Becoming a Member of 1% For the Planet
This article was originally published via email in 2024.
The crew and I living and working aboard my 32ft gill-netter the FV Deborah.
I am writing to you all today to announce an important milestone not only for my business, Salty Debby’s but also personally!
Many may know me as Keree Smith- the face and skipper behind Salty Debby’s, but for those who really know, know that I spent well over a decade as a traveling dirt bag and ski bum who could live off $100 a week (or less). I worked seasonal jobs, bought all my food by price per ounce, hitchhiked and often lived out of my car. I lived for months at a time at friends houses on borrowed resources. This isn’t to say that my lifestyle wasn’t a choice, it was. And with little to no real responsibility, the bum life worked. It worked for me to take care of me, with little to no extra to spare.
When I knew that I wanted to run a fishing boat, the bank didn’t see the value in my years of bum living like I did. Many many people, family, friends and co-workers stood behind me, not just morally, but financially, and made it happen.
I pledged that one day, when I had more, I would pay it back by paying it forward. I pledged that I would front the dinner bill without worrying about the cost, buy that really expensive bag of popcorn ($30?!) from the boy scout posted up outside Safeway, tip well whenever there was an opportunity, and donate to pursuits and causes my friends stood behind. I pledged that when I had resources to share, I would share them.
Today, I own a car (or two), a boat, a plane and a home among many other odds and ends. My life today isn’t exactly extravagant in the traditional sense.
I live in a dry cabin (no running water) and still do business in an outhouse or a 5 gallon bucket most of the year. I am still many figures in debt in the tumultuous industry that is commercial fishing. But the me from 6 years ago could not have imagined I would be where I am today.
I am very proud to announce that Salty Debby’s is now a contributing member of 1% For the Planet. From 2024 and forward, 1% of all Salty Debby annual sales (not profits) will go towards organizations that strive to safeguard salmon habitat in Bristol Bay.
For me, joining 1% For the Planet is about more than giving back to the environment, it’s about recognizing that, “I have enough, and I have enough to share”.
“In the pursuit of business, there will never be a finish line. It comes down to us, the people and faces behind the business to redirect an endless financial pursuit to a more meaningful and fulfilling end.”
Out of the many places to buy your salmon, I am grateful that you have chosen to support the planet, support small business and purchase from Salty Debby’s. :)
Your skipper,
Keree Smith
“1% For the Planet was founded on the idea that a company has a responsibility to give back for use of our planet’s resources.”
“In 2002, Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, created 1% for the Planet and started a global movement.”
