The climate crisis is about more than saving polar bears or preserving forests. It’s about humans, too. We need a healthy planet with functioning, thriving ecosystems as much as a bear or a tree does. Environmental justice, social justice, food security, clean air, a stable climate—it all intersects.

That’s why we’ve decided to become a member of 1% for the Planet. Since we started making packs in 2014, we’ve donated 1% of our revenue to nonprofit partners that alleviate poverty. So while our financial commitment isn’t changing, we’re thrilled to join this global collective of over 5,000 businesses and individuals to continue working toward a healthier planet for everyone.

“1% for the Planet, 100% for the People” 

Twenty years into pursuing its mission, 1% for the Planet is adopting a more holistic view of addressing climate change. In their words, they view their organization as, “1% for the Planet, 100% for the People.” To that end, they’ve recently identified some new core issues that speak to this perspective, including sustainable economies, resilient communities, and rights to nature. 

Photo courtesy of Mercy Corps 

The Vermont-based nonprofit is also working on updating its 2022 eligibility guidelines for nonprofits to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It’s specifically focusing on targets 1.4 and 1.5:

• 1.4: Ensure that vulnerable populations have equal rights to resources, such as land, property, and other natural or economic resources.
• 1.5: Reduce vulnerability to climate-related extreme events (environmental shocks and disasters).

This shift to including vulnerable communities in the scope of environmental giving is huge—and one that totally aligns with our mission and goals. 

Double Membership

We’re beyond excited to join 1% for the Planet on two levels. First, we’re now officially a business member, which means we’ll continue to donate 1% of our revenue to lift people and planet. 

Second, the Cotopaxi Foundation is also now a nonprofit member of 1% for the Planet. This means other business or individual members can donate to the Cotopaxi Foundation as part of their 1% for the Planet® commitment (yes, individuals can join 1% for the Planet, too!). 

If you haven’t heard about the nonprofit arm of our business, the Cotopaxi Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to tackling extreme poverty through grants to thoroughly vetted, carefully selected nonprofits. Our work is focused on investments in health, education, and livelihood in Latin America, the region that serves as the inspiration for our brand and former long-time home of our founder and CEO, Davis Smith. As a 1% for the Planet member, our giving will continue to be routed through the Cotopaxi Foundation. 

Photo courtesy of Escuela Nueva (FEN)

“A Healthier Planet for All” 

“Giving is core to who we are, and we believe that we can do more together than we can alone,” Davis says about Cotopaxi’s move to join 1% for the Planet. “That's why we're proud to be a part of a global community of like-minded brands committed to 1% for the Planet and proud to be working together to uplift communities and create a healthier planet for all."

Since 2014, we’ve been able to help an estimated 3 million people living in extreme poverty. As climate change presents even more challenges for impoverished people in Latin America and around the world, we’re eager to help millions more in partnership with 1% for the Planet. 

Want to get involved? Consider joining 1% for the Planet as an individual (volunteer time can count toward your annual 1% commitment). Support our work in impoverished Latin American communities by adding a donation to the Cotopaxi Foundation to your next order. Or just follow @1percentftp for stories on how nonprofits like ours are pursuing a healthy planet for all.