Faulhaber’s Green Pledge: More Than Just a Day

A Letter from the President: Faulhaber’s commitment for good 

As we celebrate Earth Day in 2024, I could not be prouder of the steps we have made at Faulhaber towards a more sustainable future. Earth Day serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and collective action. At Faulhaber, we are not just observing Earth Day; we are actively participating in driving change.   

Since 2022, we have been members of 1% for the Planet, and have donated well over 50K in money and pro-bono services to worthy not-for-profits across the country – something that I am incredibly proud of. And this is only the beginning.  

1% for the Planet was created in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Matthews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies. The company operates on the simple pledge that businesses will donate 1% of their annual sales to support environmental non-profits, regardless of their profits. Since its launch 1% has facilitated over $620M+ in total certified giving, representing 110+ countries, 5200+ business members and 6700+ environmental partners.  

Joining 1% for the Planet showcases our commitment to purpose-driven action. Committing to active change for our planet is something that for me is both personal, and smart business. As a mother, I want to make sure we leave behind a healthy planet for our kids and future generations. As a leader in a company, there is also a strategic business case here.  

Yvon Chouinard said, “This is not philanthropy. This should be a cost of doing business. It’s paying rent for our use of the planet.” I could not agree more. Businesses can and should do their part to for the communities they operate in, and climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our era. 

And I am not alone in this conviction. According to recent Canadian statistics, 81% of Canadian CEOs believe climate change poses a threat to their organizations’ growth prospects. Additionally, 70% of Canadians consider climate change a major threat to the country’s economy.  

Moreover, the 2022 Deloitte Global CxO Sustainability Report revealed that 72% of Canadian executives see the world reaching a tipping point concerning climate change. In a similar vein, Edelman’s 2022 Trust Barometer found that 68% of Canadians expect businesses to lead conversations around climate change. 

But beyond expectations, there are tangible benefits to embracing purpose-driven initiatives. The same Edelman report indicates that 62% of Canadians choose where to work based on a company’s values, and 61% buy from or advocate for brands aligned with their beliefs and values.  Furthermore, 58% of Canadian employees report feeling more loyal to companies that take steps to reduce their environmental impact. 

By joining 1% for the Planet, Faulhaber didn’t just make a financial commitment; we also made a statement about our values and our vision for a more sustainable future. 

Our commitment to purpose-driven action aligns perfectly with the spirit of Earth Day, reminding us that every day is an opportunity to make a positive impact on our planet. Let’s use this Earth Day as a catalyst for change. So yes, turn off the lights today. Pick up some garbage. But also, use this day as an opportunity to make a commitment that extends beyond April 22.  

I encourage other businesses to join 1% for the Planet together, let’s drive real change.