Like so many successful American businesses, Paleo Treats started after dinner with an idea.  While the focus has been on providing high quality desserts to folks who follow the Paleo diet, we’ve always thought of this company as promoting more than just desserts, we’re really about promoting values.  Hard work, joyous intensity, the wild abandon inspired by high winds and heavy seas; all those and more guide us not just during our cookie making but in customer service, packaging up boxes, and thinking of what impact we have on the world.

From the beginning, we’ve been inspired by companies like Patagonia to go beyond just making a profit and to use some of the abundance we’ve encountered to help others and take care of our planet.

At Paleo Treats we’re big believers in doing your own thing; employee autonomy is a strong contributor to our success.  As part of that, we divide our giving between all of us equally (employees and owners) and allow each person to support the 1% non-profit partner they want using a share of company profits.  Other than making sure the partner is 1% approved, we don’t place any restrictions on where to give.  In 2012 we managed to support an aquarium, a local river, ocean discovery, and clean water.  Pretty obviously, water is important to all of us, but we each approached it in our own way.

We’re committed to 1% For the Planet as a way to help protect this planet we’re all sharing, and we’re stoked to have a mission bigger than building a business or creating a great cookie.

Keep on chargin’, and thanks for putting together such a good framework for helping out Mother Earth!

Launched by three graduates of the Taft School in Watertown, CT, La Matera offers a line of belts handcrafted in the USA with fabric imported from Argentina.  Distressed patterns, quality leatherwork, and a gaucho heritage dating back hundreds of years lends to a truly handsome look that is already turning heads.

The decision to be a part of 1% for the Planet couldn’t have been easier.  Our look evokes memories of the Argentine countryside for those who have made the trip and inspires people to continue to seek out new, interesting experiences.  Now, we are even more excited that our company gives back to a movement designed specifically to protect the resources and spaces for which we all care deeply.

Have fun out there,

Brook, Alex & Hank

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!

The South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) began the film festival in 2003 with the goal to show environmentally focused films that not only informed audiences, but also inspired and motivated viewers to take action. Every year the California-based festival hits the road with a selection of short films, providing the opportunity for organizations all around the country to host a festival, show a selection of films, and inspire a local audience.

The festival also played host to a celebration. The film selection was inspired by the 40^th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, a passage that made a significant impact on the regulation of water quality. To commemorate the anniversary, the festival featured 10 award-winning and water-inspired short films. Among the chosen films were The Craziest Idea, One Plastic Beach, and Seasons: Winter, which we highly recommend checking out. You could really feel the emotion in the room as everyone watched the awe-inspiring films together.

Attendees also enjoyed food from The Skinny Pancake, delicious Vermont beers, and a silent auction, featuring some amazing items that were generously donated from Vermont businesses and 1% for the Planet members, Tonewood Maple, Kurt Budliger Photography, Osmium, and Refleece.

We were thrilled by the member and partner support the festival received in the days leading up to the event. The 1% FTP Network was in action, as members and partners came together to celebrate the Clean Water Act while creating an engaging and fun environment for the general public to learn more about VNRC, the beneficiary of this year’s event.

Thanks to everyone who participated and to those who attended – we hope you had as much fun as we did! If you’re interested in learning more about the Wild & Scenic Film Festival and want to find out when they’re headed to your neck of the woods, check out the schedule HERE.

1% for the Planet Players in the Game:

Member participants included: Patagonia, Clif Bar, Sugarbush Resort via Timbers Restaurant, The Skinny Pancake, Tonewood Maple, Kurt Budliger Photography, Osmium, Klean Kanteen, Refleece, Felt Soul Media

Member Partner: Mother Jones

Non-Profit Partners include: Vermont Natural Resource Council, Northeast Wilderness Trust, 350 Vermont, South Yuba River Citizens League, American Rivers, American Whitewater, Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center 

Thanks to Michelle Searer and Alicia De Martini from PMG, our newest Media Partner, for their assistance with writing this post!

I wanted to take a second out of my busy day of Tweeting to introduce 15Five, a new member based in San Francisco. 15Five helps CEOs and managers get to know the pulse of their company by surfacing problems, celebrating wins, discovering great ideas and staying tuned in to morale.

The idea behind 15Five originated in the 1980s from the entrepreneur Paul Hawken, who realized that if he asked all of his employees to spend 15 minutes writing a report that took their manager no more than 5 minutes to read, his employees would feel heard and he would have better insight into the workings of his company. Paul shared it with his friend Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia (and 1% FTP!), who had built his company around his passion for climbing and spent ample time each year away from Patagonia pursuing his passion.

Yvon used this practice to keep his employees engaged and to stay informed even when he was out of the office climbing and surfing for up to 6 months a year, as covered in a 1988 Inc Magazine article. As the idea behind 15Five became popular because of 1%’s founder Yvon, the company has decided to join as a member to honor him, along with their commitment to both Integrated Philanthropy and their care for the planet. Building charitable giving into their business model was essential. Welcome 15Five!

