There is a phenomenon in economics called the Multiplier Effect. It refers to an increase in output greater than what was put in. A prime example of this is what happens to our dollars when they are spent locally. According to Tim Mitchell of Northwest Earth Institute, “A dollar spent at a locally owned store is usually spent 6 to 15 times before it leaves the community,” and generates $5 to $14 in value within that community. Conversely, he says, that 80% of every dollar spent at a national store/restaurant “leaves town immediately.” (For more information, including 10 reasons to think local first, please see
Buying Local and the Circulating Dollar.)

Keep Your Green in Eugene

Money is the lifeblood of the economy — it needs to circulate to keep the community healthy. Locally-owned businesses support other local businesses, charities, artists, entertainers, etc. They pay taxes to fund our schools and emergency responders and maintain our infrastructure. Each time a dollar is spent within the community, the entire community benefits, directly or indirectly.

We’d like to introduce you to some businesses who manufacture products right here in Eugene, employing our neighbors who purchase goods and services from local businesses — like yours.

On a peaceful hill just south of Eugene, Tricia and Forrest at
Cortesia create flower essences and herbal tinctures using plants from their organic garden or wildcrafted from this 22-acre National Heritage Garden sanctuary.

Wendy at
Good Clean Love is on a mission: “to increase the awareness and experience of love in the world.” Her Eugene-based business offers all-natural, organic feminine hygiene and petrochemical-free personal intimacy products for enhanced enjoyment of the passionate side of life.

NuNaturals has been a presence in our community for nearly 30 years. It is still owned and operated by the Sablosky family (father and son team Warren and Jake) whose mission is “Helping to Keep You Well” with natural plant-based sweeteners, pasture-raised collagen and other dietary supplements.

Azure at
Blue Heron Herbs prepares small batches of wholesome, organic herbal tinctures, oils and salves using high quality ingredients including freshly harvested herbs, local beeswax, organic olive oil and organic alcohol.

David and his crew at
Quantum Health make Super Lysine Plus and other nutriceutical- and herb-based products for migraines, immunity and eye health, as well as a mosquito repellent that is DEET-free.

Although
Keys owners Bob and Wendy do not live here, when they were looking for a site for their manufacturing facility they chose west Eugene. Keys personal care products are made in a certified organic, chemical-free facility using natural, functional ingredients in therapeutic proportions to make truly effective products. Environmental Working Group says their sunscreen, Solar Rx, is “a top choice for sun protection.”

Nearby Neighbors

Evergreen also features products from family-run businesses from nearby Pleasant Hill: Energize Organics and Balanced Greens.

Sam and Kathryn at
Energize Organics make an organic smoothie boost powder, Herbal Synergy, that is rich in adaptogens and antioxidants and comes two ways — unsweetened or sweetened with stevia. They also make Beet 02, a ready-to-go, squeezable VO2 maximizer. (For the non-athletes out there, VO2 refers to the maximum amount of oxygen utilized during intense exercise.)

Leah and Richard from
Balanced Greens, make a variety of high-quality, nutrition-rich energy foods made with raw, organic ingredients. In addition, they have liquid fulvic acid minerals, Cell Superfood, that is rich in trace minerals. They call it the “missing nutritional link.” (For more information on the importance of trace minerals, see our newsletter.)

A Little Farther Afield

 

If you like to support organic farming, we can suggest three companies that practice sustainable agriculture in Oregon. Williams-based
HerbPharm has two certified organic farms in the Siskiyou mountains where they preserve (and sometimes restore) the ecosystem that supports native flora and fauna. They also partner with United Plant Savers, an organization whose mission is “to protect native medicinal plants of the United States and Canada and their native habitat….”

Eclectic Institute farms 90 acres of rich volcanic soil near Bull Run Wildlife Preserve in Sandy while Oregon’s Wild Harvest has farms in both Redmond and Culver.

Each of these three businesses contributes not only to our local economy, but to our quality of life by helping to maintain local ecosystems and practicing conscientious wildcrafting in our natural areas. Oregon’s Wild Harvest gives back to the community by donating bulk herbs to local clinics and health centers. HerbPharm and Eclectic have internships for those who want to learn about organic farming or herbalism. Eclectic also has a Kids Herb Camp to foster the next generation of herbalists.

Evergreen Nutrition has been in Eugene for over 38 years. Our founder, Dorothy, is enjoying retirement, but her son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Terri, maintain her ideal of promoting good health through optimum nutrition.

We hope you have enjoyed this brief introduction to just a few of the people who help keep Eugene’s economy and environment healthy.

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