1% for the Planet Adds Up 20 Years of Environmental Support

March 15, 2022

The nonprofit invites everyone to join its mission and 20th birthday party

BURLINGTON, Vt. /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – After 20 years of inspiring individuals and businesses to donate hundreds of millions of dollars to nonprofit environmental partners, 1% for the Planet is kicking off its milestone anniversary with the Global Summit 2022: Los Angeles event. 1% for the Planet was founded in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, to ensure that our planet and future generations thrive.

“Yvon Chouinard and I have known each other for over 30 years,” said Mathews. “One day while fishing, we reflected on the fact that our businesses were each giving back to conservation and environmental causes, and our businesses were growing stronger by doing so. We wanted to cast the net wider and invite other businesses to do the same, and to make it a shared, credible commitment. That was the beginning of 1%.”

Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet, added, “Craig and Yvon knew what we know now: We all have a 1%. That may be funds, time or energy, but when everyone thinks about how they can give their 1% every day, we are the most unstoppable force.”

1% for the Planet’s global network consists of more than 5,000 businesses from 60 countries and 1,000 individual members from 50 countries, and more than 5,000 approved environmental nonprofits from 90 countries—all working toward a better future.

Business members give at least 1% of their annual revenues through a combination of monetary, in-kind and promotional expenses to approved nonprofits. Individual members give at least 1% of their annual salary through monetary and/or volunteer support. 1% for the Planet forges powerful partnerships as it brings together individuals, businesses and nonprofits around the world to address today’s pressing issues.

Larry Witt, president of OXO, noted the company’s 1% for the Planet membership helps to facilitate meaningful relationships with a thoughtfully curated group of nonprofit partners. “We acknowledge the fragile state of our planet, and the impact individuals and companies have on the earth,” said Witt. “OXO’s brand philosophy of making every day better drives us to challenge status quo and to identify better approaches to all we do and why we’re striving to be better environmental stewards. Our work with 1% for the Planet and our inspiring nonprofit partners is an important step in our journey to reflect on our current impact, and to enact change within our own business to be more environmentally responsible. We’re proud to be the leading housewares brand and largest corporate donor to 1% for the Planet.”

Brand recognition of 1% for the Planet is growing every day, drawing in new members and educating the public. In 2021 alone, the organization welcomed more than 2,500 new business and individual members, and drove more than $50 million in annual donations from members directly to nonprofit partners.

As 1% for the Planet moves into 2022, the organization is scaling its impact by engaging larger members and launching the 1% for the Planet Impact Fund at National Philanthropic Trust.

In 2022, 1% for the Planet is bringing its network together—both in-person and virtually—to celebrate its 20th anniversary and strengthen its commitment to the work ahead. Global Summit 2022: Los Angeles is a three-day conference to inspire environmental action, innovation and connection. Industry leaders, environmental experts and the next generation will gather to answer one not-so-simple question: What’s next? Registration is open to certified 1% for the Planet business and individual members; the conference is being held at The Garland in North Hollywood from March 15 to March 17, 2022.

Marlow Baines, 19, the youth director for Earth Guardians, is one of the speakers slated to appear at the Global Summit. “We must move out of competition and into collaboration,” she said. “Everyone, regardless of age, background or experience, has something to bring to the table.”

She added, “Addressing the climate crisis requires every ONE of us to do our part. I fear seeing the places we love in the world destroyed. I was moved off the sidelines and into action when I realized the power of what we can accomplish when we work together. If we’re all thinking, ‘What can I do to make this a more equitable and regenerative world?’ then it begins with us.”

About 1% for the Planet

1% for the Planet is a global organization that exists to ensure our planet and future generations thrive. We inspire businesses and individuals to support environmental nonprofits through membership and everyday actions. We make environmental giving easy and effective through partnership advising, impact storytelling and third-party certification.

Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, 1% for the Planet’s business and individual members have given hundreds of millions of dollars to our approved nonprofit partners to date. Today, 1% for the Planet’s global network consists of thousands of businesses, individuals and environmental nonprofits working toward a better future for all.

Look for our logo to purchase for the planet; learn more and join at onepercentfortheplanet.org.