A very important shift at 1% for the Planet

by Masami Sato


We’re delighted to share that B1G1 has been recognized as a Full Environmental Partner of 1% for the Planet.

This marks an important evolution in our partnership status and in how environmental sustainability itself is understood.

A Journey That Began Years Ago


B1G1 has been working with 1% for the Planet since 2020.

Previously, only projects categorized strictly as environmental, including reforestation, forest protection and ecosystem conservation, were eligible to count towards a company’s 1% pledge through B1G1.

Of course, those projects are critical. Protecting forests, restoring ecosystems and preserving biodiversity remain essential to our planet’s future.

But over the years, this important realization has deepened:

We cannot protect the planet without uplifting the people who live on it.

As you read on, you can also watch this recording of my recent conversation with Kate Williams from 1% for the Planet if you didn't catch it earlier.

Conversations that Matter episode - featuring Kate Williams and Masami Sato

Sustainability Is Not Just About Trees


Planting trees matters. Protecting forests matters.

But why does deforestation happen?

Often, it is not because communities don’t care about the environment. It is because:

  • Farmers facing drought have no access to water.
  • Families cannot make ends meet.
  • Children lack access to education.
  • Livelihood options are limited.
  • Immediate survival outweighs long-term sustainability.

When income is unstable, land may be sold to loggers. When education is limited, environmental awareness remains low. When rural communities lack opportunity, migration increases and ecosystems are abandoned or degraded.

True environmental sustainability must address these root causes.

And that understanding is now reflected in the expanded framework of 1% for the Planet.

A Broader View of Environmental Impact


With this updated recognition:

B1G1 members can now allocate contributions to ANYany B1G1 project and have those contributions eligible within their 1% for the Planet verification process.

This includes initiatives that support:

  • Sustainable livelihoods
  • Clean water and sanitation
  • Environmental education
  • Regenerative agriculture
  • Waste recovery and recycling
  • Biodiversity and wildlife protection

Environmental resilience and human resilience are interconnected.

Now, that reality is formally acknowledged.

What This Means for Businesses


For B1G1 Members:

You now have greater flexibility in how you contribute — while still aligning with your 1% commitment.

For 1% for the Planet Businesses:
You can work with B1G1 without being limited to a narrow project category. You gain access to 480+ carefully vetted projects that strengthen ecosystems and communities.

This removes friction — and expands possibility.

Real Examples of What This Looks Like


Here are just a few ways businesses can create environmental impact through B1G1:

Protecting Forests & Preventing Fires

  • Supporting forest conservation
  • Funding fire prevention efforts in Indonesian forests
  • Protecting critical ecosystems from illegal logging

Turning Plastic Waste Into Schools

  • Recovering ocean-bound plastic
  • Transforming recycled plastic into building blocks
  • Constructing school facilities in underserved communities

Strengthening Rural Livelihoods

  • Supporting beekeeping programs
  • Funding fruit tree planting
  • Providing regenerative agriculture tools

When farmers earn stable income from diversified crops or beekeeping, they are far less likely to abandon or exploit their land.

Protecting Wildlife & Biodiversity

  • Supporting endangered species protection
  • Preventing poaching
  • Restoring natural habitats

Environmental care becomes sustainable when it is economically viable for communities.

Beyond Compliance: An Ongoing Journey


Both B1G1 and 1% for the Planet share a philosophy:

Sustainability is not a one-off act. It is not a campaign. It is not a reactive effort.

It is a habit.

Allocating 1% of revenue builds consistency. Embedding micro-giving into business activity builds culture. Tracking measurable impacts builds meaning.

This enhanced partnership is not about doing one thing.

It’s about helping businesses move from intention → to integration → to leadership.

The Bigger Vision

At B1G1, our mission has always been to uplift lives through the Power of Small — where small, everyday actions add up to extraordinary global change.

With this expanded Environmental Partner status, we are excited to support businesses in creating impact that is:

  • Measurable
  • Integrated
  • Meaningful
  • Holistic
An example of the B1G1 Dashboard for a company

Because protecting the planet requires protecting the people who depend on it.

And when businesses succeed, the world should succeed with them.

If you are a 1% for the Planet business and would like to explore how B1G1 can support your giving journey, we would love to connect.

Together, we can build a future that works for everyone.