Weleda

body & bath
dental

Weleda was founded in 1921 and pioneered the use of biodynamic and organic ingredients in bath & body products. The Weleda company comes from Switzerland and harvests plants and extracts from throughout the world and works with local farmers to convert their conventional farms into sustainable, organic agriculture. Weleda believes that the forces of the body, soul and spirit in each of us directly interact with one another and the environment, and so their formulations are free of synthetic preservatives, fragrances, and colourants.

In 1921, Weleda pioneered the use of biodynamic and organic ingredients in the personal care industry. Since this time, Weleda has adhered to these original quality standards, continuing to use biodynamic and organic ingredients to create its unique preparations for its organic bath & body products. All Weleda organic bath & body product formulations are free of synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colorants and parabens, and the ingredients and finished products are never tested on animals.

Weleda's pure plant extracts and ingredients are harvested throughout the world, either from Weleda's own gardens, or through contractual partnerships with farmers. Weleda works with local farmers, helping them to convert their conventional farms into sustainable, organic agriculture. Through these Fair Trade agreements, Weleda offers economic and social support to these communities. Such practices uphold Weleda's founding virtue, "In harmony with nature and the human being."

What is Fair Trade?

Fair Trade is an inherent component of Weleda's philosophy and practices. Over the past 85-years, Weleda has molded the definition of modern-day Fair Trade. To Weleda, "Fair Trade" means "global wellbeing" and involves the development of commited partnerships with ingredient cultivators throughout the world to support the area's ecological, economical, educational and social environments. Such endeavors improve both the quality of the farmer's land and crops, as well as the quality of Weleda's end formulations. Weleda works with local farmers, helping them to convert their conventional farms into sustainable, organic agriculture. This dedicated process provides educational support in ecological and sustainable harvesting practices, as well as monetary support for necessary supplies and equipment. In addition, Weleda establishes a guaranteed quantity of crops that it will purchase each year from these partners in order to provide their local communities with a stable economic structure. Such practices uphold Weleda's founding virtue, "In harmony with nature and the human being."

What is Biodynamic Cultivation?

The biodynamic method of agriculture, developed by Rudolf Steiner, the spiritual founder of Weleda, integrates the purest of all elements of the world, from the sun and the moon, to the soil and water to the animals that makeup the ecosystem of the farm. Each of these living components works in relationship to one another and connect through the cosmos. It is with this understanding and through observations of the position and forces of the moon, planets, stars and all parts of the universe that Weleda cultivates its plants.

As in organic agriculture, biodynamic cultivation enriches the soil and yields plants that have not been burdened with synthetic/chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Biodynamic cultivation, however, goes even a step further than organic, using biodynamic fertilizer preparations to further support the earth and the crops. Natural sprays that comprise of silica and manure, as well as compost preparations from herbs such as Chamomile, Dandelion, Nettle and Yarrow, bring abundant life to the soil and support the cultivation of Weleda's delicate ingredients. It is these specially-prepared blends that further connect the earth to the cosmic rhythms and distinguish biodynamic agriculture from organic and other farming techniques.

What is Organic Cultivation?

Organic agriculture works to enhance the harmony between all components of a natural farming system. According to the Organic Trade Association (OTA), "The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people."

What is Wild-Crafted Cultivation?

Certified Wild-Crafted is a quality standard in which only a certain amount of a crop, in a specific area, is permitted for harvesting during a short time span in the course of a year. In this way, endangered plant species can be protected, ensuring that a balance is maintained between the needs of the earth and those of human beings.

(Resources: the above information was taken from the www.usa.weleda.com website)