What we learned at 1% for the Planet Global Summit 2023

Following three days of world-class insight, perspective and innovation at 1% for the Planet’s Global Summit in Brooklyn, we left feeling inspired by the collective power we all have to make measurable change.

Alongside nearly 300 fellow 1% for the Planet network members and partners, we engaged with scientists, entrepreneurs, business owners, and charities to discuss how our combined efforts can—and are—making an impact to support people and the planet. From a small initial donation of $6 in 2002, members of 1% for the Planet have collectively donated $530 million to over 6,500 environmental partners across 112 countries. And we’re on track to donating over $1 billion by 2025. This has been achieved by just 5,700 total business members, so the potential for real, meaningful change is great. Collectively, we are making a difference. 1% takes the vague notion of “doing good for the planet” and puts it into measurable action.

The summit was engaging, insightful–at times even daunting–but overall, it was inspiring and motivating. Below are a few key takeaways:

→ Slow down.
Stay and eat, skip the to-go packaging. Simple changes can make a big difference.

→ Prioritize outdoors.
Get up and out. Recharge. Get on the water. Go for a walk. Sign the Outdoorist Oath. Find those breaks from the city—within, and near the city. We owe it to ourselves.

→ National Monuments work.
National Monuments are a proven tool for protecting wild places and outdoor spaces. They preserve important cultural and historical sites, improve opportunities for recreation, and grow the economies of nearby communities. This is a simple yet effective way to lobby our government to protect our lands—and you can, too, by signing on at Mobilize for Monuments.

→ Those that are closest to the problem are closest to the solution.
“Businesses have to clean up after themselves. It’s an obligation.” – Vincent Stanley, Director of Philosophy, Patagonia (Co-Author, The Responsible Company)

→ 80% of material waste is determined at the design stage.
As designers, it is our responsibility to minimize excess, waste, and help to educate clients on more sustainable decisions.

→ We are planetary stakeholders.
As small a business owner, you are an economic stakeholder. You are a planetary stakeholder. In the US, 99% of businesses are small. 89% have fewer than 20 employees. They account for 47% of jobs. It truly is us who will drive change.

→ The rise of the conscious consumer.
When consumers feel a brand has a strong sense of purpose, they are 4x more likely to purchase from them, 4.5x more likely to champion the company and recommend them, and 4.1x more likely to trust the company. (2020 Zeno Study) Also, 86% of employees believe that having ‘meaning’ in their work is more important than ever.

→ “Fuck hope. Show me your plan.”
”Make your vows to something deeper than hope.” - Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, marine biologist, policy expert and author of What if we get it right?

→ “If we get it right, all jobs are green jobs.”
- Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

→ The ocean is hurting.
It makes up 70% of Earth’s surface & 94% of Earth’s wildlife. And it is 30% more acidic than in pre-industrial times.

→ Oysters might save us.
They’re the world’s most sustainable, lowest carbon-footprint protein. From a day volunteering with The Billion Oyster Project, we learned how the organization is re-populating oysters in New York City harbor; and the effects are impressive. A single oyster can filter 50 gallons of water in a single day, so their collective impact on the water quality in New York alone is immense. They have helped to measurable improve water quality and have allowed for the return of recreational swimmers in the rivers, as well as the return of dolphins and whales to the harbor. As a lifelong non-fan of oysters, I am now a fan of oysters.

→ Strength in numbers.
As members of 1% for the Planet, we believe that simple actions, done repeatedly as a community, are how we drive change at scale. It’s about making change, not being in charge.

We left New York humbled, reinvigorated, motivated and with a slew of meaningful connections. We are excited to help make more measurable change as a design studio, as client consultants and as individuals, for years to come.

If you are an organization or a business owner, please consider joining the 1% for the Planet network, and commit to supporting people and the planet, measurably.