New Belgium Brewing Joins One Percent For The Planet

Posted: 01/28/2008 In Category: Outdoor Non-profit/Association

Written By: Tracy Wilson

Ft. Collins, CO – January 28, 2008 – New Belgium Brewing, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and other Belgian-inspired beers, today joined One Percent for the Planet (1% FTP), turning a portion of its sales into a pledge to help the planet

The nation’s first brewery to incorporate wind-power for electricity, New Belgium is also the first brewery to join 1% FTP, which connects businesses, consumers and nonprofits through philanthropy. Through 1% FTP, New Belgium Brewing will support nearly 150 sustainability-oriented non-profits in 2008. New Belgium will donate the money directly to the organizations and 1% FTP will serve as the clearing-house that makes sure non-profits use the donations they receive efficiently and responsibly.

“Sustainability is the backbone of everything we do at New Belgium Brewing and it is very important to us that we give back to the organizations working daily to make the planet a better place,” said Jennifer Orgolini, New Belgium’s Sustainability Director.

1% FTP is a global network of environmentally philanthropic members with more than 800 companies and more than 1,500 non-profit organizations. Launched in 2001 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Matthews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies of Bozeman, its members include individuals such as singer Jack Johnson, entrepreneurs and corporations. In 2007, 1% FTP members donated more than $7 million dollars bringing the total to more than $30 million dollars since its inception.
"New Belgium is an exciting addition to the network. They, like our other members, are really walking the walk,” said Strick Walker, Chief Marketing & Development Officer for 1% FTP. “They're using creativity and generosity as tools with which to build an incredible business and a powerful brand - and enabling important environmental work along the way. We're stoked to welcome them to the 1% family."
The collaboration with 1% FTP is in addition to the other philanthropy projects New Belgium supports throughout the year. New Belgium currently donates one dollar to non-profit organizations for every barrel of beer sold in the prior year, as a way to give back to the communities that contribute to New Belgium’s success. In addition, New Belgium hosts Tour de Fat every summer, a philanthropic and sustainable festival that has raised more than $700,000 for bike and environmental advocacy groups, since its inception in 2000.

From the beginning New Belgium has made every effort to minimize resource consumption, maximize energy efficiency and recycle at every opportunity. In fact, New Belgium became the country’s first brewery to subscribe to wind energy after a vote by employee owners to dip into their bonus pool.

“One of the core values at New Belgium is to be an environmental steward and it’s something we believe in 100%,” continued Orgolini. “We are excited to join One Percent for the Planet and to extend our resources to organizations that have a powerful impact.”

About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces seven year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey, Mothership Wit and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.

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