Why we’re giving 1% back to the planet

3 minutes ago
3 min read

In January 2026, The C Collective reached a major milestone in our journey toward a regenerative future: we officially became a member of 1% for the Planet, pledging to give back 1% of our annual gross sales to environmental solutions.

Why?

As a business focused on People + Planet centred design, we only support initiatives that have a net positive impact on the world. This is the very reason we exist. However, we also recognize a fundamental truth: all businesses depend on nature and, inevitably, leave a footprint. While we strive to operate as sustainably and efficiently as possible, we believe we have a "royalty" to pay back to the Earth that sustains our work. That is why we are committing our resources to the non-profits that tirelessly support and restore the natural world.

What this means

Joining this movement is not a one-time gesture; it is a long-term commitment to action and accountability. By joining, we pledge to donate 1% of our gross annual sales, not just our profits, directly to vetted environmental non-profits. Whether we have a high-growth year or navigate lean months, our commitment to the planet remains an immutable part of our financial operations.

The rigor behind the seal

To protect the integrity of the movement and prevent "greenwashing," 1% for the Planet maintains a rigorous certification process for both the non-profits we support and its members' commitments.

How non-profits are vetted

Non-profits do not simply "join" the network. They undergo a thorough vetting process to ensure they are high-impact and effective.

Eligibility Check: Organizations must provide proof of their legal non-profit or charitable status.
Mission Alignment: Their primary work must align with one of 1% for the Planet’s core impact areas: Climate, Land, Food, Pollution, Water, and Wildlife.
Financial Integrity: At least two-thirds of the organization's program budget must be dedicated to environmental impact.
Trust & Transparency: The team screens for organizational corruption, false promotions, and legal compliance to ensure every dollar is used for its intended purpose.

The impact we are funding

By joining this global network, our revenue supports critical work across six core areas: Climate, Land, Water, Food, Wildlife, and Pollution. To date, this movement has certified over $635 million in total environmental giving.

Our contributions will fund vital causes such as:

Climate Action: Supporting organisations like The Carbon Literacy Project, which provides essential climate education to drive personal and corporate carbon reduction.
Land Restoration: Funding efforts like the Moors for the Future Partnership to restore degraded blanket bogs, critical carbon sinks in the Peak District.
Ocean Health: Backing advocacy groups like City to Sea in their campaigns to ban single-use plastics in the hospitality industry.
Biodiversity Protection: Aiding The Wildlife Trusts in their mission to protect 30% of our land and sea for nature by 2030.

Business accountability

On our side, the work doesn't stop with a pledge. Every year, 1% for the Planet audits our financials. We are required to submit tax documentation and official donation receipts to confirm that we have met our 1% commitment. This third-party verification is what makes the 1% for the Planet logo a seal of true credibility.

Collective impact

We are proud to join a global network of over 5,200 businesses that have collectively directed hundreds of millions of dollars toward climate and nature solutions.

This is just the beginning of our journey as members. In the coming months, we look forward to sharing stories about the specific environmental partners we are supporting and the tangible impact our community is creating.

We invite our partners, clients, and peers to join us in this movement. If we all gave just 1%, imagine the difference we could make together!