Our Environmental Mission
At Origins Ascendants, sustainability isn't just a buzzword—it's at the core of everything we do. We believe that creating beautiful, effective skincare should never come at the expense of the planet. From sourcing ingredients to packaging our products, we're committed to minimizing our environmental footprint and actively contributing to a healthier Earth.
Sustainable Sourcing
Organic & Ethical Ingredients
All of our botanical ingredients are sourced from USDA-certified organic farms that use regenerative agricultural practices. We work directly with farmers who:
- Use no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers
- Practice crop rotation and soil conservation
- Protect local biodiversity
- Pay fair wages to agricultural workers
- Maintain ethical labor practices
Wild-Harvested Ingredients
When we use wild-harvested botanicals, we follow strict sustainability protocols:
- Never harvest endangered or at-risk species
- Take only what nature can regenerate
- Work with indigenous communities who have traditional knowledge of sustainable harvesting
- Support reforestation and habitat restoration projects
Marine Ingredients
Our seaweed and marine botanicals are sustainably harvested to protect ocean ecosystems. We partner with ocean conservation organizations and contribute 2% of revenue from marine-based products to ocean cleanup and restoration initiatives.
Carbon-Neutral Operations
Since 2023, Origins Ascendants has achieved carbon-neutral status through a combination of reduction and offset strategies:
Energy Reduction
- 100% renewable energy powers our production facilities
- Solar panels on our headquarters and warehouse roofs
- Energy-efficient