Journal Spring 2020

by Abigail Harris – Executive Director, Provender Alliance Amidst all the uncertainty with COVID-19 Pandemic right now, I harbor a secret hope. My longing is that all of this upheaval strengthens the human value placed upon quality and integrity in the food system that produces the nourishment we all eat: soil, ingredients, treatment of workers, and more, up and down the supply chain. In this Spring Journal issue, we feature two articles from Provender’s emerging VOICES Program (Voices of Independent [Read More]

by Mark DiMaggio – board member Provender Alliance  We hope that everyone is as safe and healthy as they can be during these challenging times. I had intentions of writing about the natural products industry in the Pacific Northwest, reevaluating the need for mega trade shows and mega distributors. However, with the growing impact of the COVID 19, I felt this was an excellent time to appreciate those on the front lines in our industry.  [Read More]

by Arran Stephens, Nature’s Path Founder and Dag Falck, Nature’s Path Organic Programs Manager   Pioneer organic farmers were the visionaries of their age. Like many other inspired thinkers born before their time, they viewed the ordinary in extraordinary new ways, working quietly and diligently towards an alternate approach, often years or even decades before the general population awaken to the same realizations.  Consider the doctor who was fired from his job in 1847 for suggesting that surgeons wash [Read More]

by Amy Pereira BS, CHNC, RYT-200, C-MI In line with Provender’s VOICES* program of showcasing the proactive projects of Provender members, I want to highlight a number of the standards and commitments that Pranarom Scientific Aromatherapy continually supports.  Pranarom hopes that our sharing of the following practices will instill confidence in those seeking to use high-quality aromatherapy for health and well-being. Our intention is to continue to inspire farmers, producers, and communities at large to shift into genuinely recognizing [Read More]

by Carolee Colter, Columinate Consultant In the Kabbalah, the ancient Jewish tradition of mystical Biblical interpretation, there is a saying that the two pillars of justice are mercy and severity. The pillar of mercy represents forgiveness for our wrongs. The pillar of severity represents the law of necessity—that we must reap what we sow, (or what in another religious tradition would be called karma.) When it comes to the workplace, justice needs both pillars. The pillar of severity upholds accountability [Read More]

by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss, EarthTalk Dear EarthTalk: I feel weird asking, but is there an environmental bright side to the spread of the Coronavirus? And is there an environmental cause of the pandemic? —Jane K., Miami, FL Coronavirus has killed thousands of people and sickened hundreds of thousands (if not millions) more around the world. It has also caused mass hysteria, and public health officials are bracing for the worst. The situation is mostly bad news, but the [Read More]

by Mark Mulcahy – founder/owner, Organic Options and Columinate consultant Interestingly, in the nearly 24 years I have been consulting with stores, farms, and businesses around the country, I still encounter managers in many businesses who have lost their vision and motivation. They feel burdened with the weight of all their obligations and responsibilities, and feeling burnout has become a regular part of their daily work life. One of the most common areas that [Read More]

by Elizabeth Whitlow – Executive Director, Regenerative Organic Alliance What does it take, exactly, to change the world? For those of us at Regenerative Organic Alliance, it takes conversation. Sometimes long, difficult conversation. And we’re okay with that. Last month, our Board of Directors gathered to ask, “How can we improve on the first iteration of Regenerative Organic Certified?” Over two full days, we took a deep dive into many lessons from our pilot programs: Over the last year, we [Read More]

By Tiana Challenger, Mountain Rose Herbs If you’re looking for a spring pick-me-up, these three perfume oil recipes are sure to get you there! They are easy to make and offer a fresh new start to spring, or as I like to call it, the season of life.  Reflection Blend with Rose This blend is grounding, but also very open. I often find myself in a state of reflection when I enjoy this aroma. It helps me to feel [Read More]

by Betty Shelley During our class, Less is More: Getting to One Can of Garbage a Year, we talk about the three familiar R’s — Reduce, Reuse, And Recycle. After we discuss these three in order of importance, we ask folks to identify more R’s to move their thinking further upstream. Their suggestions include Repurpose, Resist, Restore, Repair, and Reimagine. Practicing any or all of these behaviors can rehabilitate our planet. Choose the actions that appeal to you and work [Read More]