1% for the Planet | How South Africans Can Get Involved

What is 1% For the Planet?

1% for the Planet is an international organisation that connects businesses and individuals with environmental non-profits. The concept is simple: businesses and individuals pledge to donate 1% of their sales or income to environmental causes.

South Africa is home to some of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems, and our country's future depends on the health of these ecosystems. We need to do everything we can to protect them. 1% for the Planet provides an easy way for businesses and individuals to support environmental causes – all you have to do is pledge 1% of your sales or support businesses that do.

There are over 5,300 businesses worldwide who have made the 1% for the Planet pledge. In South Africa, we have a growing community of businesses and individuals who are committed to supporting the environment.

If you want to find out more about this amazing initiative, keep reading.

Where Did It All Began?

1% for the Planet was founded in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, the owner of Blue Ribbon Flies. They were motivated by a shared belief that businesses have a responsibility to give back to the environment.

Today, 1% for the Planet is a global movement in more than 60 countries [Updated 2023].

All 1% for the Planet members have made a commitment to donate 1% of their revenue to environmental causes. This simple concept has had a big impact – to date, 1% for the Planet members have donated over $435 million to environmental non-profits around the world. That's almost 8 billion rand!

In recent years, there has been growing awareness in South Africa of the need to address environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. This has led to increased support for environmental causes, including through initiatives such as 1% for the Planet. 

How Can You Get Involved?

There are two ways to get involved with 1% for the Planet: as a business or as an individual.

If you run a business, you can pledge to donate 1% of your revenue to an environmental non-profit. This is a great way to show your customers that you care about the environment and are committed to making a difference.

If you're an individual, you can support 1% for the Planet by buying products and services from businesses that have made the pledge. When you buy from a 1% for the Planet business, you know that 1% of the revenue generated will be donated to an environmental non-profit.

How Does The 1% Movement Help The Environment?

1% for the Planet businesses and individuals support environmental causes around the world. The

 money they donate goes towards funding important projects like: 

• Conservation efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats
• Research to find solutions to environmental problems
• Education programmes to raise awareness about environmental issues

The 1% for the Planet movement is making a difference – one percent at a time.

Which South African Causes Are Benefiting From The 1% For The Planet Initiative?

South Africa has a diverse and vibrant environmental sector, with many individuals and organizations working to protect the country's unique natural heritage. There are a number of well-established environmental NGOs in South Africa that work on a range of issues, from protecting endangered species and habitats to promoting sustainable development.

Some of the top environmental non-profits in South Africa that are supported by 1% for the Planet include:

Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation

The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation is a non-profit organization in South Africa that aims to inspire people to take action for the ocean and build connections between communities and the marine ecosystem. 

Founded in 2019, the foundation carries on the legacy of the Two Oceans Aquarium by providing marine science education, conservation, and research efforts to the public. As a beneficiary of 1% for the Planet, the foundation aims to expand its public benefit activities and increase its positive social and environmental impact.

Indlovu Aerial Trust

Africa's biodiversity and the rural communities that coexist with them face significant challenges due to unsustainable harvesting practices. This issue demands a multi-faceted approach to conserve Africa's natural heritage for future generations and that's where Indlovu Aerial Trust comes in- helping nature and communities co-exist and thrive!

Sentinel Ocean Alliance

Sentinel Ocean Alliance is a non-profit organization that empowers the youth of previously disadvantaged coastal communities in South Africa by offering them a secure platform to develop amazing youth development programmes and environmental initiatives. Their goal is to support and enable responsible future leaders to become ocean activists. Who doesn't want to support that!

FreeMe Wildlife

As the human population grows and cities expand, our furry and feathered friends are losing their homes and getting hurt more than ever. Sadly, South Africa is no exception. But, FreeMe Wildlife is doing something about it! They take in injured or orphaned animals, nurse them back to health, and then set them free in safe areas with less human activity. We love that they're committed to protecting biodiversity and working with conservation groups. Here's to hoping more organizations follow their lead!

I AM WATER Foundation

The I AM WATER foundation offers educational programs for young people to promote ocean consciousness and responsibility. Through safe and structured exposure to the ocean at the right age, participants can develop a positive connection to the ocean and inspire long-lasting behavior change.

OceanHub Africa

This non-profit is all about making a positive impact on our oceans! They help innovative start-ups develop sustainable solutions to ocean-related problems, promoting both environmental awareness and economic growth. By supporting these ocean-impact ventures, they hope to mitigate issues like overexploitation, pollution, and the effects of global warming on our precious marine ecosystems.

Endangered Wildlife Trust

The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is a conservation organization that has been dedicated to protecting wildlife and their habitats since 1973. Their ultimate goal is to create a world where humans and wildlife can coexist in harmony with nature.

Baobab Foundation

The Baobab Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting communities in areas where baobab fruit is harvested. They buy fruit directly from rural harvesters, fund pre-school education, grow baobab trees, conduct research, and engage with the community. They're doing great work to make a positive impact in the world.

Protect The West Coast

A group of passionate individuals created this organization out of love for the West Coast (aka die Weskus in Afrikaans) and their concern for its ecological sensitivity threatened by the mining industry.

If you're interested in supporting a specific cause, you can search for environmental non-profits on the 1% for the Planet website.

Ready to Start Backing Nature? Support 1% For The Planet

There is no doubt that the 1% for the Planet initiative is making a difference around the world. By pledging to donate 1% of your revenue or by supporting companies that do, you can help support important conservation efforts and make a difference in the fight against climate change, poaching, and other environmental threats that mean as much to you as it should to the companies you support.