1% For The Planet

When you see the 1% For The Planet logo on a product or a company’s branding, you’re looking at a simple but powerful promise. Businesses displaying this certification donate 1% of their annual sales (not profits) to environmental nonprofits. It’s a commitment to creating real, measurable change—not just empty greenwashing.

Founded in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard (founder of Patagonia) and Craig Mathews, 1% For The Planet has grown into a global movement. Its members include over 7,265 businesses across 62 countries, collectively donating over $585 million to environmental causes. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about taking responsibility and giving back to the communities and natural resources that sustain us.

Want to verify a company’s commitment? Check 1% For The Planet’s official business directory at onepercentfortheplanet.org.

A Brief History

The certification was born out of a very direct question companies were asking themselves in the early 2000s. How can businesses, no matter their size or profits, reliably give back on a large scale? Yvon Chouinard and Craig Mathews believed the answer was simple—donations based on gross sales rather than profits. This model ensures consistent contributions, even in less profitable years. Patagonia itself became the first member, pioneering the concept and encouraging others to build lasting accountability.

Today, companies like Maine Beer Company, Spindrift sparkling water, and King Arthur Flour proudly carry the certification, showing the world what businesses can achieve by putting purpose before profit.

How 1% For The Planet Works

The Commitment

Companies commit to donating 1% of their annual gross revenue to vetted environmental nonprofits—end of story. Unlike many “percentage of profits” programs, this model removes ambiguity while ensuring meaningful contributions no matter how profitable (or not) the year has been. This straightforward structure applies to multiple membership levels, which include:

Full Company Membership

Covers the entire business, allowing logo use across all products and branding.
Brand-Level Membership

Ideal for businesses under larger corporations, focused on donations tied to a specific brand.
Product-Line Membership

Targets specific products rather than an entire brand. This level requires the product line to generate at least $2.5 million annually.

When it comes to donations, at least 50% must be monetary. The remaining portion can include in-kind contributions, pro bono services, or volunteer work—a pragmatic option for smaller brands.

The Nonprofits

All donations go to pre-vetted nonprofits focused on key impact areas, ensuring high-quality environmental outcomes. Here’s a look into the four priority areas:

Conservation & Restoration

From protecting forests to cleaning rivers, donations here support hands-on environmental restoration efforts.
Rights to Nature

Ensures communities everywhere have access to clean air, water, and green spaces.
Resilient Communities

Focuses on environmental solutions that improve public health, energy access, and livelihoods.
Just Economies

Promotes equitable access to resources while addressing climate justice concerns.

Environmental partners are carefully vetted by 1% For The Planet for transparency and impact, ensuring your dollar goes further.

Transparent Verification

Each year, members submit revenue reports, donation receipts, and documentation to prove compliance. Revenue is verified through tax returns or profit and loss statements, while donations are matched against nonprofits' records for accuracy. This ensures every company displaying the certification is truly walking the walk.

Why Consumers and Brands Love It

For Consumers

Certain labels make you look twice, but others, like 1% For The Planet, make you feel confident in your purchase. Here’s why:

Clear, Tangible Impact

Every dollar donated supports verifiable initiatives, whether it’s replanting forests, funding clean water projects, or protecting endangered species.
No Greenwashing Allowed

With annual donation verification eliminating vague claims from the equation, you can trust the logo truly represents ethical action.
Accessible to All Businesses

No matter the size of the company or its products, the model ensures every member gives back transparently. Combining certifications (think B Corp or Fair Trade) creates an even stronger ethical profile.

For Companies

The 1% For The Planet logo isn’t just a certification—it’s a badge of honor for businesses that align their values with global priorities. Here’s why companies are all in:

Boosted Brand Credibility

For Millennials and Gen Zs, who often distrust conventional marketing, this certification offers clarity on corporate values.
Global Recognition

With one-third of all consumers recognizing the logo, it opens doors to more engaged customers.
Backed by Impact Stories

Members frequently share success stories from their donations, from trees planted to wildlife habitats protected.
Flexibility for Growth

Whether full-company coverage or just one product line, the certification offers options that grow with the business.

Fun Facts About 1% For The Planet

More Than Just Donations: Every year, thousands of hours of volunteer work are tallied into the 1%, valuing time as much as monetary contributions.
Simple Start, Big Vision: Patagonia’s $1 million annual donation inspired hundreds of companies to follow in their footsteps, creating a ripple effect for global change.
On Track For $1 Billion: By 2028, 1% For The Planet anticipates reaching $1 billion in certified member donations!

How to Spot Genuine 1% For The Planet Claims

Quick Logo Check

The 1% For The Planet logo features a bold, circular design with the number “1%” front and center. Each legitimate member will have strict guidelines on logo appearance—any alterations or distortions are red flags.

Online Verification

Consumers can verify a company’s status through the searchable member directory at directories.onepercentfortheplanet.org. Search by business name or industry to confirm membership and commitment.

What to Avoid

Misuse of the Logo: Examples include logos applied to non-eligible products or falsely claiming certification without consent.
Vague Donation References: Phrases like “we support sustainability” or “a portion of profits go to green initiatives” should be cross-checked against official records.

Report suspicious activity by contacting inquiries@onepercentfortheplanet.org for verification or action.

Your PantryPal Takeaway

1% For The Planet certification is more than just a number—it’s a movement proving that businesses can thrive while giving back. Whether you’re supporting a favorite brand or considering certification for your own company, this commitment reminds us all of our shared responsibility to the environment.

At PantryPal, we love sharing stories of brands that go above and beyond for the planet. With 1% For The Planet certification, you not only shop guilt-free but also take pride in knowing your spending supports a better world.

It’s not about doing everything perfectly—it’s about doing what you can, consistently, one percent at a time. Now, what’s your 1% going to look like?

About This Certification