Sustainable Herbal Supplements: Reducing our Herb Miles

When we first launched Hello Wellness, we knew that the environment was going to be a priority for us as a sustainable herbal supplements brand. Living in the gorgeous British countryside and having a background in natural medicine, we have always been incredibly aware of the environment and the impact e-commerce can have. 

We knew in our hearts that to truly launch our business in a way that best reflects us, we had to source our herbs locally in the UK and keep all manufacture here on UK soil too. We define this as reducing our ‘herb miles’, with the intention of limiting the carbon footprint of our products. 

Here’s why reducing our ‘herb miles’ has been so important to us and what we’re doing to keep our sustainability promise.

What are ‘Herb Miles’? 🪴

Herb miles, similar to food miles, is a term we came up with ourselves (we think so anyway!) and it refers to the distance herbs and supplements travel from where they are grown to where they are consumed. This concept helps us to measure the environmental impact of transporting these products. 

Understanding herb miles is crucial because the longer the distance, the higher the environmental cost in terms of carbon emissions and resource usage. It’s an important metric for consumers who want to make eco-friendly choices when they are purchasing their sustainable herbal supplements! 

Many commonly used supplements are sourced from far-off places, resulting in high herb miles. For example, turmeric from India or maca from Peru often travels thousands of miles before reaching consumers in the UK, contributing significantly to carbon emissions.

What is the Environmental Impact of Importing Herbs?

Carbon Emissions 🛫

Transporting herbs over long distances relies heavily on fossil fuels, particularly when air freight is involved. Aeroplanes emit large quantities of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases directly into the upper atmosphere, where they can have a more pronounced warming effect. 

For instance, shipping herbs from continents like Asia or South America to Europe can result in significant CO2 emissions per kilogram of product. Even sea freight, while more efficient per tonne-mile, still contributes to carbon emissions and other pollutants. 

By reducing herb miles and prioritising sustainable herbal supplements, we can minimise these emissions, directly contributing to the fight against climate change! Love it!

Resource Usage 🚚

The transportation process consumes a variety of resources beyond just fuel. Packaging materials are required to protect the herbs during transit, often resulting in the use of plastics and other non-biodegradable materials. Additionally, the energy used in logistics operations – from refrigeration to maintain herb freshness to the power used in logistics centres – adds to the overall environmental footprint. This cumulative resource usage not only depletes natural resources but also generates unnecessary waste and pollution.

Biodiversity Impact 🌱

High herb miles can have detrimental effects on biodiversity in both source and destination regions. In source regions, the high demand for certain herbs can lead to overharvesting, threatening local plant species and the ecosystems that depend on them. Furthermore, the introduction of non-native plant species through global trade can sometimes lead to invasive species problems, where these plants outcompete local flora and disrupt ecological balances.

What are the Benefits of Using UK-Grown Herbs in Our Sustainable Herbal Supplements?

Lower Carbon Footprint 👣

By sourcing herbs locally, we can significantly reduce the carbon emissions associated with transportation. The shorter the distance that herbs need to travel, the less fuel is consumed, which means fewer greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere. This reduction in emissions helps mitigate climate change and contributes to a healthier planet. 

For example, choosing locally grown herbs over those imported from overseas can reduce the carbon footprint of these products by up to 90%. 

Our sustainable herbal supplements use herbs that are all grown here in the UK – so there is no need to worry about the carbon footprint of our herbs when purchasing with us.

Supporting Local Economies 💰

Local sourcing supports regional farmers and businesses, fostering economic growth within the community. When consumers purchase locally sourced herbs, their money goes directly into the local economy, helping to sustain local jobs and support small businesses. This economic boost can lead to increased investment in local agriculture and infrastructure, creating a positive feedback loop that benefits the entire community. Additionally, local businesses often reinvest their profits within the community, further amplifying the economic benefits!

Fresher Products 🌿

Locally sourced herbs are fresher and retain more of their nutritional and medicinal properties. The shorter travel time from farm to table means that herbs are harvested at their peak ripeness and can be delivered to consumers more quickly. This results in higher-quality supplements with better potency and efficacy. Fresher products are also less likely to contain preservatives or undergo processes that can degrade their beneficial properties, ensuring that consumers receive the full health benefits of the herbs.

Enhanced Sustainability 🌎

Local sourcing fits into a broader sustainability strategy by reducing the need for extensive packaging and waste. Herbs transported over long distances require more packaging to ensure they remain fresh and undamaged during transit. This often involves the use of plastic and other non-recyclable materials. By contrast, locally sourced herbs can be packaged more simply and sustainably, reducing waste and the environmental impact of packaging materials. Our best-selling Hello Wellness pots use biodegradable and recyclable materials and packaging – check out some uses for them here.

Promoting Biodiversity 🐛

Local sourcing helps promote biodiversity by encouraging the cultivation of a variety of native plants. This can lead to more resilient ecosystems and agricultural systems. Diverse plantings are less susceptible to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions. Additionally, maintaining a variety of plant species supports local wildlife and contributes to a balanced ecosystem.

How Can You Be More Sustainable When Buying Supplements?

Being more sustainable when buying supplements involves making informed and eco-conscious choices. 

Start by choosing products from brands that prioritise local sourcing, reducing the herb miles and associated carbon emissions. Look for supplements that use organic ingredients, as these are grown without harmful chemicals, promoting better health for both you and the environment. Opt for products with sustainable packaging – those that are recycled, biodegradable, or fully recyclable. Supporting companies that use renewable energy in their production processes and who invest in sustainable practices further contributes to a greener planet. 

Additionally, consider buying in bulk to reduce logistical impact with delivery. 

By making these mindful choices, you can significantly reduce your environmental footprint while still maintaining your health!

How We Support Sustainability at Hello Wellness

At Hello Wellness, we are deeply committed to supporting sustainability through various impactful initiatives.

We prioritise sourcing herbs from UK-based growers, significantly cutting down on herb miles and the associated carbon emissions but our commitment to sustainability goes beyond this too. Our eco-building is constructed from local timber and hemp plaster, significantly reducing our carbon footprint compared to traditional building materials. Powered by solar panels and equipped with air source heat pumps, our office operates on renewable energy, further lowering our reliance on fossil fuels. 

Further, our commitment to organic farming ensures that we use ingredients free from harmful chemicals and packaging is designed to be as sustainable as possible, utilising recycled, biodegradable, and fully recyclable materials. 

Find out more about our sustainability measures here.