1% for the Planet

It all started with a fishing trip.

1% for the Planet originated along the banks of the Madison River when two longtime friends and successful businessmen went for a fishing trip in 2001.

Realizing businesses are responsible for their environmental impact, they pledged to donate 1% of their annual sales—not profits—to environmental organizations.

In 2002, Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, created 1% for the Planet and started a global movement.

Soon after, 1% for the Planet’s mission began to resonate.

The idea was simple: because companies profit from the resources they take from the earth, they should protect those resources. Today, 1% for the Planet can be found around the globe.

To date, 1% for the Planet has certified over $823 million in donations to environmental causes. This number grows exponentially as our network grows each year—proving the power of collective action.