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The Patagonia 1 Percent Pledge

Nathan Duncan

· Patagonia
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Following more than five years as head of school at Academy at Trails Carolina, Nathan Duncan joined Patagonia, Inc., in Palo Alto, California, in the role of general manager. Drawing on extensive business management experience, Nathan Duncan has increased revenue by $3.6 million through operational optimization and partnerships.

In 1985, Patagonia made a pledge to donate 1 percent of all sales toward preserving and rehabilitating the world’s natural environments. Since that time the program has generated $140 million for both domestic and international initiatives, with a focus on grassroots campaigns that impact local communities. The program expanded in 2002 under founder Yvon Chouinard, who began promoting and spreading the 1 percent pledge to other companies.

Now referred to as 1% for the Planet, the nonprofit platform both contributes funds to environmental causes and raises general awareness about the importance of protecting natural spaces. The initiative is particularly invested in projects that allow for equitable, inclusive, and diverse environmental action, as opposed to any organization promoting or otherwise involved in system biases and discrimination. Furthermore, projects must have 501(c)(3) status in order to be considered by Patagonia.

Business owners can learn more about the program or join the 1% for the Planet movement by visiting patagonia.com.