The problem with outsourcing ethically-farmed anything to third party companies. This news should shift how ethical fashion operates and considers liability for wrongful marketing.

The New Zealand Merino Company, now rebranded as Zentera, has quietly removed the phrase “world’s leading ethical wool brand” from its website, a notable change that comes after a disturbing investigation by PETA Asia-Pacific into the company’s ZQ-certified wool supply chain, PETA reports to Green Prophet. Zentara, according to its website, supplies wool for 30 leading fashion brands. They are a supplier that CSR VPs have come to rely on for annual and quarterly reports.

They have changed wording on their website and say that their wool is “grown with care.”

ZQ, which now stands for “Zentera Quality,” is Zentera’s official wool certification label, marketed as a standard for animal welfare, traceability, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Big brands which feature their products as ethical and “kind” are sold by brands including Allbirds, icebreaker, Smartwool (I love their socks), Mons Royale who touts “we are going regenerative!”; and Untouched World, all of which publicly market items made with ZQ- or ZQRX-certified wool.

For years, wool has been sold to consumers as the natural, sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers. But when “ethical” becomes a marketing shield rather than a measurable reality, the industry has a serious credibility problem. (We buy sweaters from babaa in Spain).

If you go to some of the companies that use ZQ wool they are still celebrating the “eco credentials of their suppliers, like with SmartWool, this screen capture taken April 1. This is not April Fool’s.

PETA Asia-Pacific says it went inside 11 farms and shearing sheds in New Zealand that produce ZQ-certified wool, which it describes as “a sham certification standard developed and owned by The New Zealand Merino Company.” According to the animal rights group, investigators found that “shearers kicked, beat, and stomped on sheep and threw them down chutes. One worker slammed a sheep’s head against a hard wooden board three times.”

Green Prophet reached out to Zentera 24 hours ago and there has since been no reply for our request to comment.

The allegations do not stop at the shearing shed.

PETA says that sheep from ZQ-certified farms whose fleece production had declined were later sent to slaughter, including to a slaughterhouse owned by Silver Fern Farms. There, according to the organization, sheep were “forced onto conveyer belts, electroshocked in the head, and violently killed.” In its account of the footage, PETA says the stunning process was at times inadequate and that some sheep appeared to show signs of consciousness after their throats were cut. One worker laughed at dying sheep when blood was pouring from its eyes.

The group says it has submitted evidence from the farms to New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries, calling for investigation and charges over what it describes as apparent violations of animal cruelty laws. Green Prophet has not independently verified the footage or the full scope of the allegations, but the claims are serious enough to put pressure on every brand still using ZQ wool as a reassurance label. We have reached out to Zentera for a comment.

Among the most shocking findings documented by PETA Asia-Pacific were claims that “workers whipped, tackled, and hit sheep with various objects, including a ski pole,” and that “sheep were left with gaping wounds that were stitched up without painkillers.”

“One worker laughed at a sheep as blood ran down their face from an eye injury,” PETA told Green Prophet.

The investigation also describes overcrowding so severe that one sheep was allegedly “smothered to death,” after which “her wool was still shorn to be prepared for sale.” In another alleged incident, “a farmer slit the throat of a conscious sheep after the animal spent days struggling and collapsing. Her body was dumped into a trash pit.”

These are not the kinds of images consumers picture when they buy a merino sweater labeled “ethical.”

And that may be the larger story here.

Fashion has become adept at swapping one moral language for another. “Natural.” “Regenerative.” “Ethical.” “Responsible.” These words can reassure shoppers who want to avoid petroleum-based fast fashion, but they can also obscure what is happening to animals in industrial supply chains. Wool may biodegrade but that does not automatically make it humane.

For brands relying on ZQ-certified wool, the Zentera rebrand raises uncomfortable questions. Was the removal of the “ethical wool” claim a routine repositioning, or a quiet retreat from language that no longer withstands scrutiny?

Either way, the burden now falls on fashion labels, outdoor brands, and luxury houses using certified merino to explain what exactly they mean when they ask consumers to trust them.

Because if “ethical wool” can include animals who are, in PETA’s words, “kicked, punched, killed,” then the label may not mean much at all.

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Introduction: Explaining the Importance of Play for Children’s Development

Play is an essential aspect of a child’s life. It is through play that children learn and develop various skills that are crucial for their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Play allows children to discover and explore the world around them, express themselves creatively, build relationships with others, and develop problem-solving abilities.

