1% for the Planet

extra when they’re able to, but as an integrated part of running a good business.” Once a business or an individual joins 1% for the Planet, they become a member. During their first year, they give 1% of sales, if it’s a business, or 1% of their salary, if it’s an individual, to the approved environmental non-profit of their choice. All of the giving from members is certified. Williams adds, “At the end of the first fiscal year, we have a certification process. We receive materials from them verifying the year’s revenues and verifying the donations totaling one percent. That’s all entered in our database to complete certification.” Each non-profit that 1% for the Planet works with is approved based on a strict set of eligibility guidelines to make sure they are environmentally focused and in good standing. Spreading awareness of the movement and the environmental causes it supports is essential. In order to drive impact, everything needs to resonate with both the members and the non- profits. “We are at a point now where we have most of our business growing organically,” Williams states. “There are hundreds of inquiries every week, which keeps us busy. We also get referrals and introductions from other members.” She credits this “self-generating network” in part to the movement’s effective use of storytelling. Since all members must be go through the certification process every year, only certified members are allowed to have the 1% for the Planet logo on their materials. “How each member enacts that logo is very customized,” says Williams. “Every company has their own giving story, and we help them tell it. The scope of stories is really amazing; from companies supporting females to businesses doing beach cleanups in California.” These stories are shared as a “Planet Post” on the official website in the blog section. Each of these “blog stories” are meant to highlight the many unique and innovative ways the movement’s network comes together to support the planet.