Mountain Rose Herbs is known for an uncompromising commitment to organic agriculture and a steadfast focus on the pure aesthetics and freshness of botanical products. The company has always taken a formidable and unyielding stand when it comes to the protection and sustainability of our natural world and the delicate systems which balance all life. Not only does Mountain Rose Herbs lead the industry in environmental stewardship, we also adhere to strict principles and protocols that ensure fair treatment and compensation for the people involved with the production of our products, both domestically and overseas.
The company has roots reaching back to 1987 when Rosemary Gladstar created a small herb business to provide supplies needed by her students at the California School of Herbal Studies. This mail order venture was later purchased by one of Rosemary's students, thus laying the groundwork for Mountain Rose Herbs.
During this time, Julie Bailey was an active member of the local Southern Humboldt herbal community, teaching classes and leading plant walks. By early 1991, she purchased the small herb operation from friend Rose Madrone and began to build the foundation for what Mountain Rose Herbs would become. Julie Bailey was committed to creating an ethical business with friendly service and quality herbs so people would have access to the raw materials needed to make their own herbal medicines and body care preparations. Her passion and commitment came from a lifelong love for the healing power of plants, and her dedication and enduring respect for the beauty, balance, and diversity of the natural world.
Over the next eight years, Mountain Rose Herbs introduced a larger variety of organic herbs, teas, essential oils, and bulk ingredients to the catalog, which were sold to herbalists, students, and stores alike. In 1995, with the increasing popularity of herbs and the irresponsible harvesting of wild plants, Mountain Rose Herbs adopted rigorous guidelines for wild harvesters to further protect threatened stands of wild plants.
In the late 90's, Mountain Rose Herbs moved out of the Southern Humboldt community to a small rural mountain town near North San Juan. While still home based, the business spread to every room in the house, several outbuildings, and a large garage. Faced with changing legislation in the herbal industry, increased media coverage of herbal medicine, and the need to "step up" from the home business model, Julie realized that she needed help to manage the quickly growing company.
To balance the weight of the blossoming business, Julie promoted employee Shawn Donnille, a young activist within the environmentalism movement, to management in 1999. This was the precursor to a revolutionary change at Mountain Rose Herbs. Within just a few years, Shawn implemented a policy to permanently phase out all conventionally produced botanicals carried by the company. This strict "organic only" policy was the first time a company in the herbal industry had pledged an uncompromising commitment to organic agriculture. Shawn also created bold ad campaigns with support for organics as the core message. These campaigns, while sometimes controversial, have been wildly successful in encouraging visibility and spurring awareness of the organic movement.
Shawn's passion for organic agriculture and his belief in fostering long lasting relationships with farmers and vendors provided a unique opportunity for Mountain Rose Herbs to adjust to the sweeping changes in the market, while staying staunchly committed to the original principles and ethics which have always been at the foundation of the company.
By 2001, Mountain Rose Herbs had finally outgrown its home base. Julie and Shawn become partners in the business and moved the operation to Oregon, which is where most of the farms, wild harvesters, and processors are located. The new facility in rural Pleasant Hill allowed them to become a certified organic processor with a full time laboratory and quality control department. The talented and hard-working staff who started as order fillers and customer service representatives stepped up to management positions as the company grew to 40 people – though the company now employs 70! Shawn and Julie took full advantage of this new found success by financially and logistically supporting numerous herbal conferences, non-profit organizations, social and environmental campaigns, while also pioneering sustainable business practices within the industry.
In 2004, Mountain Rose Herbs became the first distributer of medicinal herbs to offer fair trade certified products. In addition, Shawn reached out to organic farmers, who have historically struggled to make an equitable profit for their labor, and opened negotiations from the farmer's asking price. Through these face-to-face meetings, where the farmer's needs are addressed, Shawn creates partnerships rather than business deals. He also extends forward contracts that pay organic farmers 50% in advance and the rest upon delivery of the harvest.
