From March 1st 2020, we have given 1% of every sale to the planet. Not just a one-off 1% donation, but 1% of everything we ever sell. For life. 

Every business takes more from the planet than it gives back. But we are trying harder to give back and we'll be putting our money where our mouth is.

We are working with 1% for the Planet on our Giving Strategy. Honestly, a strategy meeting has never been so exciting. They will keep us accountable for all our donations going forward. Making sure we keep donating 1% of our sales in good years and the bad. 

 

 

So what exactly is 1% for the Planet?

The idea is simple: because companies profit from the resources they take from the earth, they should protect those resources.

It all started when two businessmen met and bonded over their shared love for the outdoors. Realising their responsibility to protect our planet, they decided to give 1% of their sales back to the environment—whether or not they were profitable.

Those two businessmen were Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies. Together, in 2002, they created 1% for the Planet and started a global movement. 

“The intent of 1% for the Planet is to help fund diverse environmental organisations so that collectively they can be more powerful in solving the world’s problems.” - Yvon Chouinard.

 

 

Our Intentions Are Set.

We are one of the 2,000+ members, in over 45 countries, coming together to protect the future of our planet.

So far, 1% For The Planet businesses have donated over $225 million to their approved environmental nonprofits.

It's a small commitment. Easy to do, but easy not to do too. That simple decision to give 1% adds up. Saving the planet is no easy task. And it can’t be done by a single person or business. So you have to start small and you have to do it together. We think 1% is a good place to start. 

 

What's your giving strategy? 

Have you really ever been asked, or sat down to think about it?

We all talk about our business, marketing, sales, product, sustainability and growth strategies, aka our ‘getting strategies’, daily. But we rarely think about our strategy on how we plan give back. And it’s probably the work that will bring you the most joy. 
 
If you do have a giving strategy, great job. You’re probably in the 1% of people or businesses that do.

But to be honest, until recently we didn’t think much about it either. We were too busy setting up our foundations.

Thanks to your support we are nearly one year in, and we can start thinking about how we can help to look after our planet. We’re not going to change the world. But hopefully by partnering with other organisations we can help leave it better off. It feels natural to give back.

After all we have always lived by and supported The Do Lectures mantra of 'Givers Get Lucky'.

If you can, give.

Give without expecting anything in return.

Give because you want to help create change.

Give to a cause you care about.

Give to support a problem that is bigger than you. 

Give to the organisations and individuals that give their lives to protecting the planet.

Hopefully, your next meeting could be a Giving Strategy meeting too?  

Some good reading material on the subject of giving: The Responsible Company or Give and Take.