OLOW joins forces with 1% for the Planet and Wings of the Ocean
to protect the oceans
Photos :Thomas Lodin
It all started with a discussion with Julien Wosnitza, the founder of the Wings of The Ocean clean-up charity, with whom we used to collaborate on various commercial operations to raise funds. Aside from this product-centred commercial aspect, how can we do more? Cards on the table: money really is the sinews of war. Without it, it's impossible to move the boats forward, feed the staff of volunteers etc... So it's impossible to continue our actions calmly and effectively.
Source : onepercentfortheplanet.fr
The idea made its way, and ended up meeting another one: to join the very well known "1% for the planet" and its charismatic and legendary founder. The figure may seem derisory, but for us it means a lot. Firstly, because like many ethical brands, our margins are low, even very low, and donating 1% of turnover is far from trivial.
So far from the greenwashing of all kinds practised by various brands in the sector, this commitment is real and in a way forces us (with our will) to really work for the planet and the common good.
What is 1% for the planet?
A not-for-profit organisation that links companies or sponsors with approved environmental protection associations, with the aim of facilitating and increasing donations for the benefit of the planet.
It was over 20 years ago that Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Matthews, former owner of Blue Ribbon Files, created this organisation, themselves donating 1% of the turnover of their respective companies. From that moment on, they began to federate a network of philanthropic companies, which today has no fewer than 6,000 members.
A l’image des fondateurs, les entreprises membres s’engagent à reverser 1% de leur chiffre d’affaire à une ou plusieurs des associations agréées.
Wings of the Ocean in a few words
This French not-for-profit association is one of only 5,000 1% approved worldwide. It specialises in cleaning up pollution in the oceans and on Europe's coastlines. It also carries out a number of awareness-raising missions, and has recently taken on a lobbying role (with other associations) to put pressure on industry and politicians and bring about change.
Human sweatshirt OLOW x Wings of the Ocean, FW20 collection
Wings of the Ocean joins forces with a base of recycling partners who help them on a daily basis to process the recovered litter, via young brands such as Sauvage in the Mediterranean. The same network is now developing on the Atlantic coast, with the arrival of their mission in the Bay of Arcachon and via the Scylla boat.
FOCUS ON THE ASSOCIATION'S INITIATIVES
The association wanted to support and encourage these initiatives, by giving anyone wishing to get involved locally the means to organise pollution clean-up and awareness-raising actions in their town or region.
In 2022, the association launched its label for yachtsmen to promote de-pollution in the marine sector. Thanks to this concept, boat owners can carry out clean-up operations in the name of Wings of the Ocean.
The Kraken is a 42-metre 3-masted sailing boat with 30 volunteers on board. The yacht is a living space for the volunteers, enabling the crew to move from island to island in an environmentally-friendly way, carrying out clean-up and awareness-raising initiatives.
Le Kraken compte désormais un semblable, le Scylla. Anciennement appelé Antwerp Flyer, ce voilier d’exploration de 28m en aluminium est spécialement conçu pour les mers du Nord. Il navigue actuellement le long de la côte atlantique française.
Mission Sud is a travelling project that takes place in July and August on the French Mediterranean coast to clean up pollution and raise awareness among the large numbers of holidaymakers present at that time of year. In 2022, the mission was carried out by bike!
A 7-month programme, orchestrated in close collaboration with the local ecosystem (local authorities, associations and residents), to combat litter, while at the same time carrying out numerous awareness-raising operations.
A project based on the Etang de Berre model. In 2022, the association has decided to set up in the Bay of Arcachon to clean up its plastic pollution.
A project based on the Etang de Berre model. In 2022, Wings of the Ocean will set up on the Thau lagoon to preserve its biodiversity.
Our commitments
Sustainable clothing made from responsible materials in Portugal.
Friendly working conditions and a decent living wage
A fair price, based on the "win-win" principle, so that everyone from the manufacturer to the customer wins.
A commitment that goes even further by working with social and environmental associations.
