December 2023 Newsletter
In the lexicon of environmental buzzwords, wellness doesn't get its due. But to sustain every activist, scientist, and advocate, our bodies need nourishment, and our voices need strength. That's why we joined our amazing partners at Traditional Medicinals (TM) for an evening focused on solutions, soil, and wellness. The proof was in the teapot as we sampled delicious, organic teas provided by our Certified B-Corp partners at TM. We experienced firsthand how plants provide a significant tool for humanity to make positive change.
The event was a welcome reminder that we have the solutions (and the tea) to make a difference. Further, as with all EMA events, community was a central focus. Everyone brings a unique skill set, viewpoint, and energy to our efforts. You only need to share a cuppa' tea to find this out.
It All Begins in the Soil
What pairs well with delicious herbal tea? Conversation! After a brief introduction from EMA CEO Debbie Levin, attendees enjoyed a moving and informative panel discussion. EMA Board Member and Innovator Award Recipient Nikki Reed, TM’s Chief Science & Chief Purpose Officers Taryn Forrelli and Jamie Horst, and documentarian Rebecca Tickell discussed the intersection between soil health, herbs, and activism. A video of the conversation is coming soon.
Our journey from cup to activism starts with healthy soil. Representing the EMA Awards nominated documentary "Common Ground," Rebecca and Nikki elucidated the importance of regenerative agriculture and how it ties directly to our health and economy. As we've witnessed time and time again, a documentary has the power to change the world. In the documentary, prominent voices, including EMA Board Members Ian Somerhalder & Rosario Dawson and EMA Honoree Laura Dern, call for awareness and practical goals such as getting 100 million acres in certified transition by 2025.
And, of course, you can't have nourishing herbs for your tea if the soil isn't healthy. TM told the crowd about its responsibility to support the abundance of medicinal herbs. Doing so requires sourcing herbs that are well-cared for, traded fairly, and contribute to healthy, sustainable biodiversity. Further, TM sources over 99% organic herbs and ensures its packaging nourishes the soil. How? By becoming the first tea company to attain BPI certification on its compostable wrappers. Impressive!
A Celebration of Story and Music
At EMA, we believe in the power of storytelling to change the world. Who better to tell that story than EMA Board Member and Lifetime Achievement Honoree Ed Begley Jr., reading from his recent memoir "To the Temple of Tranquility...And Step On It!", Ed regaled the room with stories of laughter, sustainable tips, and good memories. Ed is the perfect example of the power of personal action and facing challenges with humor and kindness.
And what holiday party is complete without music? TM partner and musical artist Mon RovÎa decompressed us with his powerful and peaceable Afro-Appalachian folk music. Mon's intimate acoustic set perfectly fit the vibes of the evening.
A Delicious End to an Informative Night
Following the performances, Traditional Medicinals Herbalist Amber Valenzuela conducted a Conscious Cup tea tasting, sharing the botanical sourcing stories of Throat Coat®, Chamomile with Lavender, and Peppermint teas. "To become a Traditional Medicinals ingredient, our herbs must meet select criteria. She explained that from the species of plant, where it is grown, how it is harvested, to what plant part we use, and how much of a specific active compound is needed to achieve a particular health benefit," she explained. "Beyond that, we try to be the best citizens we can – FairWild, Fairtrade, organic, solar-powered, compostable, and so much more."
A huge thank you to our attendees, speakers, and the Traditional Medicinals team for making the evening possible.
Happy sipping!
