[1][2] Founded by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies in 2002,[3] the organization encourages "more businesses to donate 1% of sales to environmental groups".

[4] Since its creation, the organization has been joined by countries around the world, with a great number of partners in France, Great Britain, Australia, and Japan.

Surfclass.com became the first member in Jan 2002 BIC joined as a member in 2022 with an eco-friendly product line; Honest Tea joined with a glass product line.

[6] Other notable members include OXO, New Belgium Brewing Company, Klean Kanteen, and Nature's Path's EnviroKidz brand.

[7][8][9][10] Since 1985, Patagonia pledged 1% of sales to the preservation of restoration of the natural environment.