“To do good, you actually have to do something.”
Yvon Chouinard, Founder of Patagonia and Co-Founder of 1% for the Planet
for the goodness of the earth
We understand that we are simply stewards of this beautiful land and know that even by embracing the most sustainable practices our company cannot fully avoid interacting with the environment. However, we’re committed to counteracting the impact our business creates. We’re eager to do our part to help protect and conserve the Earth and the people and animals who live here, even if it costs us a bit more to do so. That is why we decided to partner with 1% for the Planet.
1% for the Planet is a global network of 5,600 individuals, organizations, and companies striving to make a difference and protect the future of our planet. Since its inception, 1% for the Planet members have come together to contribute millions in support of approved environmental nonprofits.
partners with a purpose
We are in the cheese business. That’s what we do. By partnering with 1% for the Planet, we support some of the hardworking organizations who are focused day in and day out on caring for and protecting the earth and its people. To do this, we donate 1% of our total annual gross sales to our chosen 1% for the Planet certified organizations. Through our donations, we have been able to support those working to protect clean air and water, feed those in need, provide environmental education and connection, mentor organic farmers, and support the habitats of our state’s incredible and unique wildlife.
Every time you bring home a piece of Deer Creek Cheese, you’re helping to support initiatives that improve both our communities and the Earth. These are some of the incredible organizations doing the work to make that happen.
our 1% for the Planet nonprofit partners
Clean Wisconsin
Since 1970, Clean Wisconsin has been your voice for the environment, working to preserve and protect our clean air, clean water, and natural heritage.
River Alliance of Wisconsin
River Alliance of WI’s mission is to empower people to protect and restore water, with a vision of thriving community, economy, and habitat.
Ice Age Trail Alliance
The Mission of the Alliance is to conserve, create, maintain, and promote the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Marbleseed
Marbleseed is committed to nourishing the success of organic and sustainable farmers in the Midwest through farmer-led events and educational resources.
Urban Ecology Center
UEC connects people in cities to nature and each other. Their vision is to inspire generations to build environmental curiosity, understanding, and respect.
International Crane Foundation
The International Crane Foundation works worldwide to conserve cranes and the ecosystems, watersheds and flyways on which they depend.
Nourish Farms
Nourish empowers the community to make wholesome food choices through education and hands-on experiences that demonstrate how to grow, source, cook and enjoy good food.
other local and national nonprofits we support
RCS Empowers
RCS provides an array of services to children and adults with disabilities which can include job exploration, preparation, placement, and job coaching.
Feeding America
Feeding America works to get nourishing food – from farmers, manufacturers, and retailers – to people in need. At the same time, they also seek to help our neighbors build a path to a brighter, food-secure future.
St. Joseph Food Program, Inc.
Fighting Hunger. Sustaining Hope. St. Joseph Food Program focuses on supplementing nutritional needs, free of charge, for the economically distressed within our local communities.
starting at the source
Beyond our work with 1% for the Planet, we work to give love to the beautiful state of Wisconsin. Without our fertile soils, clear waters, magnificent flora and fauna, and hardworking farmers, Deer Creek would not be possible. For the health and happiness of our communities we use our resources to benefit the earth and its people, bringing you cheese that you are proud to share with your friends and family.
supporting small & local
We pay a premium for high quality milk from small family dairy farms so the farmers can earn a decent wage to care for their livestock, families, and properties.
We support a price floor for milk to ensure that farmers are not subject to excessive downward market fluctuations.
We choose to do business with Wisconsin-based community banks and local suppliers, logistic companies, and industry partners.
reducing our carbon footprint
We utilize a finished goods warehousing and distribution center that uses solar panels to generate roughly 850,000 kWh of renewable energy annually.
We choose to use greener consolidation and logistic solutions that are still cost effective.
We look for ways to reduce the number of shipping and warehouse touches our cheeses make on their way to the consumer.
We limit auto and air travel when possible.
We source 100% of our monthly energy usage from Second Nature, a program that pools energy usage needs together to buy more earth-friendly, renewable energy produced by wind and solar power.
conserving natural resources
We use Forest Stewardship Council certified and sustainable papers, card stock, and labels where we can.
Our wood curing box supplier sources their raw construction materials from suppliers who utilize sustainable forestry practices.
We use higher post-consumer recycled corrugated boxes when possible.
We’ve switched existing interior lighting to LED lighting.