Mountain Rose Herbs incorporates the passion for organics into every fiber and thread of our operational foundation. Currently, the company offers one of the most thorough selections of certified organic herbs, spices and botanicals today. Contrary to other companies who will supply both an organic and conventional variety, organics remain the first and only choice here at Mountain Rose Herbs, regardless of price or profit.
Organics
We will never stock a non-organic item if an organic one is available, nor will we offer our customers material which has been conventionally grown using synthetic substances. In the event that certified organic material is not available, we opt for material which was cultivated without chemicals or harvested in the wild, thus liberating ourselves from commercial farming dependencies. All of these materials have been meticulously analyzed in the lab for both chemical and pesticide residues.
Our Sources
One deciding factor in the products you see throughout our catalog is respect for workers and reverence for the environment, and this applies to farms domestically and overseas. Mountain Rose Herbs will only negotiate with farmers who are certified organic through a USDA accredited certification agency, and they must have clear and transparent working conditions in place. Our primary source of herbal material is from certified organic American farms and many of these farms are on contract with us as an exclusive grower for our needs. When material is not available here in the U.S. we will negotiate with organic farmers in foreign nations who we have developed lasting, trusting relationships with.
We have a strict policy that guarantees workers a fair market value for the goods they produce and each vendor we choose to do business with must sign a thorough affidavit which guarantees fair wages for all of the people involved with the production of the materials we buy, along with a guarantee that safe and clean working conditions are in place.
We have gone above and beyond Fair Trade with the creation of our own program called "Good Trade" which we feel more fully protects the growers and harvesters financial interests. While Fair Trade programs are beneficial and important, they only allocate a certain percentage of the transaction to those involved with the production of goods, and this is done without direct negotiating rights being exercised by the growers, and the premiums added to the products they offer are strictly determined by the markets. What we have developed in our Good Trade Program is a business model where the growers get full negotiation rights for the products they grow, and they in turn dictate what prices Mountain Rose Herbs shall pay for goods, and not the other way around. When the growers set the price, we can all be assured that farming families and workers receive the financial security they feel is necessary to continue their agricultural heritage that we all rely upon for our very survival.
We have established great relationships with the farmers that we work with that go beyond a traditional business relationship. This is obvious in a letter dated Jan 23, 2009 from Martha Jane Hylton of Trout Lake Farm, one of the farms that Mountain Rose Herbs works closely with:
"The mutually admirable customer/vendor relationship between Trout Lake Farm and Mountain Rose dates back nearly twenty years, and leads me to attest to their dedication to the principles of organic production and sustainable agriculture…Inspirational in their enthusiasm and commitment to organics, they are truly a leadership model for individuals and businesses. They deserve recognition."
Fair Trade Protection
Mountain Rose Herbs became the first U.S. supplier of Fair Trade Certified medicinal herbs and we will continue to pursue our commitment to transparent and fair exchanges between growers and ourselves through the Transfair program. (see enclosed Press Release)
In addition to this we offer an enormous selection of Fair Trade teas thus securing a portion of the sale to agricultural communities that have been traditionally exploited for generations.
Charitable Giving
One of the finest expressions for all of us at Mountain Rose Herbs is the ability to extend our sincere support to the numerous organizations and individuals who all share a reverence for the world we live in, and we do this by allocating an average of $55,000.00 dollars each year for charitable giving, sponsorships, community functions, conservation work, and plant related projects.
In addition to financial support, we also assist non-profit organizations with public outreach. Recent campaigns have included inserting postcards into orders for the Cascadia Wildlands Project while also featuring the organization in our e-newsletter which is e-mailed to over 27,000 subscribers. We are planning on doing the same for Pesticide Action Network over the next several months, and have also inserted postcards into orders for the Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides numerous times in the past. These organizations deeply appreciate the added exposure and have reported record numbers of responses as a result. Here is an excerpt from a recent e-mail dated February 24, 2009 from Kate Ritley, Executive Director of Cascadia Wildlands Project:
"The postcards have been POURING IN! We get 3-4 per day, which for us is awesome! Our newsletter just went to print, so people who have signed up will be receiving the latest edition soon. This is an incredible opportunity to build visibility and awareness about Northwest ecosystems– thank you for helping in such a significant way!"
