Sustainability

Our Commitment

Sustainability and Green Practices

 

Desert Dreaming OutPost Sustainability Policy

 

Objectives

 

Desert Dreaming OutPost is committed to doing business in a way that is environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and supports a vibrant local economy in our community. The Desert Dreaming OutPost Sustainability Policy has been agreed upon by founder/owner Monika Gray and all current and future staff.

 

As a company we are committed to continuing to be inspired by the world around us and to create our products in a way that not only honors that inspiration but also respects our environment. We strive to be a business that grows in our sustainability while sourcing local ingredients and utilizing green processes.

 

 

Goals

 

The mission of Desert Dreaming OutPost is to create products we believe in that are inspired by the environment we live. We aim to do this in a green and sustainable way to provide the highest quality products in the most environmentally conscious way we can.

 

Our vision is to not only create sustainable green products but share our processes and methods with others. We want to share our vision with others to help spread the idea of sustainable living and green product making.

 

To that end, we are focusing on the following areas:

 

 

Energy Conservation – Due to the nature of our facility, it Is important we do everything we can to conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions. To that end we are 100% solar powered as well as working towards becoming a zero carbon emission site.

  • Use only solar energy in our facility
  • We are taking steps to become a zero carbon emission site
  • Explore additional alternative energy options

 

Water Conservation – Water is our most precious resource. Not only is it our most precious resource but being on a well we must account for and think of where each drop goes.

  • Use of low flow water fixtures on all faucets

 

Waste Diversion – We are able to divert nearly 100% of our production waste from the landfill.

  • We divide all production waste into recycling, composting, and landfill bins to properly divert waste
  • All products are made using reusable containers rather than single use
  • Products are packaged in paper and/or recyclable/reusable packaging whenever possible
  • 100% of the soap scraps and cast-offs are donated to one of two non-profits, one benefiting United States Veterans and the other providing desperately needed hygiene products to third world areas

 

Local Sourcing - Supporting our local economy while reducing the carbon footprint of our materials procurement.

  • We currently source 70% of our materials from local growers, farmers and businesses. We will strive to increase this number by 5% every year.
  • For business support services such as accounting, printing, distributors, et cetera, we will seek out local and independently owned businesses whenever possible to keep dollars circulating in our local economy

 

Community Engagement - Working with community groups as volunteers, educators and leaders

  • We will provide materials, guidance and education for any schools outreach, families and individuals who wish to learn how to live a more sustainable life and how to create products in a green way
  • We will provide these resources to all who show a true desire to learn and grow regardless of income limitations or socioeconomic status

 

Continuing Education - Constantly developing our team’s knowledge of best practices and new technologies about sustainable practices and materials.

  • Managers, staff, owners, et cetera, are encouraged to attend classes, webinars and events about environmentalism, sustainable project planning, green living and conservation

 

 

Future Plans

While Desert Dreaming OutPost works on improving it’s sustainable practices, we are looking to future improvements and changes we would like to work towards, and develop projects that will further improve our self-reliance and transform the way we do business

Our plans include:

Work towards building a new facility that allows us to share our green product production practices and sustainability initiatives with all those who seek to live a more conscious lifestyle. Within this expansion we would offer classes, events, workshops to teach our craft as well as offer green living experiences.

Improve the facility natural desert landscaping to utilize rainwater cisterns, low water plants and diverted water plumbing to further improve our water conservation efforts

Continue to build on using products that are ethically and sustainably sourced as well as derived from an environmentally driven inspiration process