As it grows, a sustainability-minded company strives to become ever more transparent in its actions and accepts accountability for its impact on the environment. The most diligent company will implement a team of individuals from within to analyze these systems, identify potential deficits, and look for ways to mitigate them. Here, at Mountain Rose Herbs, our Green Team does just that.
Mountain Rose Herbs has an undeniable commitment to people, plants, and planet. I like to call them the three P’s and describe them as the building blocks of our mission statement. Mountain Rose Herbs has upheld notable certifications and awards within sociological, environmental, and sustainable practices for more than 25 years. Starting back in 1999 when Shawn Donnille (Owner) implemented the first strictly organic policy and moving forward to 2024 where we now hold eight different certificates that prove our dedication to sustainability and equality. MRH is a large and ever-growing company with complex systems. These systems need full awareness and attention so that we can manage and keep these certifications. As the saying goes “It takes a village”, and we would not have nearly the efficiency in our efforts without our Green Team and staff cooperation.
The Green Team is a group of sustainably conscious employees from different departments that work together to promote sustainable practices within the company. They identify and implement specific issues and potential solutions to help the company operate in a more environmentally friendly manner. For example, Green Team members may routinely work with our facilities and recycling crews to help identify potential waste and brainstorm ideas on diversion to keep waste from going to the landfill.
Mountain Rose Herbs is a zero-waste facility. This means that at least 90% of our waste is diverted from the landfill and sent either directly, or through a third party, to be recycled or reused. We are certified by the TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) organization and hold a platinum award for diverting over 94% of our waste. This is where The Green Team thrives and acts as an invaluable asset to the company by helping to maintain this certificate.
Green Team meetings are held once a month to discuss ongoing issues, and sustainability goals for the company. Members from departments come together and present ideas for change, such as better management of resources (electricity, water, gas etc.) or improving existing practices like educating staff on proper bin placement for recyclables.
Whatever the issue (large or small), a Green Team is in place to advocate and ensure the progression of sustainable practices that will help us move forward in the direction of a circular economy. They help companies get away from the linear economic model where profit is more important than preserving precious resources for future generations.
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Topics: Inside Mountain Rose Herbs, 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.
As it grows, a sustainability-minded company strives to become ever more transparent in its actions and accepts accountability for its impact on the environment. The most diligent company will implement a team of individuals from within to analyze these systems, identify potential deficits, and look for ways to mitigate them. Here, at Mountain Rose Herbs, our Green Team does just that.
Mountain Rose Herbs has an undeniable commitment to people, plants, and planet. I like to call them the three P’s and describe them as the building blocks of our mission statement. Mountain Rose Herbs has upheld notable certifications and awards within sociological, environmental, and sustainable practices for more than 25 years. Starting back in 1999 when Shawn Donnille (Owner) implemented the first strictly organic policy and moving forward to 2024 where we now hold eight different certificates that prove our dedication to sustainability and equality. MRH is a large and ever-growing company with complex systems. These systems need full awareness and attention so that we can manage and keep these certifications. As the saying goes “It takes a village”, and we would not have nearly the efficiency in our efforts without our Green Team and staff cooperation.
The Green Team is a group of sustainably conscious employees from different departments that work together to promote sustainable practices within the company. They identify and implement specific issues and potential solutions to help the company operate in a more environmentally friendly manner. For example, Green Team members may routinely work with our facilities and recycling crews to help identify potential waste and brainstorm ideas on diversion to keep waste from going to the landfill.
Mountain Rose Herbs is a zero-waste facility. This means that at least 90% of our waste is diverted from the landfill and sent either directly, or through a third party, to be recycled or reused. We are certified by the TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) organization and hold a platinum award for diverting over 94% of our waste. This is where The Green Team thrives and acts as an invaluable asset to the company by helping to maintain this certificate.
Green Team meetings are held once a month to discuss ongoing issues, and sustainability goals for the company. Members from departments come together and present ideas for change, such as better management of resources (electricity, water, gas etc.) or improving existing practices like educating staff on proper bin placement for recyclables.
Whatever the issue (large or small), a Green Team is in place to advocate and ensure the progression of sustainable practices that will help us move forward in the direction of a circular economy. They help companies get away from the linear economic model where profit is more important than preserving precious resources for future generations.
You may also be interested in:
Topics: Inside Mountain Rose Herbs, 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.