We are especially proud of the fact that we currently maintain the position as the largest donor of this kind in the organic herbal products industry, and we are hopeful that our current annual allocation will increase with each successive year.
Sustainable Recognition and Green Business Awards
Our environmental and sustainability initiatives are so thorough that we have been recognized and awarded by both our industry and community. These include:
- Mountain Rose Herbs was the recipient of the 2008 Co-Op America People's Choice for Green Business of the Year Award. Co-Op America identifies businesses that are committed to social and environmental responsibility, and only businesses that have passed Co-op America's screening process are eligible. We were humbled to receive this award because it meant that thousands of people worldwide voted for Mountain Rose Herbs to win. Each year one business is selected by the public as the Green Business of the Year and Todd Larsen the Co-op America Corporate Responsibility Programs Director recently was quoted as saying: "We're pleased to announce that green consumers awarded the prize this year to Mountain Rose Herbs, which is focused on maintaining eco-friendly practices not only in their production but also in their shipping and office operations. Their green and sustainable practices are truly a model for other companies." (see enclosed Press Release). We also received many heartwarming e-mails after receiving the award, here are some of the comments that we received:
"If I was moving to Eugene I would be sleeping on your doorstep until you gave me a job because I really want to work with your company! Wishing all of you the very best, and thank you again for the way you do business with the greater good of the earth and human family at heart."
"I am a long-term customer and have valued your commitment to the planet as well as your customers. Way to go!"
"I have been buying products from you for over 15 years, and you are an inspiration to me."
"Personally, I had no doubt you would win as only the best of the best can win awards and Mountain Rose Herbs is certainly the BEST."
"You have been my favorite 'green' business for almost 15 years!!!"
"Thank you for setting the bar for what 'Green' should mean!"
- Mayor Kitty Piercy of Eugene honored us with the city's prestigious "Bold Steps Towards Sustainability Award". To be recognized with the award, Mountain Rose herbs had to answer numerous questions and enforce new policies towards ecological business practices.
- Mountain Rose Herbs was recognized as the business of the year in 2008 by Mt. Pisgah Arboretum. Mount Pisgah Arboretum is a non-profit organization dedicated to a mission of maintaining Pacific Northwest plant communities, offering environmental education programs for all ages, and providing facilities for the public enjoyment of its carefully restored and maintained site.
- And many more from non-profits, county agencies, and trade groups.
Our Catalogs and Printed Materials
We restrict the mailing of our catalogs twice a year and only to those that request them or customers within a 9 month period. We do not superfluously or needlessly distribute thousands of catalogs to every person we feel might be interested in our products, thus preventing them from being thrown away. Our current retail catalog is 76 pages and the non-glossy interior pages were manufactured on 100% recycled stock and the glossy pages were manufactured on 50% recycled stock. Our 32 page wholesale catalog and all of our brochures and postcards are printed on 100 recycled paper including 100% post-consumer waste The printing is done with soybean-based inks, and absolutely no petroleum or solvent-based solutions were used in the production of our catalog. It's so clean it can even be composted! We also source our paper from the Pacific Northwest, which allows us to cut down on fossil fuel use from transportation while supporting the local economy.
Using Recycled and Non-Toxic Materials
All invoices, flyers, and other paper materials printed for our customers by Mountain Rose Herbs is done on 100% post consumer waste material. We will never utilize nor purport the use of virgin paper materials in anything we print within our business. All of the office supplies we use within the entire company are made from recycled, tree free, or chemical free sources. A short sampling includes push pins, coffee coasters, plastic file organizers, pens and paper clips which are made from post-consumer recycled material, all CD's, discs, and computer supplies are from salvaged or recycled sources, and all of our folders, binders, clip boards, scissors, and other paper and plastic materials are purchased from green companies specializing in post consumer recycled materials.
