Bend bookstore first in U.S. to give ‘1% for the Planet’
Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe, an independently owned bookstore in Bend, has become the first U.S. bookstore to join 1% for the Planet. Dudley’s is donating 1 percent of its annual gross sales to local environmental nonprofits approved by the organization, a worldwide nonprofit based in Burlington, Vermont.
“As booksellers, our mission is not only to provide entertainment but to educate,” says Tom Beans, Dudley’s owner. “Aside from extensive fiction titles, we feature books about the outdoors, adventure and exploration, and the natural sciences. These books reflect the interests of both our residents and visitors to Bend, one of the Pacific Northwest’s premiere outdoor destinations.
“So aligning our mission with 1% for the Planet seems a natural fit. I’m sure that our customers will be pleased to know that 1 percent of their purchases will go towards conserving and protecting our local environment, which we all really value.”
The 1% for the Planet network that Dudley’s is joining consists of more than 1,800 member businesses, hundreds of individuals and thousands of nonprofit partners in more than 60 countries.
Since its founding in 2002, its members have given more than $200 million back to environmental nonprofits. The group was launched by Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, the founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, a fly-fishing guide service based in West Yellowstone, Montana, that is dedicated to preserving wild trout habitat.
“We’re excited to welcome Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe to our global network,” says Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet. “Currently, only 3% of total philanthropy goes to the environment and, only 5% of that comes from businesses–which is not enough to solve the most pressing issues facing our planet.
“Our growing network of member businesses, like Dudley’s, is doing its valuable part to increase giving and support on-the-ground outcomes.”
Williams contends that 1% for the Planet inspires people to support environmental organizations through annual membership and everyday actions. The group advises members on giving strategies, certifies donations and amplifies the network’s impact.
Dudley’s direct donations will support nine local nonprofits certified by the 1% for the Planet organization: the Central Oregon Environmental Center, the Coalition for the Deschutes, the Conservation Alliance, the Deschutes Land Trust, the Deschutes River Conservancy, the High Desert Museum, the Oregon Blue Project, the Oregon Natural Desert Association and the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council.
For more information, visit Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe at 135 NW Minnesota Avenue in Bend, or go to its website: http://www.dudleysbookshopcafe.com/. To learn more about 1% for the Planet, visit www.onepercentfortheplanet.org.
