Sustainability

ABOUT 1% FOR THE PLANET

It all started when two businessmen met and bonded over their shared love for the outdoors. Realizing their responsibility to protect our planet, they decided to give 1% of their sales back to the environment—whether or not they were profitable. 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. Soon after our inception, 1% for the Planet’s mission began to resonate across the globe. The idea was simple: because companies profit from the resources they take from the earth, they should protect those resources. 

Realizing their responsibility, brands such as Brushfire Records, Klean Kanteen, New Belgium Brewing, Honest Tea, Caudalie and many more followed suit to join the movement. Our network is global and diverse, proving that anyone can make a difference. From the individual members who give back by donating to and volunteering with local environmental nonprofits to singer-songwriter Jack Johnson, who joined our network in 2004 to protect the shores of his home state of Hawaii—everyone has a 1%.

We connect our members with high-impact nonprofit partners in our six core issue areas: climate, food, land, pollution, water and wildlife. Today, we have more than 2,000 members in over 45 countries, and nearly 3,500 nonprofit partners in over 60 countries coming together to protect the future of our planet. Since our beginning, we've certified more than $225 million in support to approved environmental nonprofits. Our plan for the future? More. Much more.

Who we are

1% for the Planet is a global organization that connects dollars and doers to accelerate smart environmental giving. We recognize that the current level of environmental giving—only 3% of total philanthropy—is not enough to solve the most pressing issues facing our planet.

1% for the Planet inspires people to support environmental organizations through annual membership and everyday actions. We advise on giving strategies, we certify donations and we amplify the impact of our network.

Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, our members have given more than $225 million to environmental nonprofits to date. Today, 1% for the Planet is a network of more than 2,000 business members, a new and expanding core of individual members and thousands of nonprofit partners in more than 60 countries. Our headquarters are located in Burlington, VT with staff located around the world.

Our vision

All together for the planet.

Our mission

We bring dollars and doers together to accelerate smart environmental giving.

Our model

1% for the Planet is a global movement inspiring businesses and individuals to support environmental solutions through annual membership and everyday actions. We advise on giving strategies, we certify donations and we amplify the impact of our network.

Our core values

  • Unleash passion every day

  • Celebrate commitment

  • Grow stronger together

  • Think big, act now