Our Shipping Materials
Our packaging material is tediously screened by other green businesses who work within the same paradigm as Mountain Rose Herbs. We use recycled post-consumer newsprint to cushion your order, our boxes used for shipping your orders are made from 100% post-consumer corrugation material, and the plastic bubble wrap we use for breakables and glass is manufactured from 25% recycled post-consumer plastic. The paper used for inserts, invoices, brochures, etc is always made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper, and the peanuts which are occasionally used in our parcels are salvaged and cleaned from other companies and individuals.
Chemical Free Facility
Mountain Rose Herbs does not use, nor allow within its facility, chemical cleaning agents, bleaches, synthetic and chemical based soaps, ammonia, chlorine, dioxide, commercial pest repellents, fumigants, or other synthetic agents which are harmful to ourselves and the environment. Pest management practices include the use of sonic repellers, pheromone traps, and the vigilant application of both diatomaceous earth and pyrethrum powder. We do not fumigate nor do we use chemical killing agents. All cleaning products used within our facilities are 100% natural, bio-degradable and are approved for use within certified organic facilities. The primary industrial cleaning agents are ordered in bulk from the Bio-Kleen Corporation, with the exception of Grapefruit Seed extract mixed with Lemon Essential oil and Baking Soda as a general cleanser. The production and processing centers within our warehouse use Peracetic Acid as a sanitizer and industrial cleaning agent. Peracetic Acid is a concentrated form of Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar, is completely biodegradable, and it is approved by the EPA.
Zero Waste Company
Mountain Rose Herbs is a successful "Zero Waste" company where any perceived materials which might be regarded as waste are either recycled, re-used, composted, reclaimed, or brought back into the production cycle. When Mountain Rose Herbs adopted a Zero Waste policy, we went from producing about 3,300 gallons of waste per month (a normal amount for a processor) to about 80-100 gallons per month which is about what most 4 person households generate.
Everything is collected and sorted for proper reclamation including the backs of labels, plastic bags, scrap metal from barrels, poly-woven bags, herbal refuse material, buckets, oil and much more!
Because of our unwavering commitment to absolute environmental stewardship, we have enthusiastically embraced what is known as the zero waste paradigm. This ideology strives to eliminate all waste by re-thinking and re-designing the current business model to create a more dynamic approach to resource recovery, product design, and recycling.
It is our hope to emulate and follow the cycle of the natural world, which produces no waste, and utilizes all outputs as needed and vital inputs to continue the cycle of life. Zero waste produces a mutual interdependence that every living thing can benefit from. We have integrated the ideology of zero waste to reduce, reuse, and recycle in every area of our business. By re-injecting perceived waste back into our business model, we not only help sustain the fragile bond between man and the natural world, but have also help in the creation of jobs and the saving of money. (see enclosed Organic Processing article about our sustainability efforts and Zero Waste program: "Setting the Green Standard: Mountain Rose Herbs' Award Winning Sustainability Strategies")
Here is a brief list of what we do with our waste.
- All used paper hand towels are collected for composting at a local facility
- All office paper, press board and scrap paper is recycled
- All of our metal and plastic drums are steam cleaned for re-use or are recycled • All cardboard and pressboard is recycled (and yes…. that includes toilet paper rolls)
- All tin, steel and aluminum is sorted for collection
- All scrap plastic including bottles, cords, straps, lids, pourers, etc are reclaimed by a local facility to be melted down into saleable material
- All scrap metal, steel and iron is collected for melting
- All waste wood and unusable pallets are sent to be chipped for landscaping materials
- Waste oil from our bulk vegetable and carrier oils is collected for bio-diesel salvage
- Botanical refuse material is collected for composting at local nurseries
- Electronic and computer components are taken to a local facility for proper salvage and disposal, (preventing several known heavy metal sources from being land-filled)
- All Styrofoam is sent to a re-claimer for re-use in shipping computers
- All break room and staff waste is composted
- All waste essential oil is collected for natural pest control products and for use in natural weed killers
- And much, much more!
