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Eugene, Oregon – Mountain Rose Herbs, an e-commerce company that has offered organic, fair trade and sustainably sourced botanical products nationwide since 1987, is the first business in Oregon to earn a Zero Waste Facility Certification from Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). Mountain Rose Herbs was awarded the highest available certification — Platinum.

In 2015, Mountain Rose Herbs achieved a landfill diversion rate of over 96 percent. Companies that are awarded the Zero Waste Facility Certification must not only meet all local, state, and federal waste regulations, but also divert at least 90 percent of all non-hazardous waste from landfills and incineration. The Platinum level is determined by achieving a required level of points verified through an on-site audit.

“As a mission-driven company, we are thrilled to finally achieve formal certification for our Zero Waste programs, which have been in place for nearly a decade,” said Mountain Rose Herbs vice president and co-owner Shawn Donnille. “This emphasizes our commitment to absolute sustainability.”

Mountain Rose Herbs adopted a Zero Waste policy in 2007. In 2012, the company added a new position that would focus on sustainability efforts to further commit to the goal. Alyssa Lawless has been director of sustainability since the position was created.

“Our commitment goes so deep that our facilities team actually handsorts all of our trash,” Lawless said. “We also work with community partners to upcycle materials that would typically go to the landfill.”

Mountain Rose Herbs is also 100% powered by renewable energy through its 25kWh solar array. Looking ahead, Lawless hopes to focus on further research around sustainable product packaging options for Mountain Rose Herbs products and becoming more involved with non-herb vendors in the supply chain to help reduce or eliminate unnecessary packaging being received.

“To achieve Zero Waste Platinum, companies must go beyond diversion and work upstream with vendors, closed-loop policies and total participation of employees to meet very stringent standards,” said Stephanie Barger, director of market development at GBCI. “Mountain Rose Herbs delivers a beautiful product through outstanding leadership. They have successfully implemented Zero Waste strategies with a positive impact on their entire supply chain and community.” 

The Platinum certification is now one of many of Mountain Rose Herbs’ other third-party certifications, including USDA Organic, Oregon Tilth Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Fair For Life and Salmon-Safe.

About Mountain Rose Herbs               
Since 1987, Mountain Rose Herbs has been known for its uncompromising commitment to organic agriculture, sustainable business practices, and a steadfast focus on providing high-quality botanical products. The company’s wide range of offerings includes bulk herbs and spices, aromatherapy and essential oils, tea and tea supplies, and natural health and body products. From product quality and sustainable packaging, to fair trade practices and watershed conservation, Mountain Rose Herbs takes pride in doing business right. The company’s core belief that people, plants, and planet are more important than profit guides everything they do. To learn more visit: www.mountainroseherbs.com

 

About Zero Waste Certification

Zero Waste Facility Certification recognizes businesses, organizations and communities that divert more than 90 percent of waste from landfills, incinerators and the environment, in accordance with internationally accepted, peer-reviewed standards. Zero Waste Business Associates help implement best practices and measure progress toward achieving zero waste goals and certification. Zero Waste Facility Certification and the Zero Waste Business Associate credential are managed by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), the premier organization independently recognizing excellence in green business industry performance and practice globally. gbci.org

About Green Business Certification Inc.

Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) is the premier organization independently recognizing excellence in green business industry performance and practice globally. Established in 2008, GBCI exclusively administers project certifications and professional credentials and certificates within the framework of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating systems as well as the Zero Waste Facility Certification standard, PEER standard for power systems, the WELL building standard, the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES), Parksmart, EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiency) and the GRESB benchmark, which is used by institutional investors to improve the sustainability performance of the global property sector. Through rigorous certification and credentialing standards, GBCI drives adoption of green business practices, which fosters global competitiveness and enhances environmental performance and human health benefits. GBCI.org.