As parents or caregivers, it is important to create a conducive environment for children to engage in play. This includes having designated play areas within the house where children can freely move around and use their imagination. One way to achieve this is by incorporating rugs and play mats into kids’ rooms.

Why Rugs and Play Mats Are Essential for Kids’ Rooms

Rugs and play mats not only add aesthetic value to a child’s room but also serve as practical tools for promoting a child’s development. These soft and comfortable floor coverings provide a safe space for children to crawl, roll, sit, or stand while playing. They offer protection against hard surfaces such as hardwood floors or tiles, reducing the risk of injuries during rough play.

In addition to safety, rugs and play mats also aid in sensory development. The textures of these floor coverings stimulate a child’s senses as they touch, feel, crawl, or walk on them. These sensory experiences are important in building neural connections in the brain that support learning and development.

Benefits of Using Baby Play Mats for Daily Play

• Providing a Safe and Comfortable Space for Play: For infants who spend most of their time on their backs or tummies when playing, baby play mats for daily play offer a soft surface that supports their delicate bodies. The cushioned material provides comfort while preventing bumps or bruises. Many mats also include anti-slip backing for added stability.
• Promoting Sensory Development: Baby play mats offer different textures and materials that promote sensory development. Bright colors and patterns also stimulate visual curiosity and exploration.
• Adding a Playful Touch to the Room: Available in various designs and themes, baby play mats can serve as both a functional and decorative element while supporting early learning.

Incorporating rugs and play mats into kids’ rooms creates a safe and stimulating environment for children to learn through play.

Types of Baby Play Mats: Foam Mats, Interlocking Tiles, Activity Gyms, Etc.

When it comes to creating a safe and comfortable play area, baby play mats are essential. Below are common types:

• Foam Mats: Made from soft foam that provides cushioning and support. Lightweight and portable, easy to store or travel with.
• Interlocking Tiles: Puzzle-style tiles that connect to create larger play areas. Stable and visually engaging.
• Activity Gyms: Include hanging toys and sensory elements that support motor skills and coordination, with padded bases for comfort.

Choosing the Perfect Kids’ Room Rug

When selecting a baby play mat for your child’s room, consider:

• Size: Ensure the mat fits the available space and allows room for movement.
• Material: Choose non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and soft materials suitable for sensitive skin.
• Design: While aesthetics matter, prioritize functionality and safety. Explore kids’ room rugs with playful patterns that balance both.

DIY Ideas for Making Your Own Baby Play Mats

• Quilted Play Mat: Sew layers of fabric or blankets for added cushioning and warmth.
• Sensory Play Mat: Incorporate varied textures like faux grass or soft fabrics, plus interactive elements like zippers or pockets.

Conclusion

Having a dedicated play area supports children’s physical and mental development. Rugs and play mats provide both safety and comfort while enhancing the room’s design. Choosing the right option ensures your child has a secure and engaging space to grow and thrive.

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Selecting bed sheets made from sustainable materials not only enhances your sleeping experience but also supports eco-friendly practices. Below is a curated list of ten top sheet sets crafted from sustainable materials, including notable brands like Parachute. Each listing includes the price for a queen-size set and a link to the company’s website for your convenience.

Investing in these sustainable sheet sets not only provides comfort but also supports environmentally responsible practices.

How to Wash and Care for Your Eco-Friendly Sheets

Taking care of your eco-friendly sheets properly will extend their lifespan and maintain their softness and breathability. Wash them in cold water using mild, plant-based detergents to avoid chemical buildup and fabric damage. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can coat the fibers and reduce absorbency—white vinegar is a great natural alternative.

Related: why are dish soaps, laundry detergents and shampoos loaded with gel?

For a DIY laundry detergent, mix 1 cup of washing soda, 1 cup of borax, and 1 bar of grated castile soap for a natural cleaning solution. Whenever possible, line dry your sheets to conserve energy and keep them fresh longer. Proper storage in a cool, dry place also helps prevent mildew and ensures your sheets remain crisp and clean for years to come. By adopting these sustainable care practices, you can enjoy high-quality, environmentally friendly bedding while minimizing your ecological footprint.

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The fashion industry is undergoing a transformative shift towards environmental responsibility and innovation. Here are ten pioneering companies leading this change:

Sheep Inc.

