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!

Osmium is a designer and online retailer of men’s casual apparel, based in Stoneham, MA.  While their apparel is understated and distinctive, Osmium produces thoughtfully detailed, high quality garments that are built to last. Their styles are just outside the ordinary: Mariner pants, Toques, and very long shorts. The line offers a finely tuned fit, uncommon details, and fabrics with depth and character. Osmium is the creation of Mark Paigen, the former owner/founder of Chaco footwear.

Osmium chose to join 1% for the Planet, in order to give a stronger voice to their philanthropic efforts. Giving a portion of sales to worthy causes has been a company goal since day one.They believe that bigger things happen when people work together, so they are thrilled to have joined this community of like-minded businesses. They believe that “in this time when dollars are precious, we all must remember to sustain our planet, it’s the only one we have.” Well said!

I would also like to welcome Tonewood Maple to 1% for the Planet! They are now one of TWO members from 1%’s hometown of Waitsfield, Vermont!

Being from Vermont, it’s a given that maple syrup is one of my favorite treats! Therefore, I was excited to find out from our New England Network Director, Barbara, that a maple producer was joining our network! Tonewood is not your standard mom & pop maple producer, and according to their webpage, they are “redefining a standard for elegance and quality in maple products. Through collaboration with expert sugarmakers, [they] produce pure maple syrups and other specialties. [Their] products are single-sourced, unblended, and free of additives.” How tasty does that sound?! Check out their website for all of their delicious products, including syrups, wafers, cream, flakes and… you can even adopt a tree!