Businesses donating 1% of their sales to the natural environment

1% For The Planet was launched by Yvon Chouinard, environmental activist and founder of outdoor clothing company Patagonia, Inc., and Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies in 2001. Chouinard and Mathews, both astute and visionary businessmen, had empirical experience with the great success environmental commitment had brought to their businesses. They wanted to unify other companies to help solve the environmental crisis and build successful companies at the same time.
Patagonia, Inc. has been contributing 10% of pre-tax profits or 1% of sales, whichever is greater, each year to environmental groups since 1985. Chouinard calls this an “earth tax,” recognizing that his company has a responsibility to conserve and protect the natural resources it utilizes to make and market its products. Since 1985, Patagonia, Inc. has provided over $19 million to environmental nonprofits worldwide. Chouinard wanted to expand this idea of “environmental tithing” throughout the private sector, and at the same time support the efforts of thousands of environmental activists around the world. Craig Mathews, who donates 2% of net sales to local environmental organizations near his store in Yellowstone, Montana, thinks the environmental commitment 1% FTP membership demonstrates has boosted his sales and the loyalty of his customers.
In November 2001, 1% For The Planet held an official launch event at the Patagonia, Inc. store in San Francisco, California, during which twenty-one businesses signed up as members. These included a wide array of companies such as a winery, a coffee company, and a guide service. As a result of word-of-mouth buzz, some terrific news articles, and the leadership role that 1% FTP business alliance members have taken in spreading the word, 1% FTP has been receiving a steady stream of inquiries from potential new business members as well as from environmental organizations seeking to join the growing ranks of approved 1% FTP nonprofit environmental organizations. We hope this groundswell of action continues and results in a redefined way of doing business!
Businesses donating 1% of their sales to the natural environment – 1% For the Planet