To help finish up a fantastic week here at 1% for the Planet, we wanted to extend a warm welcome to new member business One Tribe 2010.  Founded and operated by a great couple of guys, it’s great to have their enthusiasm in the network.

Here’s some words from the owners about why they’re in business.

We’re fueled by our passion for Surf, Skate, Snow, Global Ecological Harmony, Philanthropy and anything else we find that is Rad, Gnarly & Straight up Bad Ass. Now in its fourth year, One Tribe 2010 Clothing & Apparel began as a hobby of creating clothes with original silkscreen, old school heat press designs for family, friends & ourselves. Selling our first tee in 2010, this hobby has turned into an amazing endeavor. Offering high quality clothing and apparel products, the designs are a reflection of our proud culture, which is carved out and influenced by the old school evolution of the 60’s & 70’s along with a continued progression through the 80’s, 90’s, and today.  With growing community demand, we are extremely stoked to officially launch One Tribe 2010 to the world.

At One Tribe 2010, the original badass attitude of the 70’s is still as alive as it was when the roots of surf, skate and snow began to define the scene and explode into the mainstream. During this time period, people were simultaneously being given a shock of environmental consciousness. The birth of Earth Day catapulted a new perspective on how and why we live with each other on this big blue marble and why we should be channeling our energy towards environmental concerns. By bringing forth our own proactive initiatives and desire to embrace new innovative ideas, we believe teaming up with 1% for the Planet would help refine as well as positively impact our goal for global ecological harmony.

The important work being done through 1% for the Planet’s networks of businesses and nonprofits is not unlike several of our own in house programs. To simplify this message, we created “Envy Green”, which is dedicated to conservation and sustainable resources. Why Envy Green? Basically, we would like everyone to be envious of this awesome planet we call home and be encouraged to help preserve it for future generations. This platform will promote collaboration with 1% for the Planet members and assist global/local communities by helping them initiate their own programs or financially complement their efforts.

We hope to engage with the community to celebrate the flourishing ecological plans of companies that bring more attention to creating unique quality products and services. We are stoked to contribute one percent of our annual sales to aid ongoing programs and ecological projects throughout the world. One Tribe 2010’s enthusiastic focus is maintaining the original culture of this revolutionary period of sport with greater emphasis on putting our efforts into creating positive and sustainable results. Helping everyone to become successful promotes good health. The connection to 1% For the Planet illuminates the power of knowledge and how talented and passionate companies can bring together a variety of awesomeness to get the party started. And we at One Tribe 2010 like to party.

elSage Designs, which just debuted a new campaign on Kickstarter provided this great background about the business:

My name is Phoebe Carpenter Eells and I live in Washington State with my husband, two boys and our dog. I was a middle school math teacher and after having kids I rediscovered my love for art. I started my printmaking company, elSage Designs, as a side project in 2010. elSage grew steadily for a few years and last June I made the leap and quit my teaching job. I now run the printmaking business (and hang out with my kids) full time.

I print on various materials and everything is printed directly from a carving (both lino and wood). My substrates include paper, reclaimed wood, fabric and apparel. I work hard to source my goods from eco friendly sources. The paper I print on is often recycled, the wood is all reclaimed or off-cuts. Much of my apparel is organic or sustainable blends. All of my inks are water soluble and non-toxic.

I joined 1% For The Planet because I want to be proud of the business I’m creating. Setting a good example for my kids is important to me. I have always been an advocate for the environment, and I feel like being a part of this organization helps to continue my environmental advocacy. Living in the Pacific Northwest, we spend much of out time outside. From skiing in the winter to camping, kayaking and riding bikes in the summer. My hope is that my great-grandkids will be able to enjoy the same version of nature that I am fortunate enough to know.

Here is a link to the latest process video that takes the viewer through the carving and printing process and make sure to checkout their Kickstarter promotion.

