Our Why

It is our job as the inhabitants of this magnificent planet to provide aid and actively work to preserve and nurture this place we call home. However, many are not willing or believe it is the responsibility of others to take the initial actions toward these pressing concerns. Although there are some that have begun taking small steps to shrink their carbon footprint, nevertheless the results are not significant enough. The truth is - our planet is running out of time. Larger measures must be adopted before it is too late. I recognize and embrace this reality. Through the program 1% for the Planet, I have committed to donating 1% of Upsales' annual revenue to organizations that are devoted to helping the environment.

 

What is 1% for the Planet?

Established in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, 1% for the Planet is an incredible organization that helps individuals and businesses contribute to the efforts in saving our planet. In many cases, businesses and individuals do not have the time and energy to consistently donate money or the knowledge regarding which organization to donate to. Through this program, that work is done for you, all the company or individual must do is select the organization(s) they would like to support and the rest is managed by 1% for the Planet. Most companies can afford to give away 1% of their revenue because the relative impact on their financials is minimal. However, if every company were to follow this program the positive effects for our environment would truly be spectacular.

How is Upsales Contributing?

This year Upsales is proud to be sponsoring two incredible organizations that are paving the way for a cleaner and brighter environment.

 

Fixing Climate Change One Tree at a Time

The first is One Tree Planted, a non-profit based in Shelburne, Vermont, that works with reforestation organizations to help them attain the capital to plant more trees around the world. This organization was founded in 2014 with the goal to "make it simple for people to help the environment - one dollar, one tree." One Tree Planted sends the donations for each project to one of their reforestation partners. The reforestation organization then selects the best tree species to plant and works with the local communities to get the seeds in the ground.

 

Combining Nature and Tech to Save Lives

The second organization Upsales is supporting is Solvatten. This non-profit is using technology and the sun to provide clean water at a low cost for the world. Their product is a combined portable water treatment and heater system that is designed for off-grid household use in the developing world. Today, millions of women and children in developing countries need to walk dozens of miles to collect water and firewood. Solvatten helps to reduce use of firewood, as well as, the actual travel distance covered by women and children on a daily basis. This product can purify and heat contaminated water located closer to homemaking life much easier for everyone. Due to its average lifespan of 7-10 years, Solvatten is a critical resource to help reduce the spread of disease and lower the level of malnutrition in developing areas across the globe.

Closing Thoughts


Chouinard made a comment that really inspired me to want to help and participate in this cause. He stated:

If you could get businesses... to understand that they have more responsibility than to maximize profits for the shareholders or for themselves, [that] they have the responsibility to the planet [and] the best way to do it is to… give the money away to people who are willing to do the good work. (1% for the Planet)

As the world grows older and technology advances, it is safe to say, I am grateful to be able to contribute to a better world and actively participate in this fast-growing industry centered around our social responsibility. The Earth gives us life, a home, and an opportunity to grow - the least we can do is strive to preserve, cultivate, and restore it to its natural and healthy state.

Resources:
https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/index.php
https://onetreeplanted.org
https://solvatten.org