Origin

Ever wonder how 1% for the Planet began?

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.

“The intent of 1% for the Planet is to help fund these diverse environmental organizations so that collectively they can be a more powerful source in solving the world’s problems.”

— YVON CHOUINARD IN HIS BOOK “LET MY PEOPLE GO SURFING”

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, 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%.

Mauro Mazzo, Craig Mathews and Yvon Chouinard

Jack Johnson

We connect our members with high-impact nonprofit partners that align with their values and add to their brand story. In doing so, we take the time to get to know what’s really important to our members. Through our partnership advising process, we learned that member, Klean Kanteen cares deeply about a myriad causes, which include connecting young people to the wonder and science of our world through environmental education. Beginning in 2008, Klean Kanteen's support of NatureBridge is one of our longest-standing partnerships.

Today, we have more than 5,000 members coming together to protect the future of our planet.

MISSION

We accelerate smart environmental giving

VISION

All together for our planet

Since our beginning, we've certified more than $250 million in support to approved environmental nonprofits.

Our plan for the future? More. Much more.

Watch “A Growing Global Movement” featuring our founders, Yvon and Craig:

Watch our founder, Yvon speak about “1% for the Planet”:

Watch “About Us” to learn more about our growing global movement:

Are you with us?

We thought so. Our model is simple, effective—and most importantly—accessible, ensuring that anyone can give back.

How do we do it?

We pair businesses and individuals with our approved environmental nonprofits, creating high-impact partnerships that amplify the impact of our members’ giving.

Looking to get to know the 1% for the Planet community?

See our model in action and read more about our incredible network of members, nonprofit partners and our team, too.

Already know what we’re about?

Learn more about the many ways you can get involved with 1% for the Planet—join, donate, spread the word, meet up with us at an event, or shop for our planet!