You may never get the chance to have an intimate conversation with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson or be able to gift someone a car, but purchase a My Planet Pass membership through 1% for the Planet and you’ll at least have philanthropy in common with Oprah.
Launched in October, My Planet Pass is a tiered donation program modeled after popular multi-mountain ski passes. A pass holder selects a package based on price — cost ranges from $200 to $400 — and automatically becomes a 1% for the Planet Individual Member, as well as a member of Protect Our Winters (POW), TreeSisters, National Forest Foundation, Save the Waves Coalition, and Slow Food. That means with one purchase, you get to support six amazing environmental nonprofits while reaping the benefits of all those membership programs (including gifts like stickers, coffee mugs, and magazine subscriptions).
Founded by Patagonia’s Yvon Chouinard and Blue Ribbon Flies’ Craig Matthews in 2002, 1% for the Planet’s mission is to encourage everyone to donate one percent of earnings to environmental causes each year. There are currently more than 1,500 businesses signed up, but individuals are encouraged to participate as well. All members are responsible for giving back one percent of their self-reported annual salary to organizations helping to protect the environment.
And while 1% does certify members’ giving each year, what’s important is giving back something, as opposed to letting fear or guilt or lack of time keep you from making a pledge, says 1% for the Planet’s Western U.S. Membership Manager Liz Whiteley. That’s why the entire cost of the My Planet Pass also counts toward your one-percent pledge.
“At the end of the day it’s just that, a pledge,” says Whiteley, “We’re here to encourage, incentivize and advise on smart environmental giving, not hold your feet to the fire.”
In fact, beyond dues or the My Planet Pass cost, individual members can fulfill their entire commitment with volunteer time if they so choose.
“We’re looking to make giving back as easy as possible and encourage environmental giving as a lifelong habit,” Whiteley explains. “Why not make one donation to buy a Pass, get some sweet swag, and then have the rest of the year to learn from those organizations about the important work they’re doing and additional ways to get involved? I’d say buying a My Planet Pass is a great way to be proactive and engaged, with zero wasted time searching the deep, dark hole of the Internet or feeling guilted into reactionary giving.”
To sign up for a My Planet Pass, visit OnePercentForthePlanet.org. Photo courtesy of 1% for the Planet member Greg Balkin.
XX Johnie Gall