Earth Month is a time to appreciate our planet and acknowledge our impact on the environment. According to 1% for the Planet environmental partner Earth Day Network, 1 billion people across the globe celebrate Earth Day, making April 22 “the largest secular civic event in the world.”
That said, at 1% for the Planet, we believe Earth Day is a reminder, not a plan. It’s a prompt to turn awareness into year-round action—because that’s what it will take to create lasting change.
But where to begin? The climate crisis is complicated, and it can be hard to know where to start. That’s where 1% for the Planet comes in. Our four impact areas were made to simplify the intersection of environmental awareness and justice. Working between conservation and restoration, rights to nature, just economies and resilient communities, our environmental partners tackle our planet’s most pressing issues—this Earth Month and beyond.
The Four Impact Areas
Rights to Nature
Policy and community engagement are fundamental to advancing the rights to nature. When we support initiatives that secure land, water and outdoor access for marginalized individuals, we create equitable societies. Our environmental partners who work within the Rights to Nature impact area are continuously focusing on land stewardship and protecting heritage sites that empower and strengthen communities.
So, how has this played out within our network? In 2024, TomorrowToday Consulting solidified its partnership with the Kariega Foundation Trust—an environmental organization based between two biodiversity hotspots in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Kariega Foundation Trust works to protect the region’s rare plants and indigenous vegetation. Through its 1% for the Planet commitment, TomorrowToday Global supports the foundation’s youth development program, which empowers young men to take part in conservation efforts by removing invasive species and restoring native ecosystems.
Just Economies
Like all of our impact areas, the Just Economies category is multifaceted. Sustainable livelihoods are one of the pillars of this impact area—and our environmental partners support this through resilient agriculture, responsible consumption and decarbonization.
Slow Food USA and Davines, a long-standing partnership through 1% for the Planet, create just economies in Italy and the United States. Davines supports Italian farmers and their local economy by incorporating ingredients from an Italian Slow Food community farm.
Conservation and Restoration
The Conservation and Restoration impact area centers around biodiversity protection. When environmental partners support responsible management practices, marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems are preserved and protected—exemplifying the symbiotic nature of the environment.
Moors for the Future and Coldhouse Collective work together to educate the local Irish community on the importance of its carbon storage—conserving and restoring the Peak District National Park uplands.
Resilient Communities
Environmental partners in the Resilient Communities impact area work to advocate for equality and education in communities that are disproportionately affected by climate change. How do they achieve this? By promoting sustainable cities, pollution awareness and adaptive disaster programs.
In 2022, Aegean Rebreath and APIVITA held a beach cleanup across five Greek islands: Kea, Mykonos, Alonnisos, Milos and Heraklion of Crete. Together, the two organizations collected 1.7 tons of ghost nets, 213 tires and mass amounts of general waste in support of their 1% for the Planet partnership.
Make your plan for the planet
As we celebrate Earth Month, it’s essential to recognize the collective power we have to make a difference. Whether through individual actions or big commitments, each step counts. 1% for the Planet is proud to support a network of more than 12,000 members and organizations that are driving real change within the framework of all four impact areas. Businesses not already participating can lock in their plan by joining 1% for the Planet and individuals can drive year-round impact by becoming a monthly donor.
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