On February 13, 1% for the Planet, the world’s largest environmental network, hosted the first Connect the Dots Conference, a virtual and in-person conference that brought together business and nonprofit leaders across the globe for a discussion on climate change. The conference took place locally in the Citrix Headquarters in Goleta, California, with attendees from companies like Patagonia, Klean Kanteen, New Belgium Brewing, and more tuning in remotely from locations all over the world, including Paris, London, Boston, MA, Waitsfield, VT, Boulder, CO and Seattle, WA.

1% for the Planet, in coordination with California partner the Orfalea Foundation, aimed to create a platform where environmental leaders could inspire fellow business executives to create more resilient and sustainable companies. The purpose of the conference was to explore the business risks and opportunities presented by climate change, highlight best sustainable business practices, and connect business leaders with nonprofit organizations that will help them accomplish more together than they can on their own.

Throughout the day, panelists weighed in on important issues the planet faces ranging from food, water, energy, and transportation, providing attendees with actionable takeaways that could be applied to everyday life. Business leaders recommended participants take small, but impactful steps to better the environment, such as saying no to single use plastics or eating local food that tastes better and uses less energy.

“Bringing diverse groups together to solve problems is a big part of what we do,” said Lois Mitchell, president of the Orfalea Foundation. “You might say that ‘connecting the dots’ is our life work, so it’s great to see these businesses gathering to devote talent and resources to environmental issues.”

Rebecca Calahan Klein, director the California network for 1% for the Planet, added, “As a worldwide environmental network, we’re thrilled to bring together business and nonprofit leaders from all around the world for this type of forum. It keeps the conversation of climate change and sustainability front and center, while inspiring new partnerships, best practices, and innovation.”

For more takeaways from the event, please visit http://bit.ly/1gl5RGw .

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