You may notice a new logo at the end of this newsletter. That is the logo for the environmental organization 1% for the Planet. SWTU was recently approved as an Environmental Partner of 1% for the Planet.

What is 1% for the Planet? It was founded in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies. The basic model of 1% for the Planet is for “Business Members” to donate 1% of gross sales to “Environmental Partners”, through a combination of monetary, in-kind, and promotional support. Individual members pledge to donate 1% of their annual salary through monetary and/or voluntary support. Currently, there are over 3,400 Business Partners. Since 2002, members have given more that $435 million to environmental non-profits. SWTU, along with TUDARE, are the only Wisconsin TU-related organizations approved as Environmental Partners. Nationwide there are several other TU Chapters and State Councils that are Environmental Partners as well.

What does being an Environmental Partner mean for SWTU? Perhaps the most significant benefit of being an Environmental Partner is that we will potentially have a greater opportunity to receive more donations for fundraisers and other projects. There is no cost for us to be an Environmental Partner. Last year we received donations to our Spring Fair fundraiser from local companies like Delta Beer Lab, Planet Bike and White Bridge Coffee, all of which are Business Members of 1% for the Planet. We hope to work with these businesses again this year, in additional to other Business Partners.

More information on 1% for the Planet can be found at https://onepercentfortheplanet.org.