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…

The first company, ReFleece, was started by two past Patagonia employees, Sam and Jennifer.  While at Patagonia, Sam helped to design their first surfboard, while Jennifer folded fleece and simultaneously began her own alternative energy focused non-profit! Together, these two joined together to start ReFleece: a new eco-design company from Arlington, Massachusetts.  Refleece has partnered with Patagonia to up-cycle old fleece that has been returned to Patagonia stores through their Common Threads Initiative. ReFleece uses this recycled fleece to make cases for your iPads and Kindles. These cases are extremely lightweight, water resistant, and stylish enough for the boardroom while being rugged enough for a backpack.

While Sam and Jennifer have moved on from working at Patagonia, they have always been huge fans of both Patagonia and 1% for the Planet.  What better way to support both groups than to recycle used Patagonia materials and join 1% FTP! ReFleece, we are thrilled to have you… and glad that you have helped increase our New England membership!

Our second newest member is Irikonji Dive Gear, based in Pompano Beach, Florida. As scuba divers and conservationists, the big reason the owners of Irikonji jump into the water is to get a firsthand look at the incredible marine life that our oceans support.  They are always looking for ways to help protect this marine life, as well as just have more fun while in the water.  Irikonji Dive Shorts help do both of those things.  While wearing Irikonji Dive Shorts, your gear is stored securely until you need it, so you don’t need to worry about running out of pockets to carry your gear, leave any important equipment behind, or have gear dangling off of you that could damage or disturb the marine environment in any way.

The owners of Irikonji wanted to join 1% for the Planet because it is a way of galvanizing their commitment to protect the oceans and all of the life they support.  They’re very excited to be a part of the 1% community and look forward to cultivating some great relationships with fellow 1% members.

Welcome to both Irikonji Dive Gear and ReFleece!

The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is the world’s largest environmental film festival. This year is the Festival’s tenth year in existence and will include over one hundred films! The festival kicks off every January in Nevada City, California where they show environmental films for three straight days. Last year, 1% for the Planet released [one percent] of the story at this festival, and it was a hit.  Our video was well received, received the 2011 Award from EthicMark Certificate, showed at numerous Wild & Scenic Film Festivals around the country and was the reason for a large amount of new membership inquiries.  Thank you Wild ‘n Scenic!  If you’re wondering if your nonprofit is a fit for this festival, take note that these films encompass a wide range of environmental topics –  adventure, conservation, wildlife, climate change, environmental justice, community activism and agriculture, just to name a few.

After the festival’s first year, SYRCL was so pleased with the turnout that they decided to take the show on the road and offer it in communities across the country. Throughout 2012, the festival will take place at over one hundred venues, including Antarctica! Eighty percent of the venues are hosted by community organizations that have applied for grants through Wild & Scenic, with help from Patagonia. The basic guidelines require that grant recipients use the festival as an outreach tool to increase membership. This allows for smaller communities to increase involvement and learn about a number of environmental issues without doing all of the organizing themselves.  Wild & Scenic will supply the films, PR materials and planning guides, while the organizations just need to secure the venue and organize the local marketing.

(The previous video features The Edible Schoolyard Project, which is a 1% recipient!!) Check out the Wild & Scenic Film Festival’s calendar to see if any venues are nearby, or apply for a grant to host one! We’re thankful for all of the hard work that SYRCL and Wild & Scenic have done over the last decade and are proud to be part of the movement!

Jeff’s company provides fire protection services that mitigate the highly detrimental environmental and health effects of fighting wildfires. He and his team (advised by luminaries including Nell Newman and Rick Ridgeway) have reworked every facet of the industry to eliminate harmful chemicals and carcinogens that are hazardous to firefighters on the front line and equally bad for the ecosystems they work to protect. To top it off, Atira Systems is now a 1% for the Planet member.

Check out Jeff’s remarkable story:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuS3QuInGoo&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL528898BF7EBA380D

New member Château de Chéronne can take you back to the 1500′s when the castle-turned-weekend-escape was constructed on 400 hectares of woodlands in the Perche Sarthois. The moat and drawbridges were removed in the  17th century to make it easier for guest to join them for overnights and special events.

Dancing Snow is a Japan-based company that specializes in providing their clients to the deepest powder turns of their lives. Let them introduce you to the kind of fluffy white stuff that makes you drool at Teton Gravity Research premiers every fall. In the summers they offer kayaking tours to boot!

Eden Groupe joins us from France and specializes in real estate development with a conscience, giving back 1% of everything they do!

Expedition Broker is based in Haines, Alaska, a recreation paradise (having lived there for two summers I can vouch!). Let owner Greg Schlachter set you up with the finest guides the area has to offer for your next fishing, skiing, climbing or surfing–yes, Alaskan surfing–adventure.

HDRcreme

We are pleased to share that 1% for the Planet co-founder Yvon Chouinard and the 1% for the Planet community have received a leadership nod by U.S. News & World Report for their commitment to revolutionizing the way business is done on this planet.

To join the movement with your business’s membership please contact us at memberships@onepercentfortheplanet.org.

For the full article please click here. Please click here to learn of the 20 fellow honorees of America’s Best Leaders for 2009.