At Mountain Rose Herbs, our independence allows us to keep corporate social responsibility at the heart of our values. That’s why changing our corporate charter to become an Oregon Benefit Company in 2018 was a natural step for us, formalizing our commitment to making a measurable positive impact on both our employees and our community. Not only did we formalize this change in our legal documents, but under Oregon law we are required to form goals, assess our progress, and report on our activities annually. With accountability at the forefront, we decided to choose B Lab’s rigorous Impact Assessment tool as the third-party standard by which to gauge our impact.I am delighted that in 2023, we earned a score of 113.3 out of 200 points on the B-Lab assessment, a 3.3-point increase from last year’s score and a substantial increase from our baseline year. We now publish our annual Benefit Report in conjunction with our Impact Report, which details how we are creating positive change through ethical business decisions. In our 2023 Benefit Report, we celebrated several milestones that showcase our dedication to creating positive change:
Looking ahead to 2024, we are making a commitment to reduce the impact of our supply chain, shift to more organic and regenerative domestic sources, support sustainable wildharvesting practices, and strengthen our relationships with local farmers. The first step in this process was made right here at the Mountain Rose Herbs headquarters in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. While many have heard of Community Support Agriculture, we are taking it one step closer to home with Company Supported Agriculture.
Mountain Rose Herbs is now offering our employees a 20% discount on CSA shares with Camas Swale Farm, a small family-run organic vegetable farm north of Eugene, Oregon. This allows employees to connect directly with local farmers and the source of their food, receiving weekly shares of fresh, organic produce, to foster a deeper appreciation for seasonal eating while strengthening our relationships with the local farm community.
Participating in our CSA program isn't just about getting fresh produce—it's about embodying our values of sustainability and wellness. By supporting local organic farmers like Camas Swale Farm, we're reducing food miles, supporting organic farming practices, and fostering healthier lifestyles for both our employees and our community. As the Sustainability Specialist at Mountain Rose Herbs, I'm incredibly proud of the strides we're making towards a more sustainable future. From becoming an Oregon Benefit Company to starting our new CSA program, we're demonstrating that businesses can thrive while making a positive impact on society and the environment. We are moving beyond the benefit, where every choice we make goes further than business as usual —it's about creating a world where sustainability and community wellness are at the forefront.
You may also be interested in:
The Mountain Rose Herbs Seed Stewardship Project
Organic Sourcing from the Pacific Northwest
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