Based in Germany, HR CSS is a human resources consultancy firm that can help to improve the internal operations of your business.  According to owner Manuel, Seyffert, “I joined the community as I am convinced about every single person’s responsibility – for her or himself, for others, and for the environment. My business works to bring sustainable Human Resources Solutions into the scope of smaller companies. It´s about the sharing of IT-solutions (which is something what saves resources in hardware-production, less energy and paper usage) combined with innovative HR Management strategies.  This combination will help to create effects that include improving employee retention, development and motivation. My goal is to contribute to a rainforest initiative.  Personally I believe that this is one of the keys areas that will help to turn around the environmental effects we cause.”

Those that love the rainforest LOVE BLUE and 1% loves having HR CSS in the network!

Moberi is a Portland, Oregon Food Cart that specializes in bicycle powered smoothies and fresh juice. They started in 2011 with an old Schwinn Exercise bike with a blender strapped to it, a cooler, and a homemade portable sink. From these humble beginnings, they’ve grown to be a full-time food cart, a mobile events cart, 4 bike blenders, and an interactive catering business.

Moberi is super exited to join this community of environmentally responsible businesses!  They consider looking after the planet a given and joining 1% for the Planet is a good way to incorporate it into their business structure.

Moberi is currently raising funds for their next chapter through Kickstarter. The project video gives a good visual about what we do and where we are headed.  Check out the Kickstarter campaign here. According to the Moberi team, “the business is centered on a sustainable concept and it only makes sense for us to show our support for the organizations working every day to help keep our planet awesome! Hope to pedal a smoothie with you all one day!”

Started in 2012 in Stratford, CT by Peter Braglia, D.C., True Health Family Chiropractic’s mission is to educate, adjust, and inspire a health transformation in as many families as possible and to put them on the path toward optimal health. True Health Family Chiropractic offers safe, gentle, customized chiropractic for all ages as well as whole food nutritional supplements.  “1% for the Planet is a great fit for us because Chiropractic is a safe, natural, and non-toxic healthcare that does not put foreign bodies or toxins into the body and has no detrimental impact on the environment. The environment has a huge impact on our health, and we’re looking forward to partnering with groups who will help make this planet a better place for future generations.”

It’s awesome to have these great new businesses in the network!  Thank you Moberi and True Health Family Chiropractic for making this commitment.

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, EcoTaxFile provides personalized accounting services to businesses and individuals who want exemplary accounting services combined combined with environmental assessments. The experienced tax professionals will maximize your tax refund and take the stress out of tax time – all while providing advice on how to reduce your carbon footprint and live more sustainably.

You can use EcoTaxFile’s Free carbon calculator to discover the impact of your carbon footprint and get a personalized EcoReport with over 150 sustainability tips.

EcoTaxFile: Accounting that can change your life.

If you haven’t done so already, it’s well worth taking the time to take a look at this free tool. You might be amazed at your own footprint and the suggestions provided to minimize your impact.  Thanks EcoTaxFile for making this available and welcome!

Australia based Ozone Global invests in a variety of business sectors / environments throughout the world with a focus on working together with people and their vision. They especially enjoy being involved from the ground floor up with new and exciting business ideas, until such stage that the founders are able to take their vision and business model to the table of a larger audience.

What inspired Ozone Global to join 1% for the Planet was no doubt the same reason that inspired many others to join. To stand up and do something positive to Protect the Planet for future generations. According to the owner, “this really hit home last winter when my 7-year old Daughter was sitting in in a cold room and shivering with the heating turned off. When I asked her why she doesn’t turn on the heat she answered, if I turn on the heater the planet it will get too hot and the Polar Bears home will melt. I felt ashamed to be a so called grown up. Why does a 7 year old get it and the educated world doesn’t. From this point forward I start a new road to Respect & Protect Our Planet and promote this in all areas of my life.”

Sometimes inspiration comes form the least expected places.  We’re thrilled to have Ozone Global in the network!

Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Color by Amber is in the business of making amazing eco-friendly jewelry.  According to the website, Amber is the concept of creating gorgeous materials from the natural world and encapsulating them in stunning eco-resin. Hand-spun silks, exquisite mohair, artisan-crafted fossil leaves: each piece of Amber is a beautiful expression of style, sustainability, and social responsibility.

