People and Planet First is a verification and a global collective. Together, we are moving beyond “business as usual” and building an economy that puts people and planet first. There are millions of enterprises around the world choosing to prioritize people and the planet over profit maximization. The full scale of this movement can be difficult to see because it emerged bottom-up. Different terminology is used in different networks, regions, and sectors. People and Planet First verification bridges these divides. It includes all enterprises that meet 5 standards.
Purpose: Exists to solve a social or environmental problem
Operations: Prioritizes purpose, people, and planet over profit in operational decisions
Revenue: Has a self-sustaining revenue model
Use of Surplus: Reinvests the majority of any surplus towards its purpose
Structure: Chooses legal structures and financing that protect and lock-in purpose long term.
People and Planet First verified enterprises unlock social and environmental solutions that are not possible within grant-dependent nonprofit structures or within profit-maximizing business structures.
All over the United States there are enterprises selling goods and services that have chosen to do things differently. They are reinvesting profits in social and environmental impact to help our local communities tackle systemic inequality, create economic empowerment and fight climate change.Purchasing with Purpose for Portland brings together local businesses, government offices, anchor institutions and individuals to purchase differently and make local impact. Using an accessible and affordable global verification system called People and Planet First to ensure green washing and social washing are kept out of the supply chain, we aim to shift the everyday spend of all purchasers towards local enterprises that make local change.This project was a pilot and the first of its kind in the country. It was designed to provide learning and opportunities for growth both in Portland and around the United States.In 2024, The Impact Collective partnered with Purchasing with Purpose to facilitate a local Impact Purchasing Program pilot. We had 8 buyers join, and verified over 20 enterprises. We learned a lot in the process, and we are so proud to have been a part of it. There are now local pilots being launched in 7 other cities and states! In Portland, 5 Buyer purchases totaling $200,000 were made in 2024, injecting more dollars into our local impact-driven economy. Check out our Portland Impact Purchasing Program impact report.These local initiatives:
Make it easier to find and purchase products and services from local enterprises that solve social and environmental problems and put people and planet first.
Generate revenue for participating enterprises and network partners so they can expand their social and environmental impact, create inclusive employment, and help build a resilient local economy.
Demonstrate a distributed approach to collaboration, resource sharing, and local action.
The B Corp movement is a global community of businesses committed to using their operations as a force for good—measuring success not only by profit, but also by their positive impact on people and the planet.
What it is: A movement of certified companies (B Corps) that meet high standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability.
Who’s involved: Businesses of all sizes and industries in over 80 countries, plus a network of supporting organizations, investors, and advocates.
Core belief: Business can—and should—create value for all stakeholders (workers, customers, communities, environment), not just shareholders.
Certification: Managed by the nonprofit B Lab, which assesses companies across areas like governance, workers, community, environment, and customers.
Bigger picture: It’s about shifting the global economy so it benefits everyone, not just a few, and about redefining success in business.
We are proud to be part of 1% for the Planet, a global movement of businesses and individuals who commit to giving back to the Earth. Members pledge 1% of annual sales or income to vetted environmental nonprofits, ensuring that resources flow directly to organizations working on climate, water, food, land, wildlife, and pollution.
Since its founding in 2002 by Patagonia’s Yvon Chouinard and Blue Ribbon Flies’ Craig Mathews, the movement has grown into a worldwide network of thousands of members who have collectively directed hundreds of millions of dollars to environmental solutions. As of 2025, over $808 million has been donated to environmental causes . Over 4,000 businesses have signed up to be a 1% for the Planet member across 110 countries. Joining this movement means we’re not just talking about change—we’re investing in it, every single year. Learn more about the 1% for the Planet movement and the impact that's been made through collective action.
