Organics is not a new concept—it's how humanity sustained itself for millennia. There was a time when we didn't question whether our food was laced with chemicals or genetically altered, yet here we are, living in an era where "organic" has become a movement rather than the norm.
From the dawn of agriculture, humans have modified crops through selective breeding. But what we're dealing with today is not the same. Modern transgenics are entirely different beasts designed to withstand chemical bombardment or produce toxins that kill pests. But at what cost? Our soil, water, health, and ecosystems are paying the price, and study after study reveals the long-term harm caused by these practices. Isn't it time we reconsider what we're putting into our bodies and our planet?
In 1999, Owner of Mountain Rose Herbs, Shawn Donnille, adopted a strict organic purchasing policy, long before it was a trend. He firmly believed that distributing herbal medicine tainted with harmful chemicals defeated its purpose. How can something meant to heal and nourish be contaminated with poisons? Think about it: we wash our fruits and vegetables, believing it makes them safe, but how do you wash away what's embedded deep within? That's the reality of conventional agriculture, where the problem isn't just skin deep—it's systemic.
When you choose organic, you're not just buying something—you're making a statement, saying no to soil degradation, water pollution, and the chemical saturation of our planet. You're rejecting a food system that prioritizes convenience and profit over the earth's and its inhabitants' health and the survival of endangered species like the Whooping Crane or the Karner Blue Butterfly. The Environmental Protection Agency reported in 2023 that three of the most widely used insecticides are pushing over 200 endangered species closer to extinction. This isn't just an environmental issue—it's a human one, and we are all connected to this web of life unraveling in front of us.
But we can change the course.
At Mountain Rose Herbs, we're not just talking about organic—we're living it. Our strict organic purchasing policy ensures that every product we offer is free of pesticides and chemicals.
We believe organic farming is the solution—not just for individual health but for the health and well-being of our planet, and that is why we will always support initiatives promoting organic agriculture and ensuring our customers receive the highest-quality, pesticide-free products.
Choosing organic isn't just a purchase—it's a commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference.
You may also be interested in:
Topics: Our Farms, Sustainability
Joseph Schneiderhan is the Sustainability Specialist for Mountain Rose Herbs. He grew up in southern Texas spending much of his childhood on ranches and farms where agriculture and livestock were a cornerstone in his upbringing. At 18 he got his first start in farming by helping to establish a 10-acre hydroponic farm that grew lettuce, basil, and microgreens for local restaurants and grocery stores. He moved to Eugene Oregon in 2007 where he managed a garden store and began to gain an appreciation for organic and sustainable farming practices. He studied agricultural science at OSU with a focus on sustainability and permaculture, and in his off time, you’ll find him in the forest foraging for mushrooms and wild herbs, or in the ocean surfing with his family.
Organics is not a new concept—it's how humanity sustained itself for millennia. There was a time when we didn't question whether our food was laced with chemicals or genetically altered, yet here we are, living in an era where "organic" has become a movement rather than the norm.
From the dawn of agriculture, humans have modified crops through selective breeding. But what we're dealing with today is not the same. Modern transgenics are entirely different beasts designed to withstand chemical bombardment or produce toxins that kill pests. But at what cost? Our soil, water, health, and ecosystems are paying the price, and study after study reveals the long-term harm caused by these practices. Isn't it time we reconsider what we're putting into our bodies and our planet?
In 1999, Owner of Mountain Rose Herbs, Shawn Donnille, adopted a strict organic purchasing policy, long before it was a trend. He firmly believed that distributing herbal medicine tainted with harmful chemicals defeated its purpose. How can something meant to heal and nourish be contaminated with poisons? Think about it: we wash our fruits and vegetables, believing it makes them safe, but how do you wash away what's embedded deep within? That's the reality of conventional agriculture, where the problem isn't just skin deep—it's systemic.
When you choose organic, you're not just buying something—you're making a statement, saying no to soil degradation, water pollution, and the chemical saturation of our planet. You're rejecting a food system that prioritizes convenience and profit over the earth's and its inhabitants' health and the survival of endangered species like the Whooping Crane or the Karner Blue Butterfly. The Environmental Protection Agency reported in 2023 that three of the most widely used insecticides are pushing over 200 endangered species closer to extinction. This isn't just an environmental issue—it's a human one, and we are all connected to this web of life unraveling in front of us.
But we can change the course.
At Mountain Rose Herbs, we're not just talking about organic—we're living it. Our strict organic purchasing policy ensures that every product we offer is free of pesticides and chemicals.
We believe organic farming is the solution—not just for individual health but for the health and well-being of our planet, and that is why we will always support initiatives promoting organic agriculture and ensuring our customers receive the highest-quality, pesticide-free products.
Choosing organic isn't just a purchase—it's a commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference.
You may also be interested in:
Topics: Our Farms, Sustainability
Joseph Schneiderhan is the Sustainability Specialist for Mountain Rose Herbs. He grew up in southern Texas spending much of his childhood on ranches and farms where agriculture and livestock were a cornerstone in his upbringing. At 18 he got his first start in farming by helping to establish a 10-acre hydroponic farm that grew lettuce, basil, and microgreens for local restaurants and grocery stores. He moved to Eugene Oregon in 2007 where he managed a garden store and began to gain an appreciation for organic and sustainable farming practices. He studied agricultural science at OSU with a focus on sustainability and permaculture, and in his off time, you’ll find him in the forest foraging for mushrooms and wild herbs, or in the ocean surfing with his family.
