1% for the Planet Partners with Fairtrade America

WASHINGTON — 1% for the Planet is proud to welcome Fairtrade America as a nonprofit partner placing them among a diverse, global network of environmental organizations. 1% for the Planet is a global alliance of more than 1,200 member companies in 40 countries that contribute one percent of their revenues to environmental causes.

“We believe deeply that nonprofits, like Fairtrade America, play a critical role in solving the many challenges facing our planet,” said Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet. “Our core work is to grow the corporate support that enables these nonprofits to accomplish even more.”

With this partnership, Fairtrade America business partners are now eligible to count Fairtrade fees and donations toward their 1% commitment. Sales of products certified by Fairtrade America contribute to a healthier planet by building climate friendly, sustainable supply chains.

The internationally-agreed Fairtrade Standards require certified producers to commit to:

  • Sustainable soil and water management for long-term soil fertility and watershed health.
  • Pest management practices that minimize and ensure safe use of agrochemicals.
  • Waste management techniques that protect humans and the local environment.
  • Biodiversity protection through buffer zones to shield sensitive land and primary forest.
  • A prohibition on the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Beyond strong environmental standards, Fairtrade supports sustainable production that supports communities via the Fairtrade Premium, Minimum Price and trade terms that benefit all. An additional premium for organic production encourages Fairtrade producers to transition to more sustainable production.

Fairtrade certified farmers and workers frequently cite climate change as one of the greatest challenges that they face. Climate change leads to food insecurity and income loss due to unpredictable weather patterns, reduced soil fertility, an increase in pests and diseases, and more extreme weather events.

While small-scale farmers and workers in rural communities have contributed the least to climate change they feel the brunt of a changing climate. For Fairtrade producers, climate change is not a computer model or political controversy – it’s every-day life. Fairtrade farmers are increasingly investing their Fairtrade Premium funds in adaptation projects. In addition, Fairtrade private sector and NGO partners are funding various adaptation and mitigation projects to improve community resilience.

For more information on certifying your products as Fairtrade and extending your support to 1% for the Planet, contact questions@FairtradeAmerica.org.

About Fairtrade America

The FAIRTRADE label, licensed by Fairtrade America, is the most recognized and trusted ethical certification worldwide. By complying with the rigorous social, economic and environmental criteria in the internationally-agreed Fairtrade Standards, farmers, traders and brands can improve the sustainability of their entire supply chain. There are currently more than 1.65 million farmers and workers across 74 countries around the globe. The FAIRTRADE label appears on more than 35,000 products sold in over 140 countries. Visit www.fairtradeamerica.org to learn more.

 About 1% for the Planet

1% for the Planet is a global organization that connects dollars and doers to accelerate smart environmental giving. We recognize that the current level of environmental giving – only 3% of total philanthropy – is not enough to solve the most pressing issues facing our planet.

Through our business and individual membership, 1% for the Planet inspires people to support environmental organizations through annual membership and everyday actions. We advise on giving strategies, we certify donations, and we amplify the impact of the network.

Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, our members have given more than $175 million to environmental nonprofits to date. Today, 1% for the Planet is a network of more than 1,200 member businesses, a new and expanding core with hundreds of individual members, and thousands of nonprofit partners in more than 60 countries. Look for our logo and visit www.onepercentfortheplanet.org to learn more.