Giving Back
Due to April being Earth Month, we’d like to bring your attention for a moment to these two huge organizations that give back to the Earth we all take for granted.
Typically, the first thing we think of when we talk about massive brands is how they don’t really care about their surroundings or how their brand has an environmental footprint. The massive efforts made from companies we speak about below prove that they are not the norm.
1% for the Planet
1% For The Planet is a global network of businesses, individuals and nonprofit organizations tackling our planet's environmental issues.
“Putting people and the planet over profit.”
— 1%FTP
That quote perfectly summarizes their mission, only they don’t just talk the talk - they walk the walk. The money they raise goes towards fighting climate change, land management, fighting pollution, sustainable food systems, preserving clean water, and preserving wildlife.
How 1% For the Planet raises money
Currently, in the United States, only 3% of total philanthropy goes to environmental causes. This is mind-boggling since the environment affects everyone, no matter your location, gender or wealth. Anyone can become a member of 1% For the Planet as an individual or as a business.
Becoming a member as an individual means you are committing to donating 1% of your annual income to 1% For The Planet plus committing so many hours to volunteer for a cause in your area. 1% for the planet has a “1%” calculator to show people how much 1% of your income actually is. The calculator will also suggest how many hours you should spend volunteering. Example, if your annual income is 53,500, you’re committing to donating $268 and volunteering 9 hours of your time for the year. It’s an all-in-one way that members can fulfil their commitment by giving to a balanced portfolio of six nonprofits: Support and Feed, WECF international, Karrkad Kanjdji Trust, Drip By Drip, Arbio Peru and 501C Three.
Becoming a member as a business, you are asked to make a promise to donate 1%. 1% of annual sales, 1% of brand sales or 1% of product line sales. Become a member as a business and join amazing brands like Patagonia, Kleen Kantine, EnviroKidz (A Nature’s Path brand) and Honest Tea to name a few. This is all to help offset your carbon footprint of doing business.
1% For the Planet makes it easy for individuals and businesses to donate to causes that need attention. Their donation money is being used for good, for the future, for the planet.
TOMS
When we think of TOMS, comfortable, colourful canvas shoes come to mind. But TOMS is so much more than that! They are a powerhouse of environmental accountability and sustainable innovation. Did you know that they have taken the power of working with purpose very seriously? Focusing on multiple issues within three categories: Purpose, Planet and People.
TOMS Purpose
Everyone should have the same mentality as TOMS. They believe in their employee's passions, their causes and lifting them up. They donate one-third of their profits to grassroots organizations.
“These efforts are highly effective because they’re led by community leaders with passion, creativity, and insights that are rooted in a shared experience. What they too often lack is access to the financial resources that can help make their solutions scalable and sustainable.”
— TOMS
They believe that change begins at the ground level. Every grassroots organization is different. TOMS lend their support to solutions that were designed to meet a community’s unique needs. Can you imagine what the world would be like if every organization thought like TOMS?
TOMS Planet
TOMS believes that we don’t have to destroy the plant for comfortable footwear. There is no “plan B planet” so TOMS has identified six key commitments to help keep their carbon footprint small:
They use Earthwise™ materials. This means, at least one of its main components must contain sustainable materials and at a minimum percentage. (Example 50% Eco Fiber or 100% organic cotton). This would be so easy for all shoe companies to implement - TOMS is leading the way to fashionable, sustainable footwear.
They have scored 121.5 on the B Corp impact score (average businesses only score about 50.9). Their previous score was only 96.3 in 2018, which is a ton of growth in such a short period of time. This proves they are serious about making a change and FAST.
They set a goal to expand their use of sustainable cotton. By 2025, they aim to only use 100% sustainable cotton.
It doesn’t end with their shoes or sunglasses. They implemented greener packaging. Just because they have “green” packaging, doesn’t mean cheap or flimsy. Their shoe boxes look and feel just like any other shoe box, except they are so much better. Their packaging features at least 80% recycled materials and sources 100% of their packaging from sustainably managed forests. This is another green implementation that every product-based business should implement.
They watch their footprints… They aim to measure their carbon footprint and establish reduction targets by 2025. They have serious ambitions for a greener future.
They are transparent. Every year, they publish their environmental impact and future goals right on their website. No need to hunt for complicated articles. They include information like supply chains and factory lists. TOMS is proud of the impact they are making in the world, they want to inspire and show how it’s possible to make change for the greater good. They are do-gooders no question about it.
TOMS People
As we’ve mentioned before, TOMS believe in making a change from the ground up. That starts with their employees.
They have not been quiet about being an anti-racism company. Standing in solidarity with Black, Indigenous Peoples, People of Colour, and all marginalized people. To prove they are serious about change, they have engaged a DEIA consultant to provide Anti-Racism training to their leadership and staff. They created a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racist (DEIA) Advisory Council with the goal to help guide decision-making at TOMS. They have also hosted an “Anti-Racism Day of Learning” that was attended by all employees and they will continue this annually. Their business has no space for negative energy. They are an inclusive, team building, employee appreciating company that values the earth.
They believe in giving. Every other month, employees can apply for a $10,000 grant, which they can give to an organization they’re involved with. This helps keep the employees' passions strong and know that they are a part of something much bigger than themselves. They are providing purpose outside of TOMS walls.
#GivingTuesday Once a year, on Giving Tuesday (The Tuesday after cyber Monday), they dedicate a full workday to volunteering with their partners. This is to participate in activities that bring everyone closer to the work and to the communities they serve. This shows the employees (of all levels) how their work impacts their surroundings, only making them prouder of their workplace. How many other companies (of any size) implements this? One day makes the world of a difference.
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There we have it, folks, two amazing companies where you might not have known their amazing impact on our planet. With so much negativity in the world, it’s nice to see large brands like these looking out for the voiceless, the small groups, and the individuals who have a purpose.
We love how 1% For The Planet makes it so easy for individuals and businesses alike to offset their carbon footprint, and before writing this blog we didn’t realize the depth of goodness that TOMS provides for the planet, people and communities around the world.
Not only do we strive to emulate some level of this giving back, but we are here to help you make your business be seen and grow as you build your purpose. Are you looking for ways to implement purpose to your brand or take your business to the next level? Contact us for a consultation.
