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(English)
At Traditional Medicinals, we’re passionate about high-quality herbal ingredients. We’re also committed to environmental and social sustainability. A big part of that is ensuring the sustainable collection of wild plants and the future of the communities that depend on them by purchasing FairWild certified herbs.
Which is why we’ve pledged to support We Use Wild a voluntary, self-led initiative that increases awareness and provides a pathway to achieving responsible sourcing of wild-harvested plant ingredients.
Preserving Vital Ecosystems
In the past few years, demand for wild plant ingredients has grown immensely — for products like ours, as well as many others. But conventional collection practices often lead to disastrous results: over-harvesting, loss of biodiversity, harsh impacts on plant regrowth, and reductions in the ecosystems’ regenerative capacity.
FairWild’s certification was developed to address these challenges.
The certification approach holistically combines fair labor and producer protections with ecosystem resource assessment and conservation management. By supporting FairWild-certified herbal sources, Traditional Medicinals ensures that the collection of wild plants is carried out sustainably, respecting the delicate balance between ecological and social sustainability.
Promoting Environmental and Social Sustainability
FairWild certification prioritizes the well-being of collectors and producers. Through fair labor practices and producer protections, our collection partners receive fair market prices for their products and additional premiums that support their investment in regenerative practices. Certification also protects collectors from land-use changes, ensuring their livelihood won’t disappear as rural areas continue to be developed.
By offering fair pay and economic protections, we enable collectors to prioritize the well-being of themselves and their families. Plus, FairWild certification plays a vital role in the long-term success of wild herb communities. By protecting these precious ecosystems from over-harvesting and allowing them sufficient time to regenerate, we help secure the longevity of wild herbs collection and the collectors’ businesses. And that ensures the availability of the plant-powered wellness products our customers love.
Our Commitment in Action
While Traditional Medicinals has been purchasing FairWild-certified products for over 20 years, we’ve taken some big steps recently toward fulfilling our “We Use Wild” pledge. In 2022, we purchased 455,251 pounds of FairWild herbs, representing a big investment in sustainable sourcing. We also reinvested $51,200 in FairWild premiums back into the community, making a positive impact on the lives of the collectors and producers.
We currently source several key ingredients that meet the high percentage threshold required for FairWild labeling — including Licorice Root, Nettle Leaf, Raspberry Leaf, and more. As we track all organic wild ingredients and invest in source communities we’re ensuring the integrity and sustainability of our supply chain.
Looking to the Future
It’s our responsibility to address climate change by promoting biodiversity and sustainability. Our We Use Wild pledge is one of many major investments we’re making. As leaders in the industry, we need to have even more ambitious plans for the future.
In the coming year, we will conduct a Natural Capital Assessment as we work toward setting a Science-Based Target for Nature to guide our actions. The first step is gathering data and measuring our impact. We’ll be reporting that information back to you, so you can learn more about our performance, as well as where we still need to improve.
Journey With Us
We are so optimistic about continuing our support of the FairWild certification. By prioritizing environmental sustainability, fair labor, and the long-term well-being of collectors and producers, we will protect the biodiversity and communities that rely on wild plant ecosystems.
We hope you — our customers and partners — will join us on the journey to preserving the delicate balance between people, plants, and planet. Together, we can make a positive impact on our planet and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
