When it comes to waste, we know the basics: reduce, reuse, recycle. But the real question is, how do we transition from these fundamentals to a truly circular system? As the Sustainability Specialist at Mountain Rose Herbs, I am deeply committed to advancing our Zero Waste Program. This means that from the office to the warehouse to the production floor, we collect and sort every piece of discarded material that would normally end up in the landfill. Along with being the first company in Oregon to be certified, achieving the highest TRUE Zero Waste certification level (Platinum) was a significant milestone in 2016, and we have maintained this standard ever since. But even as we reach this goal year after year, our dedication to waste reduction continues to grow.
To stay on the cutting edge of sustainability initiatives, I recently had the opportunity to attend the WasteExpo, North America's premier tradeshow focused on solid waste, recycling, organics, food waste recovery, and sustainability. This event offered a wide range of thought-provoking presentations and engaging discussions on a variety of critical topics such as recycling initiatives, organic composting, sustainable packaging, zero-waste programs, company culture, and the ambitious goal of achieving a circular economy. It’s apparent that for real solutions to actually work, collaborations with multiple players are key.
That’s why we partnered with One Step Closer (OSC), a network of leaders in the natural products space who share common values and goals. OSC provides a collaborative platform where members support each other in fostering innovative ideas and a shared sense of purpose. Mountain Rose Herbs is thrilled to be one of the key sponsors of the OSC Pack Pact, a select group within the Packaging Collaborative pushing the natural products industry to make real, meaningful change. This year, we are excited to begin the process of examining life cycles from production to disposal, making informed decisions that move us closer to a circular economy.
The journey towards a circular economy requires a cultural shift. We must change the way we perceive and handle waste, both individually and collectively. The insights and connections gained at WasteExpo reinforce the idea that collaboration and shared goals are vital. Through our Zero Waste Program and initiatives like the OSC Pack Pact, we are not just reducing waste, we are reshaping our industry's approach to sustainability. As we continue on this path, we hope to inspire you to join us in creating a future where waste is no longer a problem. Together, we can make a difference and turn the tide on trash – from zero waste to a circular economy.
You may also be interested in:
The Mountain Rose Herbs Seed Stewardship Project
Organic Sourcing from the Pacific Northwest
Benefit and Beyond: Company-Supported Agriculture
Topics: Inside Mountain Rose Herbs, Sustainability
Ashley Bonn is the Sustainability Communications Specialist for Mountain Rose Herbs. She is deeply passionate about social and ecological justice and has several years of experience in community building. Her sustainability journey began after completing an International Business program and studying abroad in South America, where she became inspired to learn more about equitable practices for regenerative living. In 2016, Ashley moved to Portland, Oregon where she completed a Master’s Degree in Sustainability Leadership and worked for several nonprofit organizations. After living in Portland for seven years, she left the busy city and moved to Eugene to deepen her connection with the land. Ashley enjoys hiking, snowboarding, exploring new places, and seeing live music in her free time.
When it comes to waste, we know the basics: reduce, reuse, recycle. But the real question is, how do we transition from these fundamentals to a truly circular system? As the Sustainability Specialist at Mountain Rose Herbs, I am deeply committed to advancing our Zero Waste Program. This means that from the office to the warehouse to the production floor, we collect and sort every piece of discarded material that would normally end up in the landfill. Along with being the first company in Oregon to be certified, achieving the highest TRUE Zero Waste certification level (Platinum) was a significant milestone in 2016, and we have maintained this standard ever since. But even as we reach this goal year after year, our dedication to waste reduction continues to grow.
To stay on the cutting edge of sustainability initiatives, I recently had the opportunity to attend the WasteExpo, North America's premier tradeshow focused on solid waste, recycling, organics, food waste recovery, and sustainability. This event offered a wide range of thought-provoking presentations and engaging discussions on a variety of critical topics such as recycling initiatives, organic composting, sustainable packaging, zero-waste programs, company culture, and the ambitious goal of achieving a circular economy. It’s apparent that for real solutions to actually work, collaborations with multiple players are key.
That’s why we partnered with One Step Closer (OSC), a network of leaders in the natural products space who share common values and goals. OSC provides a collaborative platform where members support each other in fostering innovative ideas and a shared sense of purpose. Mountain Rose Herbs is thrilled to be one of the key sponsors of the OSC Pack Pact, a select group within the Packaging Collaborative pushing the natural products industry to make real, meaningful change. This year, we are excited to begin the process of examining life cycles from production to disposal, making informed decisions that move us closer to a circular economy.
The journey towards a circular economy requires a cultural shift. We must change the way we perceive and handle waste, both individually and collectively. The insights and connections gained at WasteExpo reinforce the idea that collaboration and shared goals are vital. Through our Zero Waste Program and initiatives like the OSC Pack Pact, we are not just reducing waste, we are reshaping our industry's approach to sustainability. As we continue on this path, we hope to inspire you to join us in creating a future where waste is no longer a problem. Together, we can make a difference and turn the tide on trash – from zero waste to a circular economy.
You may also be interested in:
The Mountain Rose Herbs Seed Stewardship Project
Organic Sourcing from the Pacific Northwest
Benefit and Beyond: Company-Supported Agriculture
Topics: Inside Mountain Rose Herbs, Sustainability
Ashley Bonn is the Sustainability Communications Specialist for Mountain Rose Herbs. She is deeply passionate about social and ecological justice and has several years of experience in community building. Her sustainability journey began after completing an International Business program and studying abroad in South America, where she became inspired to learn more about equitable practices for regenerative living. In 2016, Ashley moved to Portland, Oregon where she completed a Master’s Degree in Sustainability Leadership and worked for several nonprofit organizations. After living in Portland for seven years, she left the busy city and moved to Eugene to deepen her connection with the land. Ashley enjoys hiking, snowboarding, exploring new places, and seeing live music in her free time.
