People often struggle to understand what “organic” means, and consumer research has revealed that many are not familiar with the regulatory and enforcement processes that uphold the organic seal. In response to this, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has come up with four easy-to-understand pillars that make up the USDA organic label. Each pillar highlights a key component of the National Organic Program's (NOP) process for developing and enforcing organic regulations.

Tending an herb garden offers the herbalist a wealth of benefits. It offers a diverse selection of plants to work with and offers peace of mind of knowing our herbs are grown locally and with our love and attention. It also gives us the opportunity to explore and discover the life cycles of the plants in our care, which not only can deepen our relationship with our herbal allies, but also offers the opportunity to harvest and save their seeds.

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Tilth Alliance community garden and classroom in Seattle. This visit was more than just a work trip — it was a chance to deepen our roots in Washington, expand our reach, and build lasting connections with a community that shares our passion for sustainable and regenerative agriculture.

In the picturesque mountains of Skagit Valley, Washington, I had the opportunity to attend the inaugural Field Day of the Pacific Northwest Organic Center (formally Cascadian Farm) organized by the Rodale Institute. This event brought together a community of researchers, farmers, students, and educators—all united by a shared passion for organic agriculture. The Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit researching and sharing regenerative organic farming practices that restore soil health, fight climate change, and fix the food system.

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Oshala Farm for their annual Herb Camp – a weekend brimming with educational workshops, nourishing food, and remote camping in the lush Applegate Valley of Southern Oregon. This beautiful event united plant lovers from all walks of life to delve deeper into herbalism and farming, spark inspiration, and engage in hands-on experiences with the plants. As the sun reached its peak, we gathered beneath an ancient and weathered oak tree for a powerful opening circle, where we honored the Indigenous peoples of this land, and we were reminded of the need to listen to the earth's stories and its age-old wisdom.

Nature is a powerful ally when it comes to our health and wellness. She is a vibrant living entity deserving of our respect and protection. That's why we're proud to partner with Cascadia Wildlands, an active force among environmental conservation nonprofits working to protect wild ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest. Together, we share a vision of restored old-growth forests, rivers full of wild salmon, flourishing wolf populations, and communities enriched by biodiversity and sustainable practices within the Cascadian bioregion. 

At Mountain Rose Herbs, we recognize the essential role of considering the human experience at every level of our business. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is more than just words. We understand the importance of supporting underrepresented communities and are proactively building strong partnerships with those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).

At Mountain Rose Herbs, we believe that nurturing our community and environment go hand in hand. This philosophy is at the heart of our partnerships with local nonprofit organizations who align with our values in land stewardship and environmental justice. One of those partners is Beyond Toxics, an Oregon-based key player dedicated to building a community-driven environmental justice movement in Oregon. Beyond Toxics empowers communities affected by pollution and climate change by working to protect our precious pollinators, restore native plants, and foster a healthier, more sustainable world.

At Mountain Rose Herbs, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond the products we provide. It extends to fostering a deep connection with our community and the environment through our employee volunteer program. This unique initiative offers each of our team members 24 paid hours annually to volunteer at local nonprofit organizations, enabling us to make a meaningful impact while fostering a culture of giving and teamwork.

Spring is in full bloom, and there’s no better time to tune up your bike, tighten your laces, or get your bus pass than in May – because May is bike Month! Here in Eugene, your vibrant city comes alive with the spirit of cycling, thanks to the fantastic efforts of the City of Eugene Transportation and their regional partners. From free rides to exciting events, and engaging classes, Bike Month is a celebration of all things cycling, designed to showcase the many benefits of biking and to encourage everyone to join in the fun.

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.