1% for the Planet was created in 2002 in the United States by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, former owner of Blue Ribbon Flies. It is a non-profit organisation uniting business and environmental associations. The goal is to effectively raise funds to benefit nature by connecting sponsors with associations planning projects. The mission: show that businesses can be successful and philanthropic.
In 2021, 1% for the Planet has 3,500 member companies in nearly 64 countries, of which 700 in France. Since the creation of the collective, over $265 million has been raised for environmental associations.
Companies undertake to pay 1% of their turnover to their selection from the associations approved by the collective. They can choose to pay 1% of their overall turnover or the turnover of a brand or range. The goal is to help companies that want to make a difference but don’t know where to start. Some businesses don’t have spare time or lack knowledge about environmental protection.
“The environmental cause receives little support from philanthropic funds, with only 3%. 1% for the Planet’s mission is to increase this amount and generate more impact by facilitating and accelerating financial flows.” (Isabelle Susini, Director of 1% for the Planet France).
For 2021, Ekibio has entered three brands in the collective, Ecodoo, Douce Nature and Bisson. This year they are contributing to the collective via five ranges (Choco Bisson, Vite un Dessert, Cœurs Gourmands, gingerbread and honey). The goal for 2022 is to fully join the collective by the beginning of the year.
Between 2015 and 2019, Ekibio paid more than €240,000 to 13 associations via 1% for the Planet. And these numbers are growing steadily, thanks to the company’s growing commitment.
ECODOO AND THE PROTECTION OF WATER RESOURCES AND AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
In line with our ecological household product range, in 2015 Ecodoo decided to commit to the protection of water resources and aquatic environments. The main partner : Mountain Wilderness is “open to all mountain lovers and supports the preservation of mountain areas with respect for mankind and nature”. The association is committed to preserving natural balance, challenging unreasonable human practices, offering green mountain approaches, and supporting a diverse mountain economy.
Ecodoo has also partnered with other associations such as Agri Bio Ardèche, to promote and develop organic and biodynamic agriculture since 1992. The association is conducting a project to help farmers to adapt to decreasing water resources. Ecodoo has also supported l’Hirondelles aux Champs to create a pond, and Drôme ETC which organises the festival Les yeux dans l’eau (eyes in the water).
EMPLOYEE VOTES
Every year, Ekibio employees are invited to vote for a project. In 2018, the Refuse Plastic project on Sulawesi Island in Indonesia was elected. The project, run by the Grenoble environmental association Naturevolution, aims to help implement sustainable waste management in villages in the south-east of the island with a collection, treatment and recycling system. Indonesia is currently the second largest global contributor of plastic waste thrown into the ocean. It’s time to go to the heart of the problem!
Elected in 2019, Zero Waste France developed actions against plastic with a project to eliminate disposable packaging in the catering industry.
DOUCE NATURE AND IMPROVING LIVING CONDITIONS IN UNDERPRIVILEGED COUNTRIES
The first association supported by Douce Nature was Kynarou. Established in 2004, Kynarou is a recognised “general interest” association for development promoting access to safe drinking water, sanitisation and hygiene for underprivileged populations. The association supports the PAAGA project which aims to improve living conditions for women in the village of Kombissiri in Burkina Faso. After establishing a shea butter factory where women can supplement their household income, the association provided access to water and bathrooms in their workplace. Kynarou also plans to help these women learn about growing fruit and vegetables with the creation of an organic garden.
BISSON AND PROTECTING BIODIVERSITY, ESPECIALLY POLLINATING INSECTS
Since January 2021, Bisson has committed 1% of the turnover from sales of Choco Bisson, Vite un Dessert, Cœurs Gourmand, gingerbread and honey for the protection of biodiversity. The association Générations Futures is the main partner: Founded in 1996, the association conducts surveys, conferences, legal action and awareness campaigns to inform about the risks of environmental pollution, particularly pesticides and endocrine disrupters. The association also promotes alternatives to these products for agricultural and daily use.
Learn more about Ekibio’s philanthropic activities and the Ekibio foundation.
