The total tax burden in Bulgaria is 44%. This is the percentage of the gross salary that the state withholds from us as taxes and social security contributions. This means that until the end of May – beginning of June each year we work only for the state administration.

And how much percentage of your income do you dedicate to the Earth? The Public Center for Environment and Sustainable Development (PECSD) challenges you – “Donate 1% for the Earth!”. Join the global movement that designates April as Earth Month — an initiative championed by the international organization 1% for the Planet. We did it. Support us by donating to our causes in 1% for the Planet!

One month. One message. One common cause.

Every year around April 22nd — Earth Day — a billion people around the world turn their attention to the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. But for 1% for the Planet and its partners, one day is not enough. The entire month of April is a call to action, commitment, and concrete steps toward a more sustainable world.

PECSD shares this philosophy. Since its founding in 1995 by student environmentalists at the Technical University of Varna, the organization has steadfastly upheld the principle that environmental protection must become a personal commitment for every citizen. It has implemented over 100 environmental projects and initiatives, saved more than 20,000 trees from being cut down, organized eco-camps, beach cleanups, and campaigns reaching hundreds of thousands of people.

Standing in solidarity with 1% for the Planet during Earth Month is a natural extension of this mission.

What is 1% for the Planet?

Founded in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard—the founder of Patagonia—the organization is built on a simple yet powerful idea: companies profit from the planet, and therefore have a responsibility to protect it. Network members commit to donating at least 1% of their annual revenue to environmental causes.

Today, the network unites over 12,000 businesses and individual members worldwide. Since its inception, the movement has directed more than $728 million to environmental organizations and projects across four key focus areas: ecosystem conservation and restoration, rights of nature, equitable economies, and resilient communities.

How to support PECSD through the 1% for the Planet platform

PECSD is an approved partner of 1% for the Planet, which means that businesses and individuals can direct their donations directly to the organization through the movement’s global platform.

For companies: If you run a business and want to become a member of 1% for the Planet, you can choose PECSD as your environmental organization partner. Membership guarantees that 1% of your income will be directed towards specific field work — in Bulgaria, in our region, for the nature we know. Beyond direct financial participation, companies receive a certification that showcases their public commitment to the initiative to both customers and partners.

For Individuals: Individual donors can support PECSD through the 1% for the Planet platform as monthly contributors. Every donation is verified and goes directly to approved environmental organizations—with no intermediaries and full transparency.

For more information on membership and donations, visit: onepercentfortheplanet.org.

What happens with your support?

The funds directed toward PECSD support real initiatives such as:

  1. “Leaf by Leaf” — a campaign for separate paper collection that has already saved thousands of trees and is building a virtual forest from recycled material;
  2. Eco the camps in Ezerets — annual educational camps for youth near the wetlands of the Northern Black Sea Coast;
  3. Conservation of protected areas – work on the wetlands around the Durankula and Ezerets lakes, the Yatata protected area and the coastal ecosystems of Varna region;
  4. Citizen campaigns — beach clean-up actions, educational initiatives in schools and advocacy against air, water and soil pollution.

Earth Month starts with you

Find your cause and dedicate time to it. That is how things change”—with these words, PECSD founder Iliyan Iliev summarizes the essence of the organization’s 30-year road.

This April, PECSD and 1% for the Planet invite you to turn this thought into action. Whether you are an individual, a small business, or a large corporation—there is a way to participate. The planet is not waiting.