This knitwear brand produces garments with a naturally negative carbon footprint. They source ZQ-certified Merino wool from regenerative farms, ensuring ethical animal treatment and sustainable land management. Utilizing 3D Wholegarment® knitting technology powered by solar energy, they create zero-waste products. Each sweater includes a unique tag allowing customers to trace its origins and environmental impact, fostering transparency and connection to the product’s lifecycle. Visit their website

Sampla:

Specializing in vegan footwear, Sampla crafts shoes from innovative materials like AppleSkin™, derived from repurposed apple waste from the juice industry. This approach reduces reliance on animal products and utilizes agricultural by-products, minimizing waste. Their designs combine sustainability with contemporary aesthetics, offering eco-friendly alternatives without compromising style. Visit their website

Vivobarefoot:

Focused on minimalist footwear that promotes natural movement, Vivobarefoot uses sustainable materials such as recycled plastics and bio-based alternatives. Committed to regenerative practices, they collaborate with communities to restore natural ecosystems and incorporate circular economy principles by offering repair services and recycling programs for their products. Visit their website

Babaà:

A Spanish brand offering timeless knitwear made from 100% natural materials like cotton and wool. Babaà ensures local production in Spain, reducing transportation emissions and supporting local artisans. By focusing on creating durable, high-quality pieces, they encourage consumers to invest in long-lasting clothing, countering the fast-fashion mentality. Visit their website

Patagonia:

Renowned for its environmental activism, Patagonia integrates sustainability into every aspect of its business. They utilize recycled materials, such as turning discarded fishing nets into gear, and promote organic cotton through their Regenerative Organic Certified Cotton program. Patagonia also donates 1% of sales to environmental causes and encourages customers to repair and reuse products through their Worn Wear program, fostering a circular economy. Visit their website

Reformation:

Prioritizing sustainable fabrics and ethical manufacturing processes, Reformation uses materials like TENCEL™, deadstock, and vintage fabrics, reducing the demand for new resources. Their RefScale tool allows customers to track the environmental impact of their purchases, promoting transparency. Reformation’s factory in Los Angeles operates with sustainable practices and fair wages, ensuring social responsibility alongside environmental consciousness. Visit their website

Allbirds:

Known for comfortable shoes made from natural materials like merino wool and eucalyptus fibers, Allbirds has achieved carbon neutrality by focusing on renewable materials, responsible energy use, and carbon offset programs. Each product includes a carbon footprint label, educating consumers on its environmental impact and encouraging informed purchasing decisions. Visit their website

Stella McCartney:

A pioneer in sustainable luxury fashion, Stella McCartney avoids the use of leather and fur, opting for innovative materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton. The brand emphasizes transparency in its supply chain and collaborates with organizations promoting environmental awareness. By proving that luxury and sustainability can coexist, Stella McCartney sets a high standard for the fashion industry. Visit their website

Eileen Fisher:

Emphasizing simplicity and sustainability, Eileen Fisher uses organic and recycled materials in their designs. Their take-back program encourages customers to return old pieces, which are then upcycled into new creations, promoting a circular fashion model. The brand also prioritizes fair labor practices and supply chain transparency, ensuring ethical production alongside environmental responsibility. Visit their website

Girlfriend Collective:

Offering activewear made from recycled materials like water bottles and fishing nets, Girlfriend Collective uses eco-friendly dyes and ensures ethical manufacturing with fair wages and safe working conditions. Their ReGirlfriend program encourages customers to recycle old products, which are then transformed into new items, closing the loop and reducing textile waste. Visit their website

These companies exemplify how the fashion industry can innovate towards more sustainable and future-forward practices, setting benchmarks for others to follow.

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It’s not every day you hear about a slow fashion company securing VC capital: welcome to the new world where sustainability in matter, matters. 

Sheep Inc., the pioneering fashion brand—co-founded by Edzard van der Wyck & Michael Wessely — renowned for its industry-first carbon-negative supply chain and premium Merino wool garments, has successfully completed its £5 million Series A funding round. The investment was led by Inside Out LLC. Created by environmental advocate, visionary entrepreneur, Founder and CEO Suzy Amis Cameron, Inside Out is an impact investment holding company. Amis Cameron is joined at Inside Out alongside seasoned entrepreneur Erik Stangvik, and former Deloitte Partner Blair Knippel.

This investment fuels Sheep Inc.’s mission to radically redefine the fashion industry, proving that unparalleled quality and unprecedented impact can — and should — coexist. At the heart of this transformation is Sheep Inc.’s naturally carbon-negative supply chain and proprietary Connected Dot technology, which allows customers to trace every garment’s journey — from regenerative farms to the final stitch — offering an unmatched level of transparency in fashion.

