49southphoto is a very small business, headquartered at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy in Patagonia.  They design field guides that are ideal companions for any explorer of the remote and natural landscapes in southern South America.

49southphoto’s owner, Diego Punta Fernández is a photographer, naturalist and active conservationist. He is involved in a number of conservation and environmental education projects- including his main project that is related with the Hooded Grebe, an endemic Patagonian bird that is critically endangered. Diego told us that he believes “in using businesses to effect positive changes, and [his] hope is to inspire other local and regional companies to become part of this great organization. [He is] really proud of being part of this fabulous movement.” Diego, we’re proud to have you!

Our next shout-out goes to a tasty beverage company based in Australia. Beyond was one of the first coconut water brands to hit Australian markets.  Their coconut water comes straight from young coconuts in Thailand and is bottled completely as is, without any additives. Beyond coconut water is stored in a clean and elegant airtight glass bottle for freshness and convenience and it eliminates any chance of being popped or pierced like their tetra carton competitors.

Beyond coconut water is not just a great tasting and hydrating drink, but in fact there are numerous health benefits associated with drinking 100% natural coconut water. It is a wonderful source of electrolytes while being free of fat, cholesterol, added sugar, sodium or flavoring!  Beyond was inspired to join 1% for the Planet in order to have the opportunity to fundamentally give back to the earth that allows them to create this natural beverage.  Beyond understands and embraces the notion that the sustainability of the natural environment is vital to the sustainability of any business!

We look forward to working with these new members and if you find yourself in Patagonia or Melbourne, we hope that you choose to support them! And if you find yourself in Vermont, you should take advantage of these fun, free, foliage filled activities, or take a drive up Route 17 over the Appalachian Gap and see what I see on my daily commute…

Natural Design specializes in creating beautiful paper flowers, gifts, decorations, favors and stationery for weddings and special occasions. Their paper flowers are made from “saa paper”, a sustainable resource and all of their stationery is 100% recycled. Ann-Marie Edmondson, the founder of Natural Design was inspired to join 1% for the Planet after reading Yvon Chounard’s book.  She really admires Patagonia’s approach to business and is pleased to be part of this responsible business community. Welcome Ann-Marie!

Rainmaker Payroll provides payroll services to small businesses, households, and nonprofits. They want to do their part to reduce the waste typical of the payroll industry, and in keeping with that, all of the payrolls they process are paperless. This eliminates the bulk of the paper resources used in the payroll process. The small amount of necessary paper they use is shredded and fed to their composting worms. When Tamra Gill envisioned this company, being a 1% for the Planet member and forming relationships with nonprofits was part of that vision. They’re excited to be a member of a community of businesses with similar values and they plan on donating to an organization in the Santa Barbara community.

We hope you support the products and services of these two new members! Welcome to 1% for the Planet!