Sweat for the Environment 2025: Powering Change for People and Planet
Written by Shanon Tysland | Founder, CEO at Experience Momentum
The Origin: Building a Business That Gives Back
In 2013, I read a book that fundamentally shifted the way I saw business. Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, cracked something open in me. In it, Chouinard shares the radical idea that business should serve more than just profit—it should serve the planet. His words struck a deep chord: “Without our planet’s health, we’re all out of business.”
Soon after finishing the book, I reached out to join 1% for the Planet—a global collective of businesses committed to donating 1% of annual revenue to vetted environmental nonprofits. Since then, our company, Experience Momentum, has proudly upheld that promise. We're now approaching $500,000 in donations, a small but meaningful contribution to a movement that has raised over $720 million across 110 countries. It’s a reminder that when we each do our part, the collective impact is powerful.
This past weekend, we brought that philosophy to life through our annual Sweat for the Environment event in Lynnwood.
The Event: Where Movement Meets Mission
On Saturday, April 26th, 25 teams of athletes gathered not just to compete, but to contribute—to move their bodies with purpose, and to sweat in support of the planet. The workout was fierce—three events that tested strength, endurance, and teamwork. (And yes, that bike station was truly quad-melting.)
But what made this event more than just another fitness competition was its soul. Teams didn’t just win prizes—they earned the right to direct $9,000 in donations to local environmental nonprofits.
The top three teams in each division selected which 1% for the Planet organization would receive their prize money:
🥇 1st Place: $750
🥈 2nd Place: $500
🥉 3rd Place: $250
And everyone who attended had the opportunity to engage with eight incredible nonprofits, each doing critical work to protect our region and our future:
EarthCorps – Restoring ecosystems and developing the next generation of environmental leaders.
The Service Board – Empowering youth through mentorship, outdoor adventure, and social justice.
Washington’s National Park Fund – Supporting critical projects in Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks.
North Cascades Institute – Connecting people and nature through transformative learning experiences.
Sound Salmon Solutions – Restoring salmon habitat and educating communities about watershed health.
Glacier Peak Institute – Creating equitable access to STEM and nature for youth in rural and underserved communities.
Puget Soundkeeper – Defending and preserving the health of Puget Sound through clean water advocacy and action.
Viva Farms – Supporting beginning farmers and protecting sustainable farmland for future generations.
More than $10,400 was raised and donated to these incredible nonprofits at the event!
The Power of Community: Impact Beyond the Event
What struck me most was the spirit of the people who came.
As one nonprofit shared:
“There was great energy and it was very well coordinated. The community you’ve created at EM is so positive and engaged… it’s rare to see businesses integrate their services with corporate social impact so effectively.”
— Danielle Halstead, Viva Farms
Another wrote:
“I really admire your company for caring about the planet and taking action. This funding will help to save our salmon!”
— Mary Brueggeman, Sound Salmon Solutions
A Personal Moment: Borrowing from Our Children
At 6am that morning, my teenage daughter got up to help me prep for the event. She asked, “Dad, what is this about?” I got to share with her not just the logistics, but the why—why we do this, why it matters, and how small actions can ripple into something much bigger. She was all in. Helping set up, organizing stations, connecting with the nonprofits. It was one of those quiet, beautiful moments of parenting—watching your child step into a new world and feel something spark.
It reminded me of a sentiment commonly attributed to Native American teachings:
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”
In those early hours, as I stood next to my daughter under the rising sun, I felt immense gratitude—for her, for this community, and for the opportunity to model something that matters.The Time to Act is Now
Our environment cannot wait. We must take action to preserve the lands, waters, and ecosystems that make our world livable—not just for us, but for future generations. We can make a difference. I know we can, because I’ve seen it happen before.
Looking Forward: What's Next
At Experience Momentum, we are working to better connect the dots between the health of our bodies and the health of our planet. If you have ideas or want to get involved, we’d love to hear from you.
To all the athletes who showed up, pushed your limits, and gave your energy and heart—thank you. You’re helping redefine what’s possible, not just for yourselves, but for the world we all share.
Let’s keep moving with purpose. Let’s keep sweating for something bigger.
We hope you will join us at our next event!