CEO Talley Goodson was inspired to join 1% for the Planet after a meeting with Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard.  “Some time ago I had the chance to spend a couple of days surfing with with Yvon Chouinard, at his place north of Santa Barbara, California.  Yvon’s house was built from dry-stacked recycled sidewalks and as we talked, I couldn’t help but be impressed by his deep commitment to the environment both personally and as the spiritual leader of Patagonia.  Over the years, I have sought to incorporate similar principles of sustainability into my business ventures.  I love the idea that private enterprise can have a positive impact on the planet. I am proud that Color by Amber is a member of 1% for the planet!”

We’re so happy to have Color by Amber in the network.  In the years to come, hopefully their efforts will help to encourage additional businesses to adopt similar values and practices.

Based in Camarillo, California, Lifetime Legal provides a variety of services to its clients including estate planning, living trust packages, charitable planning, estate administration, wills, and advanced healthcare directives and durable powers of attorney for financial matters.  Owner and attorney Eric Smith pays particular attention to his clients’ values, concerns, needs, and what can be done to protect those you care about.

Through his involvement with the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy, Eric was inspired to have Lifetime Legal join 1% for the Planet.  He learned about 1% for the Planet from a short clip at the Wild and Scenic film festival in Ventura and was impressed that so many business owners had made such a commitment to work for the common good of our planet.  While his new law firm, Lifetime Legal, is still in its growing stages, he decided to make the environmental commitment as well. While estate planning, which is the firm’s focus, has little to do with the environment directly, Eric believes that any business can help do its part and every business should. Eric would love to meet other local business owners and 1% members who share this concern and commitment.

Lifetime Legal is the perfect example of a business that is making its commitment to the environment an integral priority.  Hopefully other 1% members and nonprofits will have a chance to meet Eric at an upcoming California meet up.

Coming aboard at the beginning of the year, Greentag is one of 1% for the Planet’s most exciting new member businesses.  Greentag’s mission is to design great products with minimal environmental impact, promote sustainable living, and inspire others to stand up for Mother Nature.

The company is in the process of launching a t-shirt line that will redefine sustainable clothing. Rather than farming organic cotton or recycling plastics into polyester, they are reusing the whole t-shirt. Their post-consumer t-shirts come from textile recyclers that purchase the excess donations Goodwill can’t stock. Inspired by the methods of graffiti, Greentag prints new designs over pre-existing designs their 100% unique ‘assorted’ t-shirts. The pockets from their pocket tees are cut from recycled handkerchiefs and scarves sewn onto post-consumer blank tees. Greentag also makes salvaged leather wallets with a zero-waste initiative. The leather comes from other Los Angeles-based fashion lines that cut leather to make jackets.

Greentag’s Kickstarter Project

Greentag needs crowd funding to help produce their first run of inventory because textile resellers ask a high minimum. They also want to educate the public about the environmental cost of producing each cotton t-shirt.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/greentag/804728555

Why there is a need for Greentag

Founders Armand and Chris started Greentag hoping to make a difference. They grew tired of seeing recycle symbols printed on crisp new t-shirts pretending to be Eco-friendly. Isn’t the mantra Reduce, Reuse, Recycle? That’s exactly what Greentag does with their t-shirts. It takes more than 700 gallons of irrevocably damaged water to produce one cotton t-shirt. That’s enough water to quench a person’s thirst for 900 days. Greentag is dedicated to salvaging shirts and other materials, turning them into great products without harming the planet. They hope to inspire a change within an industry fostering the wrong type of green. Greentag hopes that its new methods of sustainable clothing production will replace organically farmed cotton or recycled plastics as the spearhead of ‘green’ clothing.

Check them out!

www.facebook.com/greentagllc

http://instagram.com/greentagclothing

Based in Laguna Beach, California, La Vida Laguna is a must-stop if you plan on partaking in a variety of outdoor activities.  Whether you plan on paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing, or even biking along the coast, they have exactly what you need.  La Vida Laguna offers private and group tours, lessons, and rentals at the best prices around.  In other words, they definitely have what you need to enjoy what coastal California has to offer: a rugged and dramatic coastline, thousands of acres of conserved wilderness, world-class surf, protected coves and beaches, abundant wildlife, and unsurpassed beauty.

