Yvon Chouinard is best known as the founder of Patagonia, a company is best known for its outdoor-inspired fleece and cold weather gear. But his passion lately is 1% for the Planet - an organization he and Craig Mathews, the owner of Blue Ribbon Flies, launched in 2002. As a kid, I used to live in my Patagonia fleece jackets which I loved so much so I was even more interested in finding out more about this organization years ago.
1% For The Planet exists to build and support an alliance of businesses financially committed to creating a healthy planet and asks companies to donate 1% of sales to environmental groups. Yvon called it an "Earth Tax." Craig referred to it 1% For The Planet and thus became the name.
A Small Idea With Big Results Is Giving 1% For The
Planet:
Not long ago, this mountain climber and fisherman realized they had
a lot more in common than a disdain for wearing a suit to work.
Yvon and Craig were also passionate environmentalists that happened
to be running successful businesses. More important, they
understood it was good business to protect the natural resources
that kept them in business.
In 2002, 1% FTP holds an official launch event at the Patagonia store in San Francisco, California. Twenty-one businesses, including a winery, a coffee company and a guide service signed up as members. A great start to what was to come.
Since inception, 1% For The Planet has become one of the largets funder of environmental work around. Membership consists of more than 1,000 businesses in 37 countries, together giving $12 million annually to almost 1,700 environmental groups worldwide. To date, the organization has raised over $42 million and growing.
So How Do Organizations Join 1% For
The Planet?
Simply e-mail info@onepercentfortheplanet.org or call 802-496-5408.
They will put a licensing agreement together for you to sign and
return with your membership dues. Upon receiving it, you’ll have
access to the 1%
FTP member logos for use on your web site, marketing materials
and products. Individuals can also encourage your employer to
become a member!
Watch Watch Yvon Chouinard's interview on NBC's
Nightly News!
In 2006, 1%
FTP went prime time on NBC Nightly
News featuring the organization in its Making a
Difference series.
Yvon Chouinard on NBC's Nightly News from coreindustries on Vimeo.
Check out Jack Johnson on the 1% For The Planet Promotional Video!
1% for the Planet promotional video - members mentioned from 1% for the Planet on Vimeo.
Photos: courtesy of Fortune and 1% for the Planet
