If you’re at all familiar with Mountain Rose Herbs, chances are you’ve heard us proudly shout from the rooftops that sustainability is always on the brain here. The idea that all life can harmoniously co-exist alongside our planet—absent of imbalance between what is taken and what is provided—is a concept woven deeply into our company’s seams. Whether that be our commitment to organic agriculture, fair trade relationships, zero-waste innovation, plant and river conservation, or community support, we truly keep sustainability at the forefront of our minds.
When you glance at the larger picture of sustainability, it quickly becomes apparent that the goal of harmonious coexistence with our environment would not be sustainable without also pursuing wellness for the communities that play a key role in preserving our planet. The spaces we inhabit are crucial to our wellbeing; after all, how can we expect to care for our earth when we don’t start with our own wellness?
The interconnectedness of sustainability and wellness has roots within Mountain Rose Herbs' company culture that dates back to our beginnings. Whether you’re looking at our alternative commute incentives, paid volunteer time, the EarthShare Giving Back Program, or our annual employee Wellness Fair, we’re always seeking opportunities to encourage our staff members to prioritize their personal wellbeing with the intention of creating the foundation for environmental stewardship.
Since my beginnings at Mountain Rose Herbs, I have proudly taken on the role of coordinating the Wellness Fair for 2022 and 2023. The purpose of holding our Wellness Fair is to not only encourage and provide resources to assist Mountain Rose Herbs employees with self-betterment but also to continue growing our staff-community by offering the opportunity to get to know team members from departments outside of their own. After two years of planning this employee-wellness-oriented event, I feel like a seasoned professional in what it takes to construct a satisfying, joyful, and sustainable workplace.
We held our most recent Wellness Fair in September of this year, and it was truly one for the books. I don’t think I'll soon forget the sense of accomplishment and relief I felt as I walked around (more like my usual chaotic speed-jog my coworkers are all too familiar with), watching so many smiling faces and engaging conversations taking place. We had many wonderful organizations collaborate with us for this event including Cascades Raptor Center, Friends of Trees, About Touch, Kona Ice, Roehl & Yi, and HUB International.
As well as offering wellness-oriented services and a space for our team to get to know one another, the Wellness Fair wouldn’t be complete without the most important element, FUN! This year we were thrilled to offer free massages, catered lunch and drinks, yard games, and my personal favorite, tricycle obstacle course races! From the moment our team arrived at the event to the time everyone departed, there were plenty of opportunities to have a blast at this year’s fair.
Reflecting on the connections between sustainability and wellness while writing this article has reminded me that our peace of mind hinges on the individual and collective actions we take to protect our world. To put it simply, there is no sustainability without wellness, and there is no wellness without sustainability.
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