It’s not greenwashing - it’s investing in a better future.

The climate crisis isn’t a distant problem anymore, it’s here, 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 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: Addressing global warming through renewable energy, carbon reduction, and sustainable agriculture.
• Water: Protecting waterways, improving water quality, and ensuring access to clean water.
• Food: Supporting sustainable farming practices and reducing food waste.
• Land: Conserving forests, grasslands, and other ecosystems.
• Wildlife: Protecting endangered species and their habitats.
• Environmental Education: Raising awareness and empowering communities to act.

By pooling resources from its members, 1% for the Planet has donated more than $450 million to these critical causes since its inception.

 

Why It’s Not Greenwashing

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

Greenwashing—the act of presenting superficial environmental gestures for PR—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. There’s no smoke and mirrors—just real money going to real solutions.

 

The Work They Support

Here are just a few of the ways 1% for the Planet members are driving meaningful change:

• Reforestation Efforts: Planting millions of trees to restore habitats and capture carbon.
• Ocean Conservation: Protecting marine biodiversity and reducing plastic pollution in oceans.
• Climate Advocacy: Supporting organisations that push for policy changes at the national and global levels.
• Wildlife Protection: Funding initiatives that safeguard species like elephants, tigers, and polar bears.

 

These projects aren’t just ticking boxes—they’re delivering measurable results. For example, member-supported projects have:

• Removed over 10 million pounds of plastic from waterways.
• Protected more than 1.2 million acres of critical habitats.
• Helped offset millions of tons of CO₂ through renewable energy initiatives.

 

Why 1% for the Planet Matters to Us

At Nolo we’re using the planet’s resources to craft our coffee, so it’s fair we 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 isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. It’s about recognising that every small step contributes to a larger, collective movement.

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

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