How Does 1% for the Planet Work?

In 2001, Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia's founder, and Craig Mathews, Blue Ribbon Flies' founder, went fishing on the Madison River. During the trip, they discussed how companies should protect the resources from which they profit.

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A year later, Chouinard and Mathews founded 1% for the Planet. It connects businesses that want to do good with environmental partners that are tackling urgent environmental issues.

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What is 1% for the Planet?

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1% for the Planet members pledge to donate at least 1% of their annual sales directly to environmental organizations. 1% for the Planet certifies every donation to ensure members meet this commitment.

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Each year, at least half of a member’s donation must be monetary in the form of:

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• Direct monetary donations (One-time, monthly, and yearly donations)
• Tickets and sponsorships
• Membership and certification fees (B Lab fees, Climate Neutral certification fees)
• Donations and payments made to 1% for the Planet (membership dues, newsletter sponsorship, direct donations, donations to the Planet Impact Fund)

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Up to one-half of the donation can be in the form of non-monetary options such as:

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• In-kind donations
• Employee volunteer time
• 1% for the Planet Advertising donations

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Also, 1% for the Planet offers different levels of membership:

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• Companies: Businesses donate 1% of total revenue to environmental causes and can use the 1% logo on everything. As of late 2023, there were 5310 such businesses.
• Brands: Brands under a bigger company commit 1% of their brand revenue. They can use the logo, but the parent company can't.
• Products: Specific products or services pledge 1% of their revenue (minimum $2.5 million annually). The 1% logo is exclusive to that product or service only.

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According to its 2023 impact report, 1% for the Planet has:

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• $655m+ total certified giving
• 110+ countries represented
• 5200+ business members
• 7000+ environmental partners

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Stories Of Impact

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Here are some examples of how 1% for the Planet connects businesses with environmental partners to address urgent issues:

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Untold Storytelling and Water First, Canada

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Untold Storytelling, a filmmaking company, partnered with Water First to address Manitoulin Island's water crisis. It used its 1% for the Planet commitment and in-kind donations to create a film. The project showcased Paige Manitowabi's water protection work on Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. This partnership allowed Water First to highlight how traditional knowledge and Western science can work together in water conservation.

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Smiling Rocks and Space for Giants

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Space for Giants, a 1% for the Planet Environmental Partner, is tackling human-elephant conflict in Gabon. It has developed an innovative mobile electric fence that's 90% effective in protecting farmers from elephant raids. By 2023, it had installed 120 fences, helping over 916 people coexist safely with forest elephants. It also plans to build 500 more fences by year-end. This project is backed by Smiling Rocks' Loose Diamond Department, a business member creating sustainable, lab-grown jewelry.

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SunGod and The Bike Project

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SunGod, a business member of 1% for the Planet, partners with The Bike Project to help refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. It provides bikes, along with riding lessons and maintenance training, to newcomers facing language barriers and transportation challenges. This gives refugees and asylum seekers independence, confidence, and better access to resources in their new communities. The program's impact is exemplified by Comfort, a Nigerian refugee who became a cycling instructor after benefiting from The Bike Project and is now sharing her knowledge with other newcomers.

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As a customer, you can support 1% for the Planet members by purchasing their products. Here’s a list of brands that are not only 1% for the Planet members but also Climate Neutral Certified.