1% for the Planet joins The Conservation Alliance’s Brands for Public Lands coalition to protect wild spaces for the long haul
Nature lovers across the United States breathed a collective sigh of relief in late June when the U.S. Senate removed a dangerous provision from a major budget reconciliation bill. The provision would have paved the way for selling off millions of acres of public lands to private interests.
The removal marked a significant win for conservation advocates, outdoor businesses and communities who depend on outdoor access. But, as 1% for the Planet Environmental Partner The Conservation Alliance warns, this wasn’t a one-off threat. Some environmental dangers remain in the final bill, such as expanded oil and gas development across the West. And the close call with public land privatization was only the latest in a growing series of legislative, administrative and judicial attempts to undermine protections for these spaces.
Anyone who has fished in the clear streams of Montana, camped in the red rock canyons above Moab, or watched the stars ignite the desert sky in the Mojave knows that these places are priceless. And they belong to all of us.
That’s why 1% for the Planet has officially joined the Brands for Public Lands coalition, a collective of more than 100 outdoor and values-aligned companies building a defense against the significant, current threats to our public lands system.
This coalition, organized by The Conservation Alliance, is building a proactive, durable strategy to protect public lands for generations to come. By mobilizing business voices in policy advocacy, supporting on-the-ground conservation efforts and championing access for all, we’re advancing a future where public lands remain protected, resilient and accessible for generations to come.
“Threats to public lands are threats to the natural and cultural resources they protect, the millions of jobs and thousands of businesses they support, and the myriad communities they sustain,” says Paul Hendricks, executive director of The Conservation Alliance. “Together, our coalition of businesses can demonstrate why public lands matter for our communities and our economy.”
The power of partnership
At 1% for the Planet, we believe that businesses play a critical role in driving environmental change. To date, our members have directed over half a billion dollars in certified giving to environmental solutions, and we’re on track to hit $1 billion in 2028. Our collaboration with The Conservation Alliance strengthens our mission and deepens the opportunity for businesses to be leaders in environmental action.
Many 1% for the Planet members are also members of The Conservation Alliance, including Flickr, GU Energy Labs, Peak Design and Patagonia, the latter of which was a founding member for both organizations. Businesses with this dual membership can count membership dues for The Conservation Alliance toward their 1% annual commitment. This creates an efficient way for businesses to maximize their impact while aligning with their environmental values.
GU Energy Labs has long recognized that its success is directly tied to the health of the outdoor spaces its community depends on. As Annalisa Romero, Marketing Manager at GU Energy Labs, explains, “GU Energy Labs knows that protecting the places we run, ride and play is essential to the future of both our outdoor passions and our business. Through our partnerships with 1% for the Planet and The Conservation Alliance, we’re able to turn that commitment into action by supporting advocacy, funding and stewardship efforts that protect our public lands so we can continue to enjoy them for generations to come.”
Ben MacAskill, president and COO of Flickr and a TCA board member, echoes this, emphasizing that Flickr thrives when public lands thrive. "Public lands are the foundation of photography businesses—they're where photographers work, create and find inspiration in communities across America,” he says. “Through our membership in 1% for the Planet and The Conservation Alliance, we're part of a powerful collective force driving real impact.”
Join us in protecting public lands
The work to keep public lands public is far from over. This fight is a long game, and it demands ongoing commitment.
If your business gives a damn about protecting wild places, join us by becoming a member of 1% for the Planet and The Conservation Alliance. Align your giving. Add your voice to the coalition. And help ensure that future generations can find wonder and belonging in the great outdoors.
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