The climate crisis isn’t a distant problem anymore - it’s here and it’s affecting communities, ecosystems and economies all over the world. We believe businesses have a responsibility to help address these challenges, not just as a box-ticking exercise but as a genuine commitment to making a difference.

That’s why we’re proud members of 1% for the Planet, a global network of businesses donating 1% of their revenue - not profit - to environmental causes. This isn’t just charity and it isn’t greenwashing: it’s a movement that’s genuinely making change happen.

What Is 1% for the Planet?

1% for the Planet was founded in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, the legendary climber and environmentalist behind Patagonia. His ethos was simple: businesses that profit from the planet’s resources have an obligation to give back.

Chouinard famously said:

“The cure for depression is action. And that’s what we’re doing. We’re giving people an easy way to get involved in saving the planet.”

The organisation connects businesses with vetted non-profits working across six key areas:

• Climate - renewable energy, carbon reduction, and sustainable agriculture

• Water - protecting waterways, improving water quality, ensuring access to clean water

• Food - sustainable farming practices and reducing food waste

• Land - conserving forests, grasslands, and fragile ecosystems

• Wildlife - protecting endangered species and habitats

• Environmental Education - raising awareness and empowering communities to act

Since its inception, members have contributed more than $450 million to these causes.

Why It’s Not Greenwashing

Nolo’s commitment to 1% for the Planet isn’t about optics. It’s about impact.

Greenwashing is the act of presenting superficial environmental gestures for PR, and is a real problem in today’s marketplace. But 1% for the Planet is structured to avoid this. Member businesses must donate directly to approved non-profits, and those contributions are verified annually. No smoke and mirrors - just real money going to real solutions.

The Work They Support

A few examples of how 1% for the Planet members are driving meaningful change:

• Reforestation Efforts – planting millions of trees to restore habitats and capture carbon (see Rainforest Alliance) 

• Ocean Conservation – protecting marine biodiversity and reducing plastic pollution in oceans (see Surfrider Foundation)

• Climate Advocacy – supporting organisations that push for policy changes at national and global levels

• Wildlife Protection – safeguarding species like elephants, tigers, and polar bears

 

These projects deliver measurable results. For example:

• More than 10 million pounds of plastic removed from waterways

• Over 1.2 million acres of critical habitats protected

• Millions of tons of CO₂ offset through renewable energy initiatives

 

Why 1% for the Planet Matters to Us

At Nolo, we’re using the planet’s resources to make our coffee, we think it’s fair to give something back. By supporting 1% for the Planet, we’re not just writing cheques; we’re aligning with a global movement of businesses and individuals working for a more sustainable future.

This commitment goes hand-in-hand with our values. We believe in doing business differently: thoughtfully, responsibly, and with a sense of purpose that extends beyond profit.

As Yvon Chouinard said:

“We are the problem, but we are also the solution. Businesses need to take the lead in saving the planet because governments are failing to do the job.”

A Commitment Worth Making

Supporting 1% for the Planet is not about perfection, it’s about progress. It’s recognising that each step contributes to a larger, collective movement.

For us at Nolo, this is the beginning. By choosing to align with 1% for the Planet, we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. And when you choose Nolo coffee, you’re supporting that mission too. Decaf cold brews with purpose!  

Because coffee can be more than a daily ritual, it can be part of the solution.

The Nolo Team

 

FAQs

What is 1% for the Planet?

A global network of businesses that donate 1% of their revenue to environmental causes, founded in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia.

Is Nolo’s 1% for the Planet membership greenwashing?

No. All donations are verified and go directly to vetted non-profits, ensuring real impact.

How does buying Nolo coffee help the environment?

Every purchase of our decaf cold brew oat lattes contributes to environmental causes through our 1% for the Planet membership.