We know that for many of our members, the greatest value of 1% for the Planet is the sense of community. Not only do certified businesses get to proudly use the 1% logo, but they get to do it in unison with thousands of others who share the same values as they do.

That’s why we created Changemaker Network this year: to expand the sense of community through shared learning. The people behind 1% for the Planet brands are doing incredible things, and members want direct access to chat about insights and create ideas together. We built this peer exchange that turns real-world experiences into business advantage. And so far, it’s been a huge success.

It creates collaborative opportunities 

From making introductions to everyone from sustainable suppliers to potential clients, our members report actively identifying ways to support one another with actionable steps. They’ve also shared that connecting through the platform has led them to explore co-marketing campaigns and cross-referrals within the 1% for the Planet network and beyond.

"Connecting with another purpose-driven leader opened up a new dimension of my 1% membership. We came from different places but found immediate common ground, and left with referrals for one another that I am already following up on. We could have kept talking longer."—Natalie Gillquist, Founder of Down For Good

It makes practical connections

One member noted that their conversation led to a same-day introduction to two new contacts at sourcing companies. This concrete outcome helped the business dive deeper into their development strategy and provided a clear path forward.

"This was a great call. I got a new lead on a client and was introduced to someone who could be a great lead source."—1% for the Planet Member

It shapes meaningful relationships

Across responses after a specific match round, members framed the value as human connection before the transaction—catching up with familiar contacts, deepening existing partnerships and offering warm introductions.

“Great first experience, really wonderful to connect with a founder in a different part of the world with a completely different type of business yet a shared sense of purpose and values. We were able to share experiences and they were very generous with their time and great connections to reach out to.”—1% for the Planet Member

It shifts stale perspectives

Everyone knows what it feels like to be stuck in the same thought patterns where new ideas stall out. After match rounds, earlier-stage members noted they were able to draw energy from peers that were further along in their business journey. One left a conversation feeling “inspired rather than overwhelmed,” realizing they didn’t have to figure everything out alone. Another member was encouraged to keep pushing forward and reframe the impact they’re already making.

"The [conversation] reminded me that there’s a lot of value in connecting people who are actively learning and exploring—not just experts. I left the conversation energized, inspired and already thinking about ways we can better communicate and build upon the community and sustainability work we’re already doing. The experience felt authentic, generous and genuinely relationship-driven, which I think is something pretty special."—Brenda Speirs, CEO of Buzztag

It helps fill geographic and sector gaps

Impactful conversations have helped members brainstorm new ways to overcome barriers on a local level. One member reported they took action by reaching out to their state’s Office of Outdoor Recreation to chat about launching a regional outdoor industry organization. Another member noted exploring market expansion to the EU after an inspiring conversation with a peer.

It drives creative and systemic impact

Members often leave conversations with new perspectives. One member discovered how art can serve as a driver for social change—a lens that shifted their thinking of their own work’s potential for impact beyond business metrics. Another conversation helped one member revisit advice they’d received years ago and opened them up to new options and approaches.

Joining Changemaker Network

Just a few months in, and Changemaker Network has already proven to be an incredibly useful resource for our members. It’s a tool that 1% for the Planet businesses can use to solve problems, meet members and expand their network. 

We know everyone is busy. It takes time to find the right contacts, reach out and schedule time to chat with new connections. Changemaker Network is a way for members to skip those steps and easily connect with and learn from compatible member peers in the 1% for the Planet network.

Every single member brings a unique perspective to this movement, and helps form the diverse community that makes membership so valuable. 1% for the Planet Members have always led with purpose and been role models in their fields, which makes this shared learning opportunity accelerate the thriving future we’re all building.