Posts Tagged ‘new member’
Posted on May 6th, 2013 by jon
Another week means some great new additions to the 1% for the Planet network. New member businesses elSage Designs and HR CSS recently decided that it was time to show how much they LOVE BLUE by making the 1% commitment. By becoming part of the network, they will be supporting the Planet and Loving Blue by donating annual to our approved nonprofit partners.
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!
Tags: elsage designs, hr css, membership, new member
Posted in Members, News
Posted on May 3rd, 2013 by jon
People that love being outside LOVE BLUE, and so do all of us at 1%. With the unbelievable spring weather we’re experiencing in VT, it’s awfully hard to stay indoors, but of course we’re more than willing to do so in order to support our business members and nonprofit partners. Recently, we’ve been very happy to welcome two great new businesses, Moberi and True Health Family Chiropractic.
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.
Tags: membership, moberi, new member, smoothies, true health family chiropractic
Posted in Members, News
Posted on March 26th, 2013 by jon
While the calendar says that it’s Spring, the last week has felt much more like winter. With a couple feet of the white stuff falling in New England, it has been a great chance to get out and enjoy the snow before the thaw begins in earnest. Although it might not look like Spring around the office, the number of new members joining the network has definitely felt refreshing. Recently, 1% for the Planet welcomed both Quesnel Construction and For Our Grandchildren Holdings to 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!
Tags: for our grandchildren holdings, membership, new member, quesnel construction
Posted in Members, News
Posted on March 22nd, 2013 by pauline
Steelhead Vineyards has entered into a partnership with 1% for the Planet, an alliance of businesses that support environmental causes. The Sonoma-based winery becomes one of a network of companies worldwide that donate one percent of sales through 1% for the Planet. Steelhead Vineyards has been a longtime supporter of conservation efforts through sales of its wines, and this new partnership with 1% for the Planet builds on the winery’s commitment to environmental causes.
“Steelhead Vineyards is a great addition to the network. By signing on to 1%, it shows they’re really walking the walk in their sustainability efforts,” says Terry Kellogg, 1% for the Planet CEO. “They’re using generosity as a tool with which to build their business and enabling valuable environmental work along the way. We’re excited to welcome them to the 1% family.”
Members of 1% for the Planet contribute one percent of revenues directly to any of the approved non-profit environmental organizations in 1%’s network. Non-profits are chosen based on referrals, track record and environmental focus. Over 3,000 non-profits worldwide are included in the 1% program.
“A commitment to the environment has been part of our mission from the beginning,” notes Katy Leese, co-proprietor of Steelhead Vineyards. “We were impressed with the commitment and reach of 1% for the Planet, and we are excited to partner with them to support conservation organizations. We’ve worked closely with Trout Unlimited for many years, and that support will continue under this new program.”
Steelhead Vineyards was founded by Quivira Vineyards as a tribute to creek restoration and biodiversity on its Dry Creek Valley estate. In 2002 the first vintage was released to recognize these efforts. This began a unique partnership with Trout Unlimited to maintain and improve the delicate equilibrium between water and land in Sonoma County. Since then, Steelhead Vineyards has grown into an award-winning, nationally distributed wine led by consulting winemaker Hugh Chappelle. In partnering with 1% for the Planet, Steelhead Vineyards is broadening its support of non-profit organizations focused on the environment, which will receive one percent of sales of Steelhead’s Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Steelhead Red blend.
“We’ve been averaging at least one new business member a day, and have nearly 1,400 members in 48 countries. 1% members have contributed over $100 million of critically needed funds into the hands of environmental non-profit groups to date,” comments Kellogg. “We are thrilled by the support we have gained as it proves the environmental ethic is trickling upward to larger corporate entities. The shared belief that you can do well as a business by doing the right thing with respect to the environment is clearly apparent. There’s a paradigm shift happening here and it’s happening organically.”
