As members of 1% for the Planet we are committed to donate 1% of our turnover (that's turnover, not profit) to audited grass-roots environmental concerns. At present this money goes to two fantastic charities:
It’s a network of over 100 volunteers from all over Cornwall and is run by Cornwall Wildlife Trust. These guys brave all weather conditions when they get “the call” to go out. They either assist with a live dolphin/mammal stranding or sadly, when the news is bad, they go to the dead animal and record all it’s details and where possible arrange for a post mortem. You can find out a bit more about the volunteers' experiencein this snapshot by Caroline Curtis.
Why is it important? So we can better understand why strandings happen and do something about it. It can be an exhilarating task or a gruesome one. Lucy went along to the latest meeting and this is what one of the volunteers had to say… “Its great coming to this Forum each year to find out what use the data we have all collected has been put to and how it's being used to form legislation to protect marine wildlife.”
What difference does it make?
The data collected has helped Cornwall Wildlife Trust to lobby to get the Marine Bill passed. This may sound like yet another dull piece of legislation, but it will enable Marine Conservation Zones to be designated, which will help protect our marine life like the dolphins, porpoises and whales which regularly use our coastal waters. As Ruth Williams, Marine Conservation Officer said “It’s a great feeling when the effort of campaigning pays off and you achieve something worthwhile!”
We’ve been supporting Pan UK’s Growing Hope Project for the last 3 years, helping to fund many organic cotton farmers in Benin, West Africa to find a way to farm organically without having to use nasty chemicals and pesticides.
They’ve produced a food spray that attracts predatory insects to cotton plants, who then get rid of cotton plant pests. They’ve spent 2 years testing the new spray, as well as training farmers when to use it, and have found it to be so successful that they can now start to wind down the project.
But we want to continue supporting Pan UK’s excellent work. So, from now on, we’re going to be supporting them by funding Neem oil-making machines.
Neem seed extract is one of the most effective bio-pesticides for the Benin organic cotton farmers. Neem trees grow wild all over the country, meaning the raw material is free! Turning neem seeds into oil is a community affair, with all the local farmers coming together to collect the seeds and grind them up. But the grinding process is slow and hard work, needing several days to make enough neem powder to last the season.
We are initially going to provide one machine for each of the 5 major organic cotton growing regions where Pan UK works. These mechanical grinders make making Neem Oil easier, faster and more efficient.
From our legendary 'Cut4Cloth' organic baby clothes to discreet breastfeeding tops for mothers, Frugi clothing is both stylish and ethical. Kids will love the fun designs, and parents will love that organic clothes wash well!
We're based in the UK - Frugi, The High Barn, Gear Farm, St Martin, Helston, TR12 6DE - 01326 221 930
Enter your email to receive special offers & much more...
