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!

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!