Citizen Pledges 1% of All U.S. Website Sales to Environmental Causes

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Citizen joined 1% for the Planet, pledging to donate 1% of its website sales in the U.S. to support nonprofit organizations focused on the environment.

The partnership for 1% for the Planet is aligned with Citizen’s philosophy to continuously better our lives. Founded in 1918 on the principle of creating watches for all citizens of the world, Citizen has always focused on being a leader in both innovation and change. When the oil crisis of the 1970s first raised global awareness and interest around alternative sources of clean energy, Citizen responded by creating the world’s first ever light-powered watch in 1976: Eco-Drive. Eliminating the need to replace watch batteries forever and keeping millions of batteries from landfills, Eco-Drive honors our planet and makes it easier for citizens everywhere to enjoy the quality of time.

“Citizen is proud to be partnering with such an incredible organization like 1% for the Planet,” says Jeffrey Cohen, President of Citizen Watch America. “Our values as an organization are completely in sync, as we both strive to make the environment a better place for this generation and the next. With Citizen’s proprietary Eco-Drive technology and our “Better Starts Now” initiative, our goal is to promote positive change and make real differences. As a 1% for the Planet member, we continue our commitment to make the environment better one day at a time.”

In addition to the invention of Eco-Drive and its “Better Starts Now” initiative, Citizen has implemented other programs globally to demonstrate the ongoing pledge to a greater environmental responsibility. By drafting the Citizen Group Environmental Vision 2050 plan, the brand aims to achieve CO2 zero-emissions substantively from plants and offices and striving to keep CO2 emission throughout the value chain to levels that make it possible to constrain global warming.

"Currently, only 3% of total philanthropy goes to the environment and, only 5% of that comes from businesses. The planet needs bigger support than this, and our growing network of business members is doing its valuable part to increase giving and support on-the-ground outcomes. We're excited to welcome Citizen to our global movement," says Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet.

By contributing 1% of their sales, thousands of 1% for the Planet members have raised over $270 million to support approved environmental nonprofits around the globe. Nonprofits are approved based on referrals, track record and environmental focus. Thousands of nonprofits worldwide are currently approved.

For more information about the Citizen partnership with 1% for the Planet, please visit https://www.citizenwatch.com/us/en/one-percent-for-the-planet/.

About CITIZEN
Citizen, a pioneer in watchmaking and innovation since 1918, promotes excellence and creativity with a deep-rooted respect for craftsmanship. Citizen advocates “Better Starts Now,” searching for and accomplishing goals that cultivate positive change. Driven to create timepieces enjoyed by citizens all over the world, Citizen formed an alliance partnership with Disney in 2018, another powerhouse brand with similar values. With a long-term partnership in place, Citizen participates in activations surrounding the Disney Parks, Marvel, Star Wars and more. Citizen is the Official Timepiece of both Walt Disney World and Disneyland with branded clocks in both theme parks.

For over 40 years, Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology has served as the prime example of how the brand is dedicated to making the world and its environment a better place. A simple yet revolutionary concept, Eco-Drive harnesses the power of light from any natural or artificial light source and converts it into energy, eliminating the need for any battery replacement.

About 1% for the Planet
1% for the Planet is a global organization that exists to ensure our planet and future generations thrive. We inspire businesses and individuals to support environmental nonprofits through membership and everyday actions. We make environmental giving easy and effective through partnership advising, impact storytelling and third-party certification.

Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, our members have given more than $270 million to our approved nonprofit partners to date. Today, 1% for the Planet’s global network consists of thousands of businesses, individuals and environmental nonprofits working toward a better future for all.

Look for our logo to purchase for the planet and learn more at onepercentfortheplanet.org.