The History of 1% For The Planet

Mission:
1% for the Planet exists to build and support an alliance of businesses financially committed to creating a healthy planet.

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. In November 2001, 1% For The Planet held an official launch event at the Patagonia, Inc. store in San Francisco, California, during which 21 businesses signed up as members. These included a wide array of companies such as a winery, coffee company, and 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. Today 1% FTP is a worldwide global movement of 1,097 companies that donate to a network of 1,717 environmental organizations worldwide. We hope this groundswell of action continues and results in a redefined way of doing business.