If you are looking for environmental activism inspiration for your business then look no further than Patagonia.  Patagonia are makers of hi-tech outdoor clothing and produces a range of items that are made from re-cycled materials and organic cotton.

What? more, since 1985, Patagonia has pledged 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment through the One Percent for the Planet business alliance.  

One Percent for the Planet is an alliance of companies that recognize the true cost of doing business and donate 1% of their sales to environmental organizations worldwide.  Through their corporate giving, grants and philanthropy, they encourage responsible business and corporate responsibility.

In the UK, you can buy Patagonia clothing from Field and Trek. 

In the US, you can buy Patagonia clothing from Amazon. 

Made from 100% recycled corrugated cardboard, the Paperpod, available from By Nature is an innovative concept in creative play.  Five panels of three interlocking triangles create this unusual shaped "cardboard igloo". It provides a great shady spot on a hot summer day and great fun at children?s parties.  Let children play, create & decorate using paint, collage, pens & crayons. Their imagination will do the rest! Hours of fun!

Don?t let the less than interesting name of this online shop put you off; Nigel?s Eco Store has an array of exciting eco friendly gifts and gadgets.

This Solar minicar robot comes in a kit and once assembled, the car moves when the sun shines on its solar panel. A great educational toy for kids or inquisitive adults alike!

Returning to Somerset in August for it?s biggest ever celebration, The Big Green Gathering is described as ?the best place on earth to enjoy new music in a tent under the stars?  it also promises to be the biggest outdoor green event in Europe.

Wind, sun and other alternative power will supply energy for the whole event.  If this does not produce enough energy, you may also need to contibute by generating electricity using pedel power!

Alongside the best in alternative technology, workshops, forums, family activities and huge camping areas ? including family camping, quiet camping and award winning disabled camping area ? The Big Green presents an exciting new programme of musical and performing arts events.

Alongside the forums, debates and working alternative technologies ? the major theme this year will be ?Energy? and the revitalisation of the anti-nuclear movement - The Big Green offers an unrivalled five days of music and discovery; all day and well into the night?with all the performance on site powered by alternative means. While the generous open spaces allow festival goers to choose for themselves when to chill ? and when to party.

When is the gathering?  August 2nd to 6th 2006.