Giving 1% for the Planet: why environmental consulting should include tangible giving

Environmental consulting has, for too long, focused on frameworks, certifications, and theoretical impact. While these are important, there’s something undeniably powerful about direct giving – channelling funds to people and projects already doing the work to restore ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and support frontline communities.

That’s why we believe tangible giving through a partnership, collaborative approach should be a core part of any sustainability strategy.

Whether you’re a creative studio, a service provider, or a startup founder building with purpose, committing 1% of your annual sales to environmental causes is one of the simplest, clearest ways to walk the talk.

The case for giving

For many businesses, becoming more sustainable is seen as a long journey of audits, supply chain overhauls, or carbon calculations. But those steps, while valuable, can often take time to implement and engagement for staff and customers with real-world impacts can be difficult to communicate.

Giving through initiatives like the 1% for the Planet programme allows brands to identify certified Environmental Partners working on issues that matter to a firm’s staff and customers, and through supporting them via direct giving start to have an impact immediately. It’s transparent, trackable, and action oriented.

Not a donation. A commitment.

More than a hands-off donation the 1% for the Planet programme is a partnership model that achieves the most impact through a strong partnership between the Business Member giving support and the Environmental Partner creating impact. Collaborating on projects engages staff and brings cultural benefits as well as the direct impact Environmental Partners have through channelling donations into projects on the ground.

Consultants need to push for more

At Natural Distinction, we’re not just helping brands reduce impact we’re helping them create positive impact.

So when we advise clients on sustainability strategy, we talk about giving from day one. We help them:

• Map their values to relevant environmental causes.
• Identify grassroots NGOs and re-wilding projects to support.
• Join 1% for the Planet or develop their own transparent giving model.
• Build storytelling around their giving that feels honest, not performative.

We believe every brand, no matter its size, can take part in restoring the planet. Not just by doing less harm, but by actively giving back.

We don’t just talk the talk on this, we live our values. We are a 1% for the Planet member (link to our profile) that currently supports Tir Natur and Protect the West Coast – two causes close to our hearts.

What’s the change you want to see in the world? Support it.

Don’t wait for a perfect carbon footprint report or a 40-page ESG strategy to start giving. You can start now. Choose one cause. Allocate one percent. Tell your customers why it matters.

If you’re not sure how, that’s where we come in.

Let’s make giving a fundamental part of doing good business.