1% for the planet

Welly was born from the lasting impression that Ben Kander’s late mother had on him and from his passion for addressing the water insecurity that is prevalent in much of the developing world. In fact, the name Welly stems from the combination of the word “wells,” which is central to the company’s mission of funding clean water projects, and the word “Elly,” which was the name his mom was affectionately known by. Ben decided that he wanted to do work that would have a positive impact on our global community and environment and that honored his mother’s legacy.

Ben and his team have built a recognizable and successful brand in the highly competitive reusable drinkware industry, which is dominated by overseas supply chains. The impact of the pandemic made him realize just how vulnerable we are to making products half a world away. He began to wonder why no competitor was making these products in the United States, so he started to research the feasibility of doing just that. It turns out that Pittsburgh has all of the right ingredients for creating twenty-first century, high-tech, lean manufacturing. We have a skilled labor force, experience with steel and durable materials, a growing robotics and automation sector, and advanced engineering professionals. In our conversation, Ben talks about his plans for building the country’s first manufacturing facility for reusable drinkware and the many lessons he has learned in running a rapidly growing business.

If you have any questions or if you’d like to chat, you can reach me at my contact info below. The purpose of this podcast is to share ideas, inspire action, and build a stronger small business community here in Pittsburgh. So please say hello, tell me what you think, and let me know how I’m doing. It means a ton!

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Website: https://www.proprietorsofpittsburgh.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darinvilano

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH BEN KANDER AT:

Website: https://www.wellybottle.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellybottle

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellybottle

See & Free Studio Episode 17 with the extraordinary Rochelle Webb whose making the world a better place...one optimist at a time

CEO, Entrepreneur, Professor, Advisor, Activist, Philanthropist. It doesn’t matter what role she plays, Rochelle Webb creates community wherever she goes. Her mission is to help as many human beings as possible by giving them exposure to new things, a helping hand when they need it and a fighting chance at their version of success. How does she do that? She leans into uncomfortable situations, takes on challenges others avoid, and infuses hope, energy and enthusiasm into every interaction. She wants to leave the world a better place by inspiring others to project their talents into the world...one optimist at a time. Join us this week to learn about the incredible Rochelle Webb and about one of her favorite organizations 1% for the Planet.

They say to never meet your heroes, but this week proves that's poor advice. Dan Kleban, co-founder of Maine Beer Company, sits down with Noah and Matty. After some initial gushing about how generous Dan and his brother Dave were to get Noah and Pete into MBC's first space, the conversation shifts to the Dan's early experiences with beer (Sierra Nevada strikes again) and what laid the groundwork for what continues to be MBC's philosophy on the beer-making side of the business. Dan and Noah also get into their mutual roots as homebrewers and (early) brewing podcast listeners, as both Substance and Zoe begun their existence as thinly-veiled clone recipes. After discussing collaboration beers and the similar reasons both MBC and BBB do them less than most, things shift to Dan and his brewery's commitment to the environment. He talks about his inspiration for being a part of 1% For the Planet from the very start of his business, why customers are smarter than they are often given credit for, and the inertia that comes when you "Do What's Right". This fun, informative, and inspiring conversation with one of Noah and Matty's Dream Team brewers was simply a joy, and if anyone out there is looking for a role model, head to Route 1 in Freeport............  ........................ .................. ......................... .................. ........................ ....................... ........Music: "Mountain Climb" by Jake Hill

Welcome back to episode three as we continue to discuss the Myths and greenwashing that surround Sustainable Fashion. This week we discuss fashion brands that do more than just give to charity. Their entire ethos is built around charitable giving and raising awareness. We often hear about brands who donate to charity. Buy this t-shirt and save the planet, buy this tote bag and we'll donate some money to solve world hunger. Rarely are brands created with the sole purpose of giving back. 

How Does Fashion Give Back

Have you ever been suckered into buying a charitable t-shirt on the promise that 20% of profits went to a charity, we felt better about buying another t-shirt we didn't need. But the picture isn't as clear as that. Lets break it down. Firstly, 20% of sales profits isn't much. A lot of fast fashion and luxury brands could afford to give a lot more that than from their own pockets. Second, who made that t-shirt? If its making a charitable donation to a human rights fund, then you have the right to ask how the garment workers were paid and treated. Not to mention whether or not the cotton farmer got a fair deal. If this makes you feel uncomfortable then the simple answer is to either give directly to the charity instead, or to support a small business with a difference.

Love Brand & Co.

Love Brand & Co. Is one such company. After a chance encounter with an Asian Elephant through the charity Elephant Family, Oliver Tomalin came up with the idea of supporting Elephant conservation through a swimming trunks label. Fast forward 10 years and Oliver's company are a proud member of 1% For The Planet. If you've not come across it before, the organisation was co-founded by Patagonia's Founder Yvon Chouniard, and these guys love to give back to Mother Earth. Any brands that join are partnered with vetted charities that benefit the earth and help to combat the climate crisis. Love Brand & Co. Is proud to work with Elephant conservation charities around the world. 

How Does Love Brand & Co. Give Back To The Earth

Oliver is passionate about raising awareness, while creating great products. What started with swimming trunks, has turned into a full blown mens apparel brand. Sustainably sourced linen shirts, with nut buttons, organic cotton polo's and of course the swimming shorts make up a stylish selection. The shorts themselves are made with recycled polyester and they use an innovative eco printing technique with uses paper that can then be reused. They even use carbon offset initiatives when you purchase, so you can be sure that your footprint as a consumer is minimal.

Has this conversation fired you up to include more charitable giving when you shop? Here are a few other brands who are making donating money too dam easy.

Love Brand & Co. Have generously shared a discount code with us for you to get 15% off when you shop online. Use offer code THEVENDEUR at checkout.

Rites - This is a preloved platform with a difference. Donate luxury fashion pieces to sell and Rites automatically make a minimum 20% donation to charity from your sale. 

Ninety Percent - not only are they an uber cool casual wear brand that is totally perfect for any lock down situation, they also donate you guessed it, 90% of their distributed profits to charity. 

Patagonia - The OG's of giving, Patagonia have been donating 1% of sales since 1985. And more recently they gave $10 Million dollars back to the planet, which was the money they saved in US tax relief. 

Toms – have moved on from their initial one for one model, to now donate a third of net profits to organisations around the world. Currently that is to their own COVID-19 Global Giving Fund, created to help existing Giving Partners who are responding to the pandemic.

Allbirds - the sneaker brand beloved by Leonardo Dicaprio et al, are partnered with Souls4Souls an initiative that supports micro enterprise programmes in developing countries. They donate gently used trainers to be resold in local markets, helping people to lift themselves out of the cycle of poverty.

With thanks to our amazing guest Oliver Tomalin, Founder of Love Brand & Co. And to Alexandra at Carello Consulting.

Sustainable Podcast Shout Out -  Scribbles and Nipples 

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Host: Lucy Kebbell 

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