ANTONITO – Conejos Clean Water is a new nonprofit partner of 1% for the Planet, an alliance of more than 1,200 member companies in 40 countries that give one percent of revenues to environmental causes.

Conejos Clean Water is now eligible to receive donations from 1% for the Planet member companies, placing them among a diverse, global network of environmental organizations. 1% member businesses fuel this nonprofit network through their annual contributions. Partnership with 1% greatly expands the potential pool of funding to which Conejos Clean Water can look to for support.

Newly approved Conejos Clean Water contributes to a healthier planet by building public awareness and encouraging advocacy and education around environmental, social, economic, and food justice issues in the Conejos Land Grant Region.

“1% for the Planet member businesses donate at least 1% of their annual sales to support environmental nonprofits,” says Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet. “We believe deeply that these nonprofits play a critical role in solving the many challenges facing our planet, and our core work is to grow the corporate support that enables these nonprofits to accomplish even more.” 

Over 3,500 nonprofits worldwide are included in the 1% for the Planet network, and over $150 million has been funneled to its nonprofit partners to date.

Co-Director Justin Garoutte explains, “Here at Conejos Clean Water, we operate with the understanding that water is our life source. Without clean water, there is no life - life that is connected to all things. That’s why we’re protecting our water, land, and air, fostering a healthy environment to improve our community’s health and wellbeing. We invite member companies to partner with us and choose Conejos Clean Water for their 1% donation.”  

About 1% for the Planet

1% for the Planet is a global organization that connects dollars and doers to accelerate smart environmental giving. It recognizes that the current level of environmental giving - only 3% of total philanthropy - is not enough to solve the most pressing issues facing the planet.

Through business and individual membership, 1% for the Planet inspires people to support environmental organizations through annual membership and everyday actions. The organization advises on giving strategies, certifies donations, and amplifies the impact of the network.

Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, members have given more than $150 million to environmental nonprofits to date. Today, 1% for the Planet is a network of more than 1,200 member businesses, a new and expanding core with hundreds of individual members, and thousands of nonprofit partners in more than 60 countries. Visit www.onepercentfortheplanet.org to learn more. 

About Conejos Clean Water

Conejos Clean Water is a group of passionate community leaders who care about justice. They know when people join together for the common good anything is possible. They focus on building awareness and encouraging education and advocacy around justice issues in and around southern Colorado’s San Luis Valley. Additionally, they aspire to be a catalyst for positive change in the community by using a multifaceted programmatic approach.

Beginning in 2010, the organization formed and focused on the radioactive, hazardous, and toxic waste campaign proposed at the transfer site south of the Town of Antonito. In the end, this effort culminated in an environmental justice lawsuit that effectively halted the transfer of this nuclear waste through the community. Since then, Conejos Clean Water has built up membership to over 400 and continues advocating for justice throughout the region through improved recycling, school and community gardens, public lands protection efforts, and multiple diversity initiatives. Visit www.cccwater.org to learn more and find out how to get involved.