At the 1% for the Planet’s annual meeting in August, CEO Kate Williams shows off the Vermont Green FC championship trophy at Zero Gravity in Burlington. Vermont Business Magazine photo.
Vermont Roots, Global Reach
by Kate Williams, CEO, 1% for the Planet
When I go into the office, I like to take a moment to pause. The expanse of Lake Champlain shifts with the wind and light as I walk into Hula, the lush, cavernous co-working space in Burlington that houses 1% for the Planet’s global headquarters. I still feel a little awe each time I walk through Hula’s doors: it feels fitting that we steward one of the world’s leading environmental movements from right here on the shores of this remarkable lake—in a repurposed oven factory, no less.
Co-founded in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard (founder of Patagonia) and Craig Mathews (owner of Blue Ribbon Flies), 1% for the Planet has made Burlington its global headquarters since 2014, just a few months after I joined the organization. We’ve experienced monumental growth over the last decade, with a network that now spans more than 100 countries and 65 industries.
While rooted in the purposeful Vermont community, we’ve become one of the most trusted frameworks for environmental philanthropy, certifying more than $800 million in giving to date. By holding members accountable to give at least 1% of revenue—not profits—each year, we ensure their environmental commitment is real, verified and impactful. Once certified, members join a global movement of businesses taking action so that our planet and future generations can thrive.
In 2024 alone, we certified more than $110 million in environmental giving. That funding fueled powerful solutions to some of the planet’s most pressing challenges—protecting endangered wildlife, preserving old-growth forests, restoring rivers, reducing toxic pollution and uplifting communities most affected by climate change.
Some of our most inspiring examples of this impact happen right here in the Green Mountain State.
Vermont Green Football Club—our recent 2025 USL League Two Final champ—has embedded sustainability into its DNA from the start, committing 1% to local environmental nonprofits. Its support for Vermont Parks Forever helps ensure all Vermonters have access to the state parks, and donations to Vermont River Conservancy fund the protection of our waterways.
Communications agency Press Forward is a Vermont business celebrating 10 years of membership this year. Its donations to Vermont Mountain Biking Association help build and maintain trails in our local recreational space, ensuring the safe and continued enjoyment of Vermont’s natural resources.
When Shelburne-based member Shiki Wrap—the creators of awesome reusable gift wrap—donates to Rozalia Project, it supports the nonprofit’s varied efforts to tackle the problem of plastic pollution in Vermont’s lakes and rivers.
Bluestone Life is another local business currently celebrating 10 years as a member. This company provides life insurance that integrates giving and the responsible investment of your premiums into every aspect of its business model, often supporting 1% for the Planet directly with its donations. Every dollar donated to our organization allows us to create $13 in on-the-ground impact across our network.
These companies prove that no matter your size or sector, Vermont businesses can— and do—lead on environmental action, and have a real impact in the local community.
Our recent Sessions: Burlington event at Zero Gravity Brewing was a testament to this: More than 150 people, from within the 1% for the Planet network and beyond, gathered to connect with other businesses, nonprofits and local individuals all with a shared interest in how we can activate together for a thriving future in Vermont and beyond. And the energy was electrifying. It’s in these moments, steeped in community, that achieving our bold goals for the planet feels truly attainable.
Vermont has always been a values-aligned home base for 1% for the Planet. With its strong sense of community, deep connection to nature and proud history of environmental leadership, this community reflects the ethos of our movement in full.
The truth is simple: The planet needs funding for environmental solutions—fast. This means that Vermont’s leadership matters now more than ever.
Each morning, as I look out over Lake Champlain or the woods around my home, I’m reminded of what’s at stake. This lake. These mountains. This planet. They’re worth fighting for. And from right here in Vermont, we’ll keep showing the world what’s possible.
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