At 1% for the Planet, a Little Helps a Lot

Over a decade ago, Yvon Chouinard and Craig Matthews realized that although they ran different businesses (Chouinard founded outdoor clothing company Patagonia, while Matthews owns fly fishing equipment company Blue Ribbon Flies), they shared a common passion for the planet and protecting its natural resources. So in 2001, the two came up with a plan to encourage more businesses to donate 1 percent of sales to environmental charities, based on their own business models.

The following year, their non-profit 1% for the Planet was officially launched at the Patagonia store in San Francisco, California. A total of 21 businesses, including a winery and guide service, joined the alliance on that day. In 2004, folk rock singer-songwriter Jack Johnson became the 50th member in conjunction with his music and film companies. Johnson subsequently released his album In Between Dreams, with 1% for the Planet's logo on the back of the CD jacket. In addition, Chouinard's book, Let My People Go Surfing, which ends with the story of the organization, was published. The publicity from these two projects helped boost membership, which reached more than 200 by the end of 2005.

Despite an unstable financial market, 1% for the Planet saw a larger number of sign-ups in 2008 than in any other year. Today, the network consists of nearly 1,500 member businesses in 38 countries. Since its inception, 1% for the Planet has initiated more than $50 million in charitable giving to over 2,900 environmental organizations around the world.

In 2010, 1% for the Planet released its digital music album, 1% for the Planet, The Music, Vol. 1. The record, which includes exclusive and rare songs by 40 artists, reached the top spot on Amazon's MP3 chart and became one of the top 40 overall albums on iTunes. All proceeds from the album go to 1% for the Planet's efforts in creating a healthier planet.