Based in Sonoma, California, Steelhead Vineyards makes wines from some of the top vineyards and appellations in the North Coast. Additional information on Steelhead vineyards is available at www.steelheadvineyards.com.
Tags: California, new member, Sonoma, Steelhead Vineyards, Trout Unlimited, Wine
Posted in Members
Posted on February 27th, 2013 by jon
Well, winter has reared its head again here in the Mad River Valley. After a stretch of above average temperatures, the snow is once again flying and starting to pile up on the roads. Depending on the weather prognosticator, we could end up with 5 inches or even 30 inches up high in the mountains. That good ole New England weather can be so hard to predict.
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.
Tags: green building, iPad, iPhone, kleber taschen, membership, new member, verdical group
Posted in Members
Posted on February 13th, 2013 by jon
What a wild weekend it was for the Northeast! We prepared for a furious winter blast here in Vermont, but in the end we were left with only about a foot of the white stuff. Just enough for some improved ski conditions. That’s hardly anything compared to our friends in southern New England who had up to 40 inches of snow and experienced 80 mile an hour wind gusts. What a storm Nemo turned out to be!
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.
Tags: boldt communications, fishing, membership, new member, norwegian flyfishers club
Posted in Members
Posted on December 3rd, 2012 by jon
On the heels of the Black Friday / Cyber Monday madness, we wanted to take a deep breath and welcome three new members to the 1% for the Planet family. Surf Organic, Treetie, and Plak That all hopped on board during the last month and we couldn’t be happier to have them. As you’re doing your holiday shopping, we hope that you’ll take the time to check out these awesome new members that are using the power of businesses to help 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!
Tags: Arbor Day Foundation, holiday, membership, new member, plak that, surf organic, Treetie
Posted in Members, News
Posted on November 15th, 2012 by jon
New member businesses continue to roll in! It’s amazing to see the momentum building everyday. Here’s a warm 1% for the Planet welcome to AJ Financial Planning and Eleven59 Studio. We’re incredibly excited to add these companies to the network!
A big congratulations goes to Australia’s first Financial Planning firm to join 1% for the Planet – AJ Financial Planning!
AJ Financial Planning, based in Melbourne, Australia, is a boutique firm that is highly respected within their industry. Director and founder, Alex Jamieson, writes for many of the major investing magazines and is regularly invited to speak at investment seminars around Australia. With a keen interest in sustainable and ethical investing, AJ Financial Planning is unique in their ability to craft a portfolio that will meet not only your investment and financial objectives, but also your personal values.
AJ Financial Planning was inspired to join 1% for the Planet because they are passionate about helping people achieve a better tomorrow and not just financially. Becoming part of 1% for the Planet is their opportunity to make sure that their clients have enjoy a beautiful planet as they live out the dreams.
So let’s say G’day to AJ Financial Planning.
New member Eleven59 Studio, based out of Austin, Texas, is a design firm specializing in sustainable architecture, branding, and graphics. In 2011, Co-Owners Alden Hall and Scott Larrick left their former lives in high-rise, corporate jobs to create a company motivated by positive change rather than profit. For them, sustainability is more than a buzzword; it’s a way of doing business that benefits people, the environment, and the bottom line equally. They discovered 1% for the Planet while drinking at their favorite local brewery, Hops & Grain, who happens to be a member. Alden and Scott love Austin. They bike to work (and just about everywhere else), support local waste prevention and recycling programs, and regularly swim in the city’s natural spring-fed pool. That’s why they hope to focus their donations to local non-profits like Bike Texas, Ecology Action, and the Save Our Springs Alliance, so that their 1% can have a direct impact on the causes they care about most in their community.
We couldn’t be happier to have AJ Financial Planning and Eleven59 Studio as part of the 1% for the Planet family. Welcome!
Tags: aj financial planning, austin, Australia, eleven59 studio, Hops & Grain Brewing, membership, new member
Posted in Members, News
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