Putting Our Money Where Our Mouth Is — 1% for the Planet

There’s something new on our website today. Take a look at the top-right part of our page. See that rich, dark-blue square? It’s not an ad, it’s a declaration. Wherever you see the 1% for the Planet Member logo, you know that 1% of that business’s annual sales will be donated to an environmental nonprofit. At Blue Planet Green Energy (DBA, Blue Planet Green Living), we do more than just talk about sustaining the earth. We actively work for it. That’s why we’ve joined 1% for the Planet, too.

In 2001, Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies, decided it was time for businesses to pitch in and do their part. In 2002, they launched 1% for the Planet. The organization has been growing strong ever since.

“Corporate philanthropy in America averages somewhere around one-tenth of 1% of sales. It represents only 4% of total charitable giving,” according to a fact sheet provided by 1% for the Planet. “While Americans gave a record $306 billion to charity in 2007, the environment received significantly lower funding than any other sector—less than 2% of the total. Some estimate that there are more than 1,000,000 public charities around the world focused on issues of sustainability.”*

On February 11, 2009, the 1% for the Planet team celebrated its 1,000th business member, including hundreds of companies from other nations.

Now we’ve joined too, because we believe that being an environmentally responsible business — and consumers — is “Earth Wise. Money Smart.” As so many of the stories we feature illustrate, it’s not only possible to make a living by making the planet a better place — it’s critically important for our sustainability. Without a healthy planet to live on, little else matters.

When we signed our contract for 2009, we pledged to give 1% of our sales to one or more environmental groups approved by the 1% for the Planet team. We haven’t yet picked where our own contribution will go, but we’re looking forward to figuring it out. We have 1,500 nonprofits to choose from. We’re confident that our money will be used to do real good. The 1% for the Planet team has carefully researched each nonprofit member to make sure they’re both credible and aligned with critically important environmental criteria.

If you believe as we do, that this amazing blue ball we live on is worth taking care of, then support the businesses that share your values. Look for the 1% for the Planet logo when you shop or donate. It’s a choice you can feel good about.

Oh, by the way. Even though we’re official, as of this writing, our name isn’t yet on the 1% for the Planet website. (We couldn’t wait to tell you!) Watch for it soon.

* Giving USA Foundation 1/23/08

Julia Wasson

Blue Planet Green Living (Home Page)