La Vida Laguna joined 1% For the Planet because they are committed ocean stewards with a great respect for the environment. According to the company, “everyday we witness the degradation to our oceans and the threat to our planet’s survival. We hope to direct some of our contributions to local non profit, Get Inspired.  This organization has inspired us with their commitment to restore the kelp beds in Laguna Beach, re-populate abalone, and educate school children on our fragile eco-system.”

Now you can have a great time enjoying the outdoors and feel great about what your purchase has helped to support.  Welcome La Vida Laguna.  We’re psyched to have you!

project^ also recently joined the 1% for the Planet network. This firm is a values driven real estate developer providing resources, practices, and stewardship for their partners. They maximize environmental, social, and economic benefits inherent in meaningful places.

“Our practice is based on the fact that there is an interdependence between the natural and the built- a kind of symbiosis.  The way we develop urban land helps to conserve precious (natural) resources and enables access to the natural environment.  We joined as an acknowledgment that our work is only possible with, and is directly benefitted by, a healthy ecosystem.  The people and companies associated with 1% for the Planet are shaking things up with innovative products, industries, and ideas.  Those kind of people inspire and influence our own work”.

We’re thrilled to have project^ in the network!

Quesnel Construction is a full service construction company that was established in 1997. They assist clients from the conception stage of a project through completion. The company began by working in Government buildings and medical centers in Ottawa, Ontario and expanded to Vancouver in 2008. Quesnel Construction had the opportunity to be involved in the re-branding of a Best Western into a Sheraton, updated 158 bathrooms at the Holiday Inn at the Whistler Village Centre, renovated both a fitness center and a concierge lounge at the Marriott in Richmond, as well as several other projects in preparation for the 2010 Olympics.

Quesnel Construction has recently expanded and now offers QC MultiServices, a residential division servicing Barrie, Ontario and the surrounding area. QC MultiServices offers residential cleaning services, professional window washing, and additional services. They are committed to impeccable customer service, attention to detail and customer satisfaction.

Quesnel Construction understands the growing responsibility that the construction industry has to help create healthy, accessible, and environmentally sensitive spaces while maintaining integrity, beauty and efficiency for their clients. This is what sets them apart from other firms and keeps their clients coming back to them for all of their construction needs.  As a member of 1% for the Planet they will be able to partner with nonprofit partners that are making similar commitments to creating a more sustainable world.

1% for the Planet also welcomes For Our Grandchildren Holdings!

For Our Grandchildren Holdings Inc. is a small venture firm located in Vancouver, British Columbia that has a passion for creating and investing in companies and people that our grandchildren will be proud of. According to the firm, “Our interest reaches almost every sector of industry and community and membership with 1% for the Planet is simply an expression that we know our grandchildren would be proud of both of our organizations. We appreciate such a responsible perspective and hope that we can do our part to help you achieve these goals.”

1% for the Planet is proud to have both of these fine organizations as part of the network!

Along with keeping a close eye on the weather, we’re also staying busy enrolling new members.  In recent weeks, KLEBER Taschen and Verdical Group have both been welcomed into the 1% for the Planet family.

Based in Esslingen, Germany, KLEBER Taschen is a unique provider of protective cases for electronic devices.  According to the company, they operate on the principle that “we have just one planet.”  KLEBER Taschen provides these products for all folks beyond the mainstream who want to issue a statement. The freshly handmade pop couture sleeves for iPad, Macbook air and iPhone are all produced using environmentally practices. “We always set great value on using environmentally friendly materials like canvas and wool. We have just one planet, which we have to protect.”  In addition to producing sustainable products, KLEBER Tashen uses a portion of sales to support the nonprofits that are part of the 1% for the planet network. A key component of their business model will be using this contribution to help make the world a little better.

We really appreciate these sentiments and couldn’t be happier to have then in the network.  If you’re looking for a new cover for your Ipad or Iphone, you should definitely check them out!

Verdical Group LLC is a green building consulting firm headquartered in Los Angeles and that was founded on the principle “Do good and do well.” Verdical Group adds value to each client’s projects by using green building strategies to create operational cost savings (energy and water), provide brand and marketing enhancement, and mitigate risk.

