CEO, Terry Kellogg, slacklines with 1% Development Program Manager, Leah Cameron, at our annual staff retreat in Warren, VT)
