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Canada’s Mountain Equipment Co-op helps save pretty places, and nets enviro fans around the globe.

Outdoor retailer is the world’s 2nd-largest member of 1% For the Planet, an alliance of corporate environmentalists. And you can see for yourself the results ar

by Suzanne Morphet 7 May 2009
When I plunked $5 down to join Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) many years ago, I didn’t know that one day my purchases would help save the planet. I knew MEC was a great place to shop for outdoor clothing and equipment, but it’s become a world leader in conservation—and that’s good for everyone, not just outdoorsy types like me. Each year, MEC contributes 1% of its sales to worthy enviro causes. In 2008, that was $2.4 million-plus.
 
If you don’t think that’s something to write home about, consider this: MEC is the second-largest member—worldwide—of 1% For the Planet, an alliance of corporate environmentalists. (Patagonia is the largest.) Based in Vancouver, BC, MEC has 12 stores across Canada.
 
Last year, some of MEC’s contributions went to some pretty, and pretty important, projects. Next time you visit New Brunswick, check out Johnson’s Mills, where millions of shorebirds stop to feed and rest during their migrations. MEC donated $40,000 to the Nature Conservancy Canada to purchase this critical wildlife habitat along the upper Bay of Fundy.
 
In southern Manitoba, MEC gave $20,000 towards the purchase of property adjacent to Riding Mountain National Park. Fast-flowing streams, ancient boreal forest and rare plant species make this an appealing destination.
 
And in Ontario’s Credit Valley, MEC’s gift of $10,000 to Friends of Island Lake will help build a walking and cycling trail around the perimeter of this much loved, picturesque lake.

Given MEC’s environmental good deeds, I’m not surprised that three million people are now members—approximately 10% of them outside Canada.

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We welcome you to use these story ideas as inspiration for your own stories about Canada. The CTC owns all rights worldwide. (Our images are also royalty-free and available for editorial print, broadcast and electronic use.) If you choose to reproduce these texts for editorial use only, please include the author's byline and "courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission." If you cut, edit or modify the text in any way, please include this note: "The text has been modified from the original." Thank you.

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Photo credit : Victoria Island, Northwest Territories © NWTT/Terry Parker - Background Image