Since April 2023, Rounton Coffee has been a proud and committed member of 1% for the Planet.
What this means is that we donate one percent of every sale to support environmental organisations focused on the environment. The organisations we support under this pledge are Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Project Waterfall, The Ribble Rivers Trust and The Ouseburn Trust.
1% for the Planet
The global movement 1% for the Planet, initiated in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, aims to ensure the thriving of our planet and future generations. By contributing 1% of their annual sales, thousands of 1% for the Planet members, including Rounton Coffee, have come together to use their voice and resources and raised millions in funding to support environmental partners around the globe. It's a collective effort, leveraging the influence and resources of businesses to make a meaningful impact on the planet.
Our founder David is thrilled to join this movement, solidifying our long-standing commitment to protecting the planet.
Here at Rounton, our engagement with 1% for the Planet goes beyond a financial commitment. Our company is on a mission to sustainably source and make specialty coffee accessible without compromising the environment. As with most things in Yorkshire, we're a pretty straightforward bunch here at Rounton Coffee Roasters. Yet, within this simplicity lies a profound commitment to responsibility, aiming to better the world for current and future generations.
If you didn’t already know, we pay a premium for the coffees we source. This premium not only ensures high-quality beans but also directs more funds back to the communities that cultivate the coffee. It's an investment in infrastructure, agronomy, and education, crucial elements for the sustainability of coffee production globally. We put a strong emphasis on relationships, whether that's with our online customers or farmers - every relationship is important. We strive to utilise business as a force for good, acknowledging the interconnectedness of commerce and environmental responsibility.
Through conscientious sourcing, community support and strategic partnerships, we have woven sustainability into the fabric of our business. We believe that all businesses have an important role to play in the mitigation of the climate crisis. Operating within the complexities of the global coffee supply chain, we acknowledge that our business consumes resources and produces waste. This is why we set clear objectives to do what we can to protect our home for us and future generations. Ways in which we have reduced our impact include using recyclable packaging and reducing our roast from five to three days a week.
The organisations we support
While we're still newcomers to the 1% For The Planet initiative, our impact has been significant. We've directed our contributions toward local charities in North Yorkshire where we operate. So let’s find out more about the charities we support…
Ouseburn Trust is working towards creating a vibrant, diverse and sustainable future for Newcastle Upon Tyne’s Ouseburn Valley. Since 1996, the independent charity has been working to enhance the physical, social and economic environment of the Valley, whilst promoting and preserving the area’s heritage and valued ecosystem.
Initially set up in 1998 by a small group of retired anglers, Ribble Rivers Trust has a simple aim; to improve rivers for wildlife and people. For over two decades, the team has used their vast knowledge to improve over 375 miles of rivers in Lancashire and North Yorkshire.
In our opinion, everyone has the right to clean water, but sadly for over 785 million people around the world, that is not the case. Project Waterfall is working hard to end the water crisis, especially for those living in isolated and rural areas. Many of whom are from countries where we purchase our coffee from. The alignment of values between ourselves and Project Waterfall is evident, with us both sharing mission to serve coffee-growing communities.
We allocate a significant portion of our donations to Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, resulting in us gaining a Bronze Membership.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is a charity dedicated to conserving, protecting and restoring wildlife and wild places in Yorkshire. Established in 1946, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has grown to manage over 100 nature reserves. The charity wants people to have a meaningful connection with nature. To achieve this, they work in partnership with farmers, councils, schools, and businesses.
Want to take action?
With a great team and community that cares about sustainability, we're now focusing on more than just roasting great coffee. Our goal for the future is to bring positive change to the place we call home, and to the environment. As we progress on our journey with 1% For The Planet and the organisations we support, we want to be recognised not only for our coffee but also for our environmentally conscious business practices.
For those interested in joining the cause, we strongly encourage our wholesale coffee customers to explore the opportunity of becoming a part of 1% for the Planet.
If you’re reading this and you regularly buy coffee online for your home from our website and you’re wondering how you can get involved, just know that by buying our specialty coffee, you are helping to take care of our planet. It’s as simple as you buy, we give back.
To learn more about 1% For The Planet, visit onepercentfortheplanet.org