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.

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.

As the springtime sun begins to shine through the clouds and blossom-speckled botanicals make their annual debut, there is no better time of year to celebrate the profoundly magical flora that surrounds us. Each year, the first Saturday of May we celebrate Herb Day. This holiday is an opportunity to bring together herbalists, environmentalists, and plant enthusiasts alike for a day of honoring our planet’s beloved botanicals. Throughout existence, plants have served as a lifeline of oxygen, energy, food, and medicine that play a crucial role in the future and longevity of Earth’s living creatures. For thousands of years, plants have been utilized around the globe as an integral healing resource that has shaped the world of herbal wellness we know today.

We are thrilled to launch the very first Mountain Rose Restoration Project of the year, and what better day than Earth Day? On Monday, April 22nd, we partnered with Friends of Trees, a local nonprofit organization, to coordinate the largest Mountain Rose Restoration Project, yet!

This year for Earth Day, Mountain Rose Herbs is joining Earth Day Oregon, a coalition of local nonprofit organizations and businesses dedicated to celebrating Earth Day, protecting the environment, and making a positive impact in our communities. Throughout the month of April, Earth Day Oregon serves as a central hub, gathering and showcasing a diverse array of events hosted by nonprofits and businesses across the state. From tree plantings and river cleanups to educational workshops and sustainability fairs, we are thrilled to be part of the Earth Day movement, bringing together so many incredible community members!

Last week, I attended the Bioneers Conference in Berkeley, California, an annual gathering that brings together innovators and thought leaders to explore solutions for social and environmental challenges. The conference featured a diverse range of speakers, workshops, and presentations on topics such as sustainability, social justice, climate change, regenerative agriculture, and Indigenous knowledge.

As the Sustainability Specialist for Mountain Rose Herbs, I am proud to work for an independently-owned company committed to doing better, every day. Liberated from the pressure to cater to financial shareholders, we can join forces with like-minded companies and organizations and work collaboratively on sustainable solutions. An organization leading this initiative is One Step Closer (OSC), a coalition of visionary CEOs committed to advancing sustainable practices in food, agriculture, and the environment. Our own CEO, Cameron Stearns, had the honor of being accepted into the OSC ranks, joining the Packaging Collaborative as well as the J.E.D.I. Collaborative (Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion).

In a world where every action leaves a mark, the question isn't whether we make an impact but rather how we make an impact. Enter the realm of “impact reports”— a transparent lens where companies provide a comprehensive overview of their operations, initiatives, and contributions. It's not just about the triple bottom line — it's about revealing the full scope of their footprint. This transparency helps bridge the gap between intention and action, ensuring companies build strong relationships by following through with commitments to responsible business practices.

Nowadays, we are all aware of the term “organic,” but what does that really mean in the world of agriculture? Last week, I had the opportunity to attend a film screening of “Organic Rising,” the first feature-length documentary to demystify organic agriculture for the consumer. This event was organized by several Oregon nonprofits, followed by a panel discussion with the film director. I am excited to share groundbreaking insights and community reflections with you.