Recycling Programs
Virtually all waste generated by Mountain Rose Herbs is either recycled or salvaged. All office paper, metal and plastic drums, scrap paper, cardboard, cans, bottles, plastic, steel, and wood is salvaged and recycled. The standards are set so high that recyclable materials found in trash cans is often a punishable offense! All waste oil from our bulk vegetable and carrier oil division is collected for bio-diesel salvage which amounts to nearly 50-60 gallons a month, and all dried botanical refuse material is collected for composting at local facilities and nurseries which amounts to nearly 3000-5000 pounds annually. We also recycle all electronic and computer components which are no longer in working condition by taking them to a local facility for proper salvage, reclamation or disposal, thus preventing several known heavy metal sources from being land-filled. Each year this amounts to numerous computers, calculators, faxes, printers, and processing machines.
Carpool and Bicycle Program
Mountain Rose Herbs offers one of the nations finest carpool and cycling programs which pays substantial cash incentives to all employees who either carpool or bicycle to work. Currently we pay staff members who carpool to work 12 cents per mile for each passenger, and for those who bicycle to work, we currently pay 20 cents per mile. In addition to this we offer a $500.00 bonus at the end of each year to the individual who has logged to most passenger miles. As we are all aware, excess automobile usage is an environmental burden with consequences of great magnitude. Driving cars requires unsustainable and non-renewable resources; while simultaneously contributing to the growing problem of Co2 emissions and global climate change and we feel this carpool and bicycling program works in a small part to alleviate these problems.
Company Cargo Vehicle Powered by Used Vegetable Oil
Our commercial fleet vehicle runs on bio-diesel. Mountain Rose Herbs uses commercial Dodge Sprinter cargo vehicles for general company use and for all deliveries within the Eugene, Oregon area and it is strictly fueled by bio-diesel from local facilities. The bio-diesel we use is manufactured from 100% waste oil which the Kettle Chips factory produces. Because Kettle Chips is just north of us in Salem, Oregon, the transportation necessary to get the fuel to us is minimal. This further outlines our commitment to environmental sustainability and lessening our impact on global warming.
All Computers and Monitors Purchased are EPEAT Certified
All of the computers and monitors purchased by Mountain Rose Herbs are EPEAT certified at the gold level which means that they have been approved and rated for their environmental attributes. This includes the elimination of heavy metals in the construction of circuitry, using recycled materials in the housing of the unit, their extended life cycle, lead free components, their energy efficiency, and much more. While it may not seem like a substantial amount, Mountain Rose Herbs can go through an average of 11-12 computers annually which adds up!
Energy Usage
Mountain Rose Herbs is proud to have converted its entire operation to 100% renewable energy by transferring all of its conventional electrical power usage to renewable energy sources, credits, and development through the Carbonfund. Carbonfund is a non-profit organization dedicated to transferring current energy usage to renewable sources. In addition to this we have instituted an aggressive energy consumption model which includes…
- A complete lighting upgrade in our principal facilities to thin diameter, low impact, fluorescent cylinders which draw far less power than traditional fluorescent tubes and incandescent bulbs.
- Our company switched our cargo and delivery vehicles to run on used vegetable oil based Bio-Diesel
- Replacing all appliances and refrigerators to E-Star compliant models
- A company wide upgrade to LED flat screen monitors instead of traditional CRT monitors which use about 65% more energy and generate nearly 5 times as much heat.
- Newly installed E-Star rated central heat and cooling units which are maintained and serviced quarterly for optimal performance and efficiency. These units are highly energy efficient and are E-Star rated
- All computer purchases have been converted to EPEAT certified models which have been Gold Star rated for their environmental attributes including energy conservation, the amount and type of packaging used to ship and house the computer, and the refusal to use harmful materials in the construction of the computers.