Crafted with precision, built to endure. Sheep Inc. fuses cutting-edge technology with the world’s finest Merino wool, sourced exclusively from regenerative farms. Every piece is meticulously designed to deliver quality and durability without compromise. This is knitwear engineered to set new benchmarks in luxury, impact, and craftsmanship.

Inside Out’s Fashion, Textiles and Home vertical (one of six divisions at Inside Out LLC), was developed to drive industry-wide environmental and social impact, bringing deep expertise in business for the environment, and extensive specialist knowledge and innovation in responsible business practices. Their additional investments across Science Research Technology, Food, Education, Media and Wellness, further cement their commitment to deliver revolutionary solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges.

As a flagship investment within Inside Out’s Fashion, Textiles, and home vertical, Sheep Inc. has the potential to scale its regenerative supply chain expertise and Connected Dot technology across Inside Out’s broader portfolio, accelerating change beyond its own brand.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with Inside Out,” said Edzard van der Wyck and Michael Wessely, co-founders of Sheep Inc. “Suzy, Erik, and Blair share our vision for redefining the fashion industry — environmentally, socially, and technologically. This partnership not only fuels our growth but accelerates our ability to set new industry standards. We are inspired by the vision Inside Out is creating and look forward to what we will build together.”

“Sheep Inc. stands at the forefront of responsible fashion,” said Founder and CEO Suzy Amis Cameron. “With its pioneering carbon-negative production, regenerative Merino wool, and innovative Connected Dot technology, Sheep Inc. is setting a new benchmark for transparency and quality. We are thrilled to support their expansion, knowing their unwavering commitment to ethical business practices and craftsmanship aligns perfectly with our mission to drive meaningful change across industries.”

Sheep Inc. is a pioneering fashion brand dedicated to transforming the industry through innovation, transparency, and uncompromising quality. By integrating carbon-negative production, regenerative farming, and meticulous craftsmanship, Sheep Inc. creates premium Merino wool garments that merge ethics with exceptional design and durability.

Inside Out LLC is a new wayfinding collective dedicated to creating bold, revolutionary solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges. Inside Out (IO) designs ecologically responsible and ethical innovations across six key areas: IO Science Research Technology, IO Fashion Textiles Home, IO Food, IO Education, IO Media, and IO Wellness.

Founded by renowned environmental advocate, visionary entrepreneur and CEO Suzy Amis Cameron, IO champions the mantra “Business for the Environment.” Amis Cameron is joined at IO by seasoned social entrepreneur Erik Stangvik and former Deloitte Partner Blair Knippel.Through the integration of pioneering science, technology, and education, IO balances commercial success with meaningful environmental and social impact.

::Sheep Inc

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A new UN report shows that nearly 1.4 billion hectares of land (just over 10 percent of the total global land area) are already impacted by salinity, with an additional one billion hectares at risk due to the climate crisis and human mismanagement. Soils became saline from water overuse. Aquifers become brackish and precipitation that is lacking cannot replenish the natural balance back to the soil, making them unsuitable for farming. This Saudi Arabian company Iyris is working to solve agriculture on brackish (salty aquifers and land).

So who are the worst-affected?

Today, 10 countries: Afghanistan, Australia, Argentina, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, the United States, Iran, Sudan, and Uzbekistan account for 70 percent of the world’s salt-affected soils.

The Global Status of Salt-Affected Soils report was presented today during the International Soil and Water Forum 2024 in Bangkok. The event discussed an action plan for halting and reversing soil degradation and water scarcity.

Excessive salinity reduces the fertility of soils and severely impacts environmental sustainability. In the countries most affected by this issue, salinity stress can lead to crops yield losses – such as rice or beans – of up to 70 percent.

Related: are US aquifers damaged beyond repair?

This comes at a time when there is an urgent need to boost food production to feed a growing global population.

The report estimates the area of salt-affected soils at 1 381 million ha (Mha), or 10.7 percent of the total global land area. It further estimates that 10 percent of irrigated cropland and 10 percent of rainfed cropland are affected by salinity, although uncertainty remains high due to limited data availability.

Models of global aridity trends indicate that, under the existing trend of temperature increase, the affected area may increase to between 24 and 32 percent of the total land surface. The vast majority of aridification is expected to occur in developing countries.

The drivers of salinisation are both natural and induced by humans

The climate crisis is increasing aridity and freshwater scarcity. Rising sea levels are projected to place more than one billion people in coastal zones at risk of progressive flooding and salinisation by the end of the century. Additionallly, global warming is contributing to salinisation through the thawing of permafrost.

