The members I supported this holiday season:

POP Paddleboards – Anaheim, CA

Patagonia – Ventura, CA

Harney & Sons Fine Teas – Millerton, NY

Salsabol – San Francisco, CA

Skinny Pancake – Burlington, VT

Fine Featherheads – Boulder, CO

Klean Kanteen – Chico, CA

Pura Vida Bracelets – San Diego, CA

Planet Petco – San Diego, CA

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!

Back to the grind we go, but not before partaking in one last holiday tradition we have all come to know: the choosing of a New Year’s Resolution. We say we’ll hit the gym more, aim to clean out our closets, and try to be healthier and more balanced in the coming year. Whatever the resolution, we all see the New Year as an opportunity for a new beginning and goals – a new calendar providing the perfect opportunity to switch things up individually or as a business.

It is the perfect time for companies to consider joining 1% for the Planet.

We’d like to encourage a challenge that will start small in New England and one we hope will carry through the rest of the network. In the first half of the year, we’d like to see how many new businesses in New England will pledge to donate 1% of their sales to our nonprofit partners. We think this is a conservative (read: attainable!) goal for the New Year. We have exiting things planned for our 10th anniversary year and it would be great to have new members participate in a meaningful way. Look around our website and see who of your neighbors is already involved – we bet you already know someone who is an active member. We want our network to keep expanding and as companies are setting their goals for the next calendar year, it’s the perfect time to start seriously thinking about giving back to our planet.

Have you thought about getting involved? Talk to us! We’re happy to answer your questions and put your mind at ease – your involvement is important to us and your commitment to the program makes a huge impact worldwide.

Here’s to a bright 2013 and an even more impactful network!

So why does Giving Tuesday matter?

It provides an opportunity for nonprofit organizations to engage consumers, businesses, and potential donors in conversation and raise awareness for current initiatives. Several 1% for the Planet partners were involved this year including The Trustees of Reservations and Essex County Greenbelt Association. Both organizations used social media channels, including Twitter, Facebook, and blogs, to share the message of Giving Tuesday.

We think Giving Tuesday is a great addition to the shopping-centric holiday weekend. At 1% for the Planet, our members choose to give back on an annual basis and support nonprofit organizations all year round. Not only does this holiday provide a day where these nonprofit partners can have meaningful engagement with their audience via social media and other channels, but more importantly: it gets the conversation going and inspires other individuals and businesses to think about giving as we head into this holiday season.

With that in mind, we have a challenge for you: continue the spirit of Giving Tuesday through the holiday season. Throughout the month of December we have been highlighting members on our Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest channels. We’re proud of our members and the commitment they make every year when they pledge to donate 1% of their sales.

If you have a minute before you brave the cold (‘cold’ is spot on for where we are), check out our members and see what businesses are near you. From chocolates to jewelry, and everything in between – our members offer great products that you can feel good about giving as gifts. Supporting a 1% for the Planet member in your area is a double feel good: you’re supporting your local economy and a business that gives back 1% of their sales to environmental causes. So, when you’re looking for that perfect gift, remember to carry on the spirit of Giving Tuesday!

Don’t forget to share your pictures with us on Twitter & Instagram, using the hashtag #LoveYourMother, so we can see which 1% FTP network affiliates you are supporting this holiday season!

We want to see which 1% for the Planet network affiliates you are supporting this holiday season!

Whether it’s a bracelet for your daughter, coffee and tea for your parents or some energy bars for your active friends- we hope you consider purchasing these items from our members. By supporting 1% FTP members, you are indirectly giving back to our nonprofit partners who are working to save Mother Earth. If you’re more interested in supporting a nonprofit directly, use our database to search for the right one and make a donation in honor of a loved one!

So when you receive that Patagonia fleece you’ve always wanted, or a POP Paddleboard that you can’t wait to use- take a picture of it! Post these pics on Instagram & Twitter and tag us using “#LoveYourMother” for a chance to win a 4-pack of Klean Kanteen steel pints!

Happy holidays from all of us at 1% for the Planet!

Based out of Bondi Beach, Australia, Surf Organic is an environmentally focused Australian surf company. The company’s primary product is an eco friendly surf wax, which is made from a blend of renewable resources and high performance ingredients and is packaged with 100% recycled materials.  They were inspired to join 1% For the Planet because simply making eco friendly products was not enough to achieve the company’s goal; Surf Organic doesn’t want to have a neutral impact on the environment, they want to have a overall positive effect.  We admire this ambitious mission and are excited to help make it happen.  Ultimately, Surf Organic plans on continuing to develop partnerships that will allow them to contribute to ocean and marine environment causes.

Treetie is a great new eco-boutique.  According to founder and owner Nichole Dunst, Treetie signifies a treaty or alliance between the world of fashion and Mother Nature. Every item sold on shoptreetie.com has been made using environmentally friendly materials and with the use of fair trade. From colorful scarves hand loomed in the South American highlands to beautiful blouses designed and manufactured in Portland, OR, each item has a story. ‘Slow fashion’ is movement that encourages trends to move through their cycles at a slower pace, thus making it possible to put tender, love, and care into each piece. The goal of Treetie is to show fashionistas out there that they can indeed wear beautiful clothing that has been created through ethical means.

Nichole was inspired to join the 1% for the Planet family because it felt like the most logical way to help give back to causes that she’s passionate about. Talking about becoming a member, Nichole said, “I love that I have the flexibility to know where my donations are going, and to even have a say in where they’re allocated to. 1% of profits may not seem like a lot for many small businesses, but collectively we are making a huge difference and seeing amazing results.”  We couldn’t agree more.

Furthermore, Nichole looks forward to creating long-lasting partnerships with other like-minded business people, especially those in similar industries like the fashion, beauty, and health industries. “I’d love to hear everyone’s stories and backgrounds, and to know what inspired them to dedicate a portion of their profits to this cause. I am very excited to be part of this organization and I look forward to seeing both Treetie and 1% for the Planet grow and evolve.”  We love the enthusiasm and encourage you to take a look at the amazing items on the website!

Plak That, based out of Ocean City, Maryland, is a new company with one main goal: Create custom wood prints for individuals and re-sellers while offsetting the company’s carbon footprint.  After reading Yvon Chouinard and Paul Hawken’s books, owner Wyatt Harrison got involved in sustainability-driven initiatives including bike to school days, recycling programs, and switching his hometown’s street lights over to LED.  When he found himself starting his own wood print business, the best practice was to set it up in a way that replenishes and replants the earth more than the business takes away.  This partnership with 1% For the Planet combined with the use of FSC certified and reclaimed wood makes Plak That a leader in the wood print business.  In the next few weeks, Plak That will also be partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation to donate the planting of a tree for every wood print that is sold.  Wyatt hopes to join other nonprofits in raising awareness about many of our depleted resources and how businesses can do the right thing while also increasing their bottom line, a theory that is still largely overlooked.  Check them out today and create your own unique, sustainable, custom wood print at www.plakthat.com.  Beautiful, eco-friendly prints sound like a perfect stocking stuffer!

Welcome again to these great new members!