Point6, manufacturer of premium merino wool socks, announced the non-profit environmental organizations selected to receive the company’s annual contribution of 1 percent of company sales. Point6 became a member of 1% for the Planet in 2008 as part of their initial business strategy. The Point6 founders and employees feel strongly that it is necessary for businesses in the outdoor industry to back their dedication to the environment with financial support.
 
“The selection process was really daunting because there are so many good non-profits dedicated to improving the world around us. We chose to give back to our local community to by supporting organizations in our county and state that keep open spaces and trails accessible, healthy and open for recreation. The local organizations weve chosen to support include Colorado Trail Foundation, Yampa Valley Recycles  and Routt County Riders,” stated Betsy Seabert, director of international sales and marketing for Point6. “We are so fortunate to live and work in Steamboat Springs with clean air and fresh mountain streams. There is no shortage of clean water here, but unfortunately there are many places around the world where people do not have this luxury. Water For People is committed to developing water and sanitation systems in developing countries.”

1% for the Planet was started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard and Craig Mathews, two successful business leaders in the outdoor industry, who understood it was good business to protect the worlds natural resources. 

“By partnering with 1%, we are able to leverage our commitment to environmental support and corporate responsibility through this incredible network of non-profits and committed businesses and individuals around the world. We are very proud to be able to include the 1% for the Planet logo on Point6 sock packaging,” said Peter Duke, CEO and co-founder of Point6.

The Colorado Trail Foundation maintains the 500-mile Colorado Trail, Denver to Durango.   The organizations overarching objective is to provide for and preserve The Colorado Trail’s primitive, long-trail, high mountain, non-motorized experience for people today and for generations to come. www.ColoradoTrial.org

Yampa Valley Recycles mission is to make recycling, reduction, and reuse in the Yampa Valley more convenient and cost effective in  order to increase the total tonnage of recyclable materials diverted from the landfill. www.yampavalleyrecycles.org

Route County Riders is a bicycle advocacy group that represents the interests of all variations of biking including mountain biking, road riding, youth cycling, downhill/freeride, year-round commuting, adaptive cycling, community cycling initiatives and advocacy, and bicycling events. For 2011 the groups key initiatives include a focus on trail building and maintenance and support of youth cycling programs including Safe Routes to School. www.routtcountyriders.org

Water For People works with partners to develop innovative and long-lasting solutions to the water, sanitation, and hygiene problems in the developing world. The organization strives to continually improve, to experiment with promising new ideas, and to leverage resources to multiply its impact.   www.waterforpeople.org