Cultivating wellness: sustainable practices in natural supplement industry
By Dave Nelson
In an era where health consciousness is on the rise, many of us are turning towards natural supplements as an approach and pathway to a holistic life and well-being. However, as we navigate this green wellness wave, it's crucial to consider the broader impact of our choices, particularly on this planet that sustains us.
The intersection of natural supplement production and environmental stewardship presents us with an opportunity to foster both human and planetary health through the adoption of sustainable and complementary agricultural practices.
Agriculture and planetary health
The methods used to cultivate plants for natural supplements play a significant role in the environmental footprint of the health industry. Current farming techniques, reliant on chemical pesticides and intensive land use, pose threats to ecosystems, biodiversity, and the climate.
In contrast, sustainable agricultural practices offer a path to mitigate these impacts. Organic farming, permaculture, and regenerative agriculture not only minimize harm but also actively improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and reduce carbon emissions. This shift towards sustainability in agriculture for supplement ingredients directly contributes to the preservation of our planet and fortification of existing ecosystems.
We must lead the way through vocal and capital support despite the inherent difficulty that doing things in a new way brings. This is not only necessary but also worth it for our children and their children. We have to think beyond quarterly financial reporting.
Elevating sourcing standards
The ethos of sustainability also needs to extend beyond the natural science of the farmer’s field.
Sustainable sourcing encompasses practices that ensure long-term viability of harvested ingredients and communities that cultivate them. This includes prioritizing fair trade practices to support equitable economic opportunities for farmers and opting for wildcrafted (or rewilding) ingredients that are harvested responsibly and sustainably to avoid depleting natural resources.
Wide-ranging benefits of sustainability
Adopting sustainable practices at production and sourcing stages offers profound benefits that extend to all living beings sharing our planet. Cleaner air and water, preserved biodiversity, and a reduced carbon footprint are direct outcomes of environmentally friendly farming practices. In fact, these practices often yield products that are not only better for the earth but are of higher quality and potentially more beneficial for human health, owing to the stressors they face growing without synthetic pesticides and their relationship with a functioning soil microbiome.
A call to action for holistic wellness
The journey towards holistic health is not just about what we consume, but also about understanding the impact of our choices on the world around us.
Remember, as consumers ourselves, we hold the power to drive change by supporting companies and products that prioritise the health of our planet alongside our own. This approach to wellness, grounded in compassionate sustainability, not only nurtures our bodies but also ensures the spirit and vitality of our planet for generations to come.
It is time to commit to this path fully.