At Verdical Group, the consultants think from the owner’s perspective. Sustainability isn’t about employing green strategies that don’t make sense for your specific project. Verdical Group drives value through cost-benefit decision making. They think about the project budget as if it were their own and make recommendations that are in line with the clients stated goals and aspirations.

“As a corporate citizen, Verdical Group is proud to join 1% for the Planet as a member company that walks the talk. We are happy to show our commitment to the environment by contributing 1% of gross sales (not just profits) to environmental organizations. In this way, Verdical Group’s commitment to the environment is woven into the company’s DNA and is a cost of doing business rather than an after thought.”

Verdical Group just produced this short video about their business.  It’s a must watch!

Needless to say, Verdical Group really gets it.  They are making a difference for their clients, the community, and the environment.  If you haven’t already done so, you should take the time to check them out, especially if your business is considering LEED certification for your building or related green building services?  In addition to their website, you can find them on Facebook and Linkedin.

When we’re not negotiating the fickle New England weather, we’re also busy enrolling new business members to the 1% for the Planet network.  Neither sleet, nor snow, nor rain will keep the movement from growing.  During the last month, both Norwegian Flyfishers Club and Boldt Communications joined the ranks and we couldn’t be happier to have them!

Norwegian Flyfishers Club (NFC) is a flyfishing outfitter on the Gaula River in Norway.  They operate over 10 km of pristine fly water on the famous Gaula River. NFC was founded over 25 years ago and is considered to be the group that spearheaded catch-and-release fishing on the Gaula, with a C&R rate of well over 65%.  As of May 2012, Per Arneberg and Enrico Cristiani assumed NFC’s ownership and management. The Gaula is one of Norway’s last remaining wild, unregulated (undammed) big-salmon rivers, with an average salmon weight over 20lbs. NFC is committed to the protection of the river’s watershed as well as the wild Atlantic salmon stock which inhabit this river. The company’s aim is to continue to support wild Atlantic salmon conservation initiatives such as the North Atlantic Salmon Fund, Redd Villaksen, and the Atlantic Salmon Federation.  In addition, the company will work closely with local conservation initiatives to implement stricter river regulations, to end the netting of wild salmon in the Trondheim fjord, and to help regulate the salmon farming industry. Per and Enrico believe that there is much hope for the continued survival and growth of the Norwegian wild Atlantic salmon population in the Gaula watershed.

The NFC is excited to be able to be a part of the 1% for the Planet team and excited to see what sort of environmentally active partnerships they will be able to establish through this connection.

Boldt Communications Inc. is a boutique marketing communications agency based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. As the firm likes to say, “while we’re not a sustainability consulting firm per se - which you can pretty much find around almost every corner in Vancouver – we’ve always lived our values in how we do business, and work with individuals and firms who share our values.

While we attended a seminar on 1% for the Planet about a year ago – and heard about it because our local sustainable cooperative, Mountain Equipment Co-op, was a member – the true inspiration to join the movement came around the holidays in 2012. When our company was smaller, we’d distribute holiday gifts in the form of handmade cookies – made with love to show love to those we work with. This year – with 26 clients under our belt in 2012 – the cookie plan wasn’t really viable anymore….so we needed to find another way to show our clients our appreciation while also showing them what we care about as a company.

With that in mind, we made a donation to the Georgia Strait Alliance (an organization our president Lesli Boldt is on the board of, and an approved non-profit with 1% for the Planet). And that got us thinking: instead of making a lump sum donation to a non-profit once a year, why don’t we join a larger business-led movement for change, while having someone else – in this case, 1% for the Planet – help do the work for us. And here we are, as new members.

We already work with a range of environmental non-profit clients, in addition to our private and public sector clients. And by joining 1% for the Planet, we’re sending a broader message to all our present and future clients about who we are, what we believe in and how we do business. And since telling that story is really what Boldt Communications is all about, we see 1% for the Planet as a perfect fit.”

We thank the folks at Boldt Communications for the kind words and we really appreciate the value they see in joining a movement of like-minded businesses that are trying to do what is right for the environment.  We realize more and more everyday that we can truly accomplish more together than we could do alone.