Inadequate agricultural practices also play a significant role. These include irrigating crops with poor-quality water, inadequate drainage, deforestation and the removal of deep-rooted vegetation, excessive water pumping in coastal and inland areas, the overuse of fertilisers, de-icing agents, and mining activity.

Global freshwater use, in particular, has increased sixfold during the last century, contributing to groundwater salinisation due to the overexploitation of aquifers for irrigation purposes.

Call for action

Since salt-affected soils account for at least 10 percent of land, their sustainable management is crucial to meet growing food demands. The report offers a series of strategies for managing salt-affected soils sustainably. Mitigation strategies include mulching, using interlayers of loose material, installing drainage systems and improving crop rotations.

Related: This sweet pea is smart when choosing a bacterial partner

Adaptation strategies include breeding salt-tolerant plants (such as halophytes, which flourish in mangrove swamps, tropical sand and cliff shorelines, and even salt deserts) and bioremediation – using bacteria, fungi, plants or animals to remove, destroy or sequester hazardous substances from the environment.

By highlighting the critical link between sustainable soil management, water quality, and food production, “the report outlines strategies for the recovery of agricultural salt-affected soils, including emerging fields like saline agriculture and salinity bioremediation,” Lifeng Li, Director of FAO’s Land and Water Division, and Jorge Batlle-Sales, Chair of the International Network of Salt-affected Soils (INSAS), wrote in its Forward.

The report also calls for a legal framework at the national and international levels to safeguard natural saline ecosystems and ensure the sustainable management of agricultural soils under irrigation, particularly in areas at risk of salinisation. The main goal is to protect productivity, quality, and overall soil health, ensuring food quality and quantity for future generations.

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What you sleep on 8 hours a night matters. New mattresses off gas harmful chemicals to you and your loved ones. As we lean towards finding more sustainable sleeping options, Avocado Green Mattress, the leader in organic mattresses, is proud to announce that the Avocado Green Mattress, Eco Organic Mattress, and Eco Organic Kids Mattress have earned the highly esteemed OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification. Avocado helps you get a sustainable night’s sleep.

The OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 is a globally recognized, independent testing and certification system for raw, semi-finished, and finished textile products at all processing levels, as well as accessory materials used. For a finished innerspring mattress to be OEKO-TEX^® STANDARD 100 certified, every component, from the outer fabric to the threads, foams, and other accessories, must be tested and found safe from more than 1,000 substances known to be detrimental to human health.

Related: Here is our guide to understand organic mattress labels

“Mattresses can contain harmful materials, adhesives, and flame retardants. Given the intimate and prolonged exposure we have to our mattresses, it is crucial to consider their potential impact on health,” notes Mark Abrials, Chief Marketing & Sustainability Officer of Avocado Green Mattress.

Unlike some brands that only certify select components of their mattresses, Avocado Green Mattress has achieved STANDARD 100 certification for the finished innerspring mattress — and is the first in the United States to do so. This comprehensive certification means that every part of the Avocado Green Mattress, Eco Organic Mattress, and Eco Organic Kids Mattress, from the outer fabric to the pocketed innersprings, is tested for harmful substances and found to be within safe limits.

As Avocado Green Mattress looks to the future, the company remains dedicated to not only being the best in the world but also the best for the world. The company’s efforts to combat climate change, enhance social equity, and promote sustainable practices are more than just part of its business model; they are a call to action for businesses and individuals alike to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.

Follow their standards?

Are you a bed manufacturer that wants to do better? Avocado is “Best for the World” Certified B Corporation, Fair Trade Certified, Climate Neutral Certified, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified, meet MADE SAFE standards, a two-time winner of the Good Housekeeping Sustainable Innovation Awards, and are the Pinnacle Award Winner from 1% for the Planet. Fast Company lists Avocado as a “Brand that Matters.”

::Avocado

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In urban jungles and in medical settings it’s refreshing to see food gardens popping up as green roofs. Hospitals are to treat ailing folks, yet the food served to patients is usually over processed and of low quality.

Boston Medical Center (or BMC) is an academic medical center that delivers a model of healthcare where innovative and equitable care empowers all patients to thrive. In June this year Recover Green Roofs celebrated the opening of Newmarket Farm at Boston Medical Center and its 7300 square foot rooftop farm with wheelchair accessible green space.

