1% for the Planet: Give Back to Blue

Most of us see 1% as a tiny number. Getting a 1% on a test would be devastating, and no one would be particularly excited about a coupon for 1% off. But, about a decade ago, two businessmen and passionate environmentalists started a business and showed us that when 1% is over $100 million, it’s not so inconsequential. 

What is it?  

Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies, decided that it was time to redefine 1%. Their business plan is essentially very simple; every business in partnership with 1% for the Planet donates 1% of their annual sales to nonprofits. The business has since grown to include more than 1,200 businesses around the world (over 30 of which are based right here in Massachusetts!), and 3,300 non profits!

Why should I care?

Chouinard and Mathews believe that the path to wellness starts with the environment. How can we expect to be healthy when our planet is being poisoned? With over 3,300 nonprofits receiving donations directly from the partner companies, causes range from sustainable energy to cleaning up our oceans, and everywhere in between. Collectively, over $100 million dollars has already gone back to making our planet healthy. 

How can I help? 

The best part about 1% for the Planet is that you don’t have to go out of your way to help, all you have to do is shop (which, let’s be honest, we all already do). When you purchase something from one of the partnered businesses, you can feel good about it because 1% of that purchase and every purchase will go towards bettering our planet. Just look for the 1% for the Planet logo when you shop in stores and online, like the one that you see on items from Klean Kanteen, Clif Bars, or Patagonia, just to name a few. You can find a complete list of businesses, nonprofits, and media partners here. 

You can also read their blog, like them on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or Vine to for news and updates on all of the goodness being done with the money. And, of course, donations are always welcome and appreciated. 

Together we can do a whole lot more for our big blue planet than we can alone, so look for the logo and give back to blue! 

• environment
• nonprofit