Cork Innovations
announced today that it will donate one percent of all of the company's sales
of sustainable cork flooring to the environmental non-profit 1% For The Planet.
In making this commitment, Cork Innovations joins almost 600 other worldwide
companies who have donated over $21 million to environmental causes through
1%.
"We are committed to providing our clients with sustainable cork flooring
products that do not destroy the ecological balance of our environment,"
said Cork Innovations CEO John Countryman. "We are impressed with the great
work that 1% For The Planet is doing, and felt that making this additional commitment
was the right thing to do on behalf of our customers."
1% For The Planet is an alliance of companies that donate at least 1% of their
annual net revenues to environmental organizations worldwide. Member companies
recognize their responsibility to and dependence on a healthy environment. The
commitment to donate based upon revenue is a high level commitment. Profit donations
can be manipulated allowing some companies to pledge a percentage of profits
to an organization and then use creative accounting methods to report zero profits.
Commitments based on revenue ensure that a donation is made for every customer
dollar spent.
"Our customers are discerning individuals and contractors who place great
importance on quality products, responsive customer service, and environmental
stewardship," said Countryman. "Because green issues are so important
to our customers, we are proud to be the only cork flooring retailer who has
made this level of commitment to the environment through 1% For The Planet."
Cork flooring is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree. In order to
create the flooring, the honeycomb bark is stripped from the trees every nine
to 14 years. The trees are never cut down and their habitat is undisturbed.
In addition to its sustainable environmental impact, cork floors have natural
sound and shock absorption qualities while being hypoallergenic, resilient and
durable.
"We were looking for a floor that would hold up in a busy studio environment
with large heavy equipment," said Pilates instructor Jennifer Graboski.
"Cork flooring was the perfect solution. Not only is it durable, but it
provides a wonderful cushion and is a healthy alternative to other chemical
laden flooring. Our clients love the look and feel of the floor, and we love
the fact that cork is a natural product that we can feel good about."