Our Story

Business as usual is failing people and the planet

We’re on a mission to change that

Craig Mathews smiling at a 1% for the Planet member's retail shopYvon Chouinard smiling leaning against a wooden fence post
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It all started with a fishing trip.

1% for the Planet originated along the banks of the Madison River when two longtime friends and successful businessmen went for a fishing trip in 2001.

Realizing businesses are responsible for their environmental impact, they pledged to donate 1% of their annual sales—not profits—to environmental organizations.

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.

a bartender pouring beer from a 1% for the planet member brewerya sunski representative with arms wide open

Soon after, 1% for the Planet’s mission began to resonate.

The idea was simple: because companies profit from the resources they take from the earth, they should protect those resources.

With Patagonia leading the charge, this idea resonated with other brands such as Brushfire Records, Klean Kanteen, New Belgium Brewing, Caudalie and many more followed suit and joined the 1% for the Planet network.

an educator teaching kids about plants and foodenvironmental partner putting up a sign in a field

Today, 1% for the Planet can be found around the globe.

To date, 1% for the Planet has certified over $

708

million in donations to environmental causes. This number grows exponentially as our network grows each year—proving the power of collective action.

Are you with us?

"Commit, then figure it out"

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. It started with that core idea and more than 20 years later, we’re still helping businesses make good on their commitments.