Jul 31 2007
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."