Meeting 1% For The Planet in Amsterdam

Recently, the CHALK REBELS team had the incredible opportunity to visit Patagonia's EU headquarters in Amsterdam. This wasn't just any ordinary meeting - it was a gathering of like-minded companies and non-profits, all united under the banner of 1% For The Planet. For us at CHALK REBELS, it was like finding our tribe in the vast wilderness of environmental activism.

1% For The Planet is a global initiative where members donate 1% of annual sales to environmental groups. Founded by Yvon Chouinard and Craig Mathews, it ensures businesses contribute to planetary care. The mission is to promote smart environmental giving, countering greenwashing and inspiring action for the planet's future.

One of the most inspiring organizations we met was Protect Our Winters (POW). Protect Our Winters (POW) is a group of outdoor enthusiasts tackling climate change. They engage in policy campaigns for reduced emissions and clean energy. With a network spanning athletes to scientists, POW works at state and local levels for climate solutions. Their aim is integrating climate advocacy into the outdoor community's ethos, particularly through voter mobilization for environmental policies during elections.

We also had the pleasure of learning about The Surfrider Foundation. The Surfrider Foundation is committed to safeguarding oceans, waves, and beaches. With a network of volunteers and over 100 campaigns, they effectively counter coastal threats. Their notable 700 victories since 2006 underline this commitment. Surfrider's team of 50+ staff bolsters local efforts, focusing on oceanic conservation and legal advocacy.

One other intriguing non-profit we met was Drinkable Rivers. Their message is simple yet profound: making our rivers drinkable again means solving many of our environmental problems. They engage communities in river walks, citizen science projects on water quality, and building networks in watersheds to initiate actions towards their goal of drinkable rivers. Their approach is hands-on and community-oriented, truly embodying the spirit of grassroots environmental activism.

Our visit to Patagonia's EU headquarters was more than just a meeting; it was a convergence of organizations with a deep-rooted purpose. Learning about steward-owner companies and meeting these groups reinforced our belief in the power of community and collective action. At CHALK REBELS, we're not just selling eco-friendly climbing products; we're part of a larger movement. A movement where every handhold is a step towards a greener planet, and every climb is a statement of our commitment to the environment. It's a journey we're proud to share with fellow members of this incredible tribe.