Related: Interview with Nature’s Path organic and regenerative food business

With raised beds, a pollinator garden, plus an outdoor classroom, the design process highlights a critical collaboration between BMC, Recover Green Roofs, and Higher Ground Farm. Marking Recover’s second design and installation on BMC’s campus following the initial Boston Medical Center Power Plant Farm, both sites collectively forge new community partners and enhance access to fresh foods.

A portion of each harvest is donated to several South End nonprofits, including Rosie’s Place.

In 2022, Mayor Wu established GrowBoston to promote urban agriculture and food production, deploying funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. GrowBoston provided $300,000 to support the expansion of Newmarket Farm. The farm features a unique green roof media blend developed by Ben Flanner of Brooklyn Grange and Chuck Duprey at Naturcycle. They used a locally manufactured version of the innovative blend developed for the Javits Center Expansion Rooftop & Farm, optimized for deep growing crops, long term performance and water management. The growing media depth ranges from 19-23 inches and large growing beds with a granular drainage base retain tens of thousands of gallons of rainwater throughout the year, reducing the need for irrigation.

Related: adding fungi to your green roof urban farms and gardens

A high-tech custom drip irrigation system supplements regional rainfall.

Managed by Sarah Hastings, BMC’s Rooftop Farmer, and Higher Ground Farm, the farm adds valuable green space to the Newmarket District, addresses food insecurity, and offers culturally relevant fresh foods. Cultivating hard-to-find produce, they grow aji dulce, Malabar spinach, Callaloo greens, bok choy, napa cabbage, cranberry beans, and Japanese turnips, among others.

Because of Newmarket Farm’s location overlooking the Boston skyline, it also optimizes sun-loving fruit, including tomatoes, and flowers that attract pollinators. A covered seating area provides education and outreach classes to students from Boston Public Schools, members of local community organizations, and staff & patients to get hands-on training on hyperlocal vegetable gardening. Plus, both BMC rooftop farms serve as a model for other hospitals, understanding that the local environment is intrinsic to supporting the overall health and wellbeing in our communities.

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On the surface, it appears like American industries are finally making some needed shift to mitigate climate change – or at least using the appropriate “green” vernacular and 2030 projections in their branding and communications.

Is it enough?

From an environmental science perspective, the answer is a resounding no. Still, as we incentivize and engage industries to curb their impacts, aren’t baby steps still better than no change at all? Some reluctant industries – where change is synonymous with profit loss – need to be courted and lured into semblance of responsibility: a foot in the door vs. door in the face approach. Or should we demand giant leaps and sweeping reform as the only way out of the climate change spiral?

 With question, let’s consider one of the biggest climate change contributors: agriculture.

I experienced a sweet bubble of hope after watching the documentary on regenerative agriculture film brought to us by Woody Harrelson and Kiss the Ground in LA. 

Despite a few gratuitous celebrity plugs, the film cracked opened the numerous win-win possibilities that could be achieved an agricultural approach that removes tilling and uses the power of photosynthesis in plants to sequester carbon in the soil while improving soil health, yields, water resilience, and nutrient density. HOORAY, the earth’s soil (when managed right) can actually draw down carbon from the atmosphere, reduce the greenhouse effect, and make for better farming products and profits.

What is regenerative agriculture?

Kiss the Ground is not just a movie, it’s a non-profit that is fostering the shift of commercial farms to the regenerative agriculture approach. Yet, their mission falls short on one critical front: pesticides. Regenerative Agriculture without the word “organic” would still allow the use of RoundUp.   

I wanted to explore this concept with industry leaders, who are taking a harder stance on farming, namely Regenerative Organic Certified partners.

I first encountered Nature’s Path’s cereal about 15 years ago. The brand is led by its founders Ratana Stephens and Arran Stephens and now their son Arjan, general manager. Arjan is the President of Que Pasa Mexican Foods and the Executive VP for Nature’s Path Foods

“Leave the earth better than you found it,” was what Arjan’s grandfather Rupert told his dad as a child growing up on Vancouver Island in Canada where they ran an organic berry farm, founded in 1949.

Rupert also wrote songs which he brought to LA. Back then the “no poisons used” was an early warning call for Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. People in the farming industry knew chemicals were bad, but few, unlike the Stephens, were speaking up. Speaking up or farming differently usually isn’t good for business. 

Today the “leave the earth better than you found it,” mantra is the guiding force behind the business.

Today we speak with Arjan about the business his parents started, Nature’s Path, and how his company is shepherding the food industry into the path of regenerative agriculture.

Green Prophet: Sustainable, organic, non-GMO is what people at health shops look for today. Will sustainable be replaced with regenerative? Explain.

Arjan: First, I would like to clarify that there is a massive difference between Regenerative and Regenerative Organic Agriculture. We at Nature’s Path are passion advocates for Regenerative Organic Agriculture.

Regenerative alone doesn’t go far enough. Although Regenerative aims to enrich the soil, it lacks any standards prohibiting the use of conventional pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers and GMOs.

Regenerative Organic by contrast, is rooted in organic farming, and abides by a high standard of land management to not only enrich the soil, but also sequester carbon in the soil, prioritize the welfare of farm animals and fairness for farmers and workers.

Regenerative, without the word Organic partnered with it, is greenwashing. 

Regenerative Organic Agriculture is the next level in sustainable, organic and non-GMO, it’s a kind of farming that goes beyond sustainable. 

Green Prophet: I have a theory that the wildest, boldest, most common-sense ideas about shifting planetary consciousness in the last 30 years has moved from the east to Canada. For instance, the raw water movement seems to be led by Canadians. Can you agree with this, or not? Explain. Or tell us about what you know.

Robert Rodale coined the term “Regenerative Organic” more than thirty years ago to describe a holistic approach to farming that encourages continuous innovation and improvement of environmental, social and economic measures. Rodale was American, so this movement did not start in Canada.

The Rodale Institute introduced a new high-bar standard for agriculture certification in 2018. Regenerative Organic Certification is maintained by the Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA), a non-profit made up of experts in farming, ranching, soil health, animal welfare and farmer and worker fairness. And our farm, Legend Organic Farm in Saskatchewan is the first farm in Canada to be ROC certified, so maybe that is the Canadian connection! The aim of our farm is to bring us closer to our goal of building a food movement that helps to heal the soil, land, water and air,

Green Prophet: Tell us about your support at the University of Victoria. What do you plan to achieve?

The University of Victoria has a unique culture which draws students interested in sustainability and regenerative food systems, and our relationship goes back many years.

In 2015, my sister met a recent graduate of the University who said that she was passionate about organic agriculture but that there were no grants she could apply for that could sustain her interest. In 2016, seeking to address this lack of funding, my family set up a series of grants.  

To date, we have supported 8 graduate students and 2 undergraduates for a total of $90,000. Diverse studies have ranged from quantifying the importance of farmer’s markets, the intertidal gardens of Lekwungen and ‘Namgis First Nations, and important ecological restoration projects.

Our gifts to the University of Victoria help passionate students carry out meaningful research on Organic and Sustainable Food Systems.  Our overall goal is to inspire others to quantify and elaborate a truly sustainable-organic agricultural paradigm. 

Green Prophet: Where are the best places to source regenerative raw materials? Are you having an easier time in Europe where farms are already set up that way? How can things change in Canada and the United States? Ideally you will want raw materials to be close to production.

Nature’s Path launched the first Regenerative Organic breakfast product on the market, our Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) Oats, and we source all our ROC oats from our very own farm (Legend Organic Farm) in Saskatchewan. We do not source raw materials from anywhere else.

But we are hopeful more farmers will shift to regenerative organic practices. We hope to help lead the transformation process through our own farm first and share what we learn with others, with the transition of agriculture from the worst practices to the best regenerative practices as the goal. We also hope to introduce other Regenerative Organic products in the future. 

Why is regenerative farming the future?

Regenerative Organic farming is the future because sustaining current forms of agricultural practices is not enough to regenerate soils beyond their current condition. We must focus on regenerative organic practices that heal and enrich the soil that supports us. It is this kind of soil that can capture carbon from the atmosphere and sequester it in the ground, helping to reverse climate change. More than ever, farmers have a very important role to play in climate change. That in a nutshell is why regenerative organic farming is the future.

Do you see any shift since Covid among young people and how they consume, or in farming? Back to the land?

I see more young people being interested in what nature can provide and less interested in what human interventions can. Post-Covid, I feel more people (young people included) are wanting to be more connected to their food, to understand where it comes from. To avoid more processed foods. To eat more fresh, nutrient rich produce. Eat more plant-based. Non-GMO. Non-refined sugars. Even the Keto and Paleo diets are part of this trend. 

Tell us about consumer demands. Where are their tastes shifting? And as a brand do you find you are following or leading them forward? 

As a brand, we have always prided ourselves on leading. We were organic 35 years ago, before anyone was talking about it, before organics became a multi-billion-dollar global industry. My grandfather pioneered organic farming at his berry farm. My father opened the first vegetarian restaurant in Canada in 1967. He then opened the first natural food store in Canada a few years later. This was before there were Whole Foods across cities, before organic agriculture entered popular culture. We hope to continue to lead for many more years to come.

Tell us how your family-rooted business is important for the planet. 

Being a family owned and operated business means we can make decisions without being beholden to external pressures. We have always operated from the triple bottom line: socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, financially viable, and we would never make a business decision at the expense of people or the planet. That is the wonderful thing about being a family business.

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With the proliferation of urban beekeepers I asked myself: Is it safe to eat beeswax from the honeycomb? I told some friends I had a hive and several of them asked specifically for the honeycomb with living, raw honey in it. Commercial honey, we know is pasteurized, so the healing enzymes in honey are killed. But honeycomb is “just wax” I thought. Won’t it get stuck in my intestines or merge with my teeth? Surely they just mean to chew on it like bubblegum?

But, no. Several people I spoke with said that honeycomb is good for you and it’s sought out as a natural medicine. Beekeeping expert, Yossi Oud, from Bees for Peace, Israel told me that beeswax is good for your teeth and your throat and you should it with natural honey. Scientific studies (linked below) confirm this.

For centuries, bee-derived products such as propolis, honey and beeswax from the honeycomb have been used as natural therapies in folk medicine due to their properties and their high content of bioactive compounds. Today, there is renewed interest in apitherapy due to its preventing and healing properties for wounds, rheumatism, and gastrointestinal disorders.

Is there any scientific research out there to support any of these heath claims? In a recent study from Egypt published in Veterinarian Medicine sheep were fed beeswax as part of their diet and the results were impressive and included  reduced carbon emissions and better health outcomes for the animals:

The researchers write that beeswax inclusion in the feed formulation is good for sustainable farming. Beeswax in feed “enhanced the nutrient digestibility by enhancing rumen fermentation and decreasing the ammonia emissions,” they wrote.

Feeding farm animals beeswax is regenerative farming

The use of 4 g/day of beeswax supplementation in growing Assaf lambs could promote zootechnical performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and thus lower the cost of feed formulation and support the sustainability of lamb farming.

In this study researchers investigated pesticide residues in honey and beeswax.  As bees forage miles away from the hive, it is hard to create 100% ecological honey unless you live in a forest with a large organic buffer.

The scientists concluded in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry that “the food consumption of honey and beeswax contaminated with these residues considered separately does not compromise the consumer’s health, provided proposed action limits are met. In regard to residues of flumethrin in honey and in beeswax, “zero tolerance” should be applied.”

How can consumers check for contamination? How can you know flumethrin wasn’t used?

Flumethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide. It is used externally in veterinary medicine against parasitic insects and ticks on cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and dogs, and against the treatment of parasitic mites in honeybee colonies. It is commonly used to treat varoa mites.

According to Merck who makes the product, flumethrin is toxic to organs, should not contact your skin, eyes, or be breathed. It may damage an unborn child. According to the Government of Canada, this material isn’t a danger to health if used correctly. But how many beekeepers might make a mistake and contaminate a hive and all the honey with the material?

What does it do to the fitness of the hive?

Whenever we ask a question, we find so many more questions waiting to be solved.

If your honey is organic, you might be spared from potential toxins. You can treat mites with natural formulations from chamomile tea, salt and honey, to dusting with organic demerrara sugar and using oxalic acid vapors.

Eat beeswax with honey and olive oil

Some studies suggest that beeswax might help lower cholesterol levels, it may prevent infections, and help protect the stomach from ulcers caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

This review of existing studies on eating beeswax or honeycomb showed an antimicrobic effect of beeswax against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger: “these inhibitory effects are enhanced synergistically with other natural products such as honey or olive oil.”

Beeswax can be used for a variety of other natural uses. I made sunscreen using beeswax honeycomb and tea. You can cut it with a seed oil that’s low on flavor and use it as a wood polish. It’s great for kitchen tables that get a lot of wear and tear. And you can make natural candles from beeswax. Most candles you buy today are parafin and derivatives of fossil fuels. Better to have some natural wax in your life.

So what are you waiting for? Miriam visited a beehive and got swarmed. I started a beehive and it’s been an ever-ending discovery into nature, the environment, and to myself.

And yes, the honey test works. Want to know if your honey is real or fake? Try this test.

Want to try to eat other non-organic food to see if it helps your health? Have you tried charcoal in your ice-cream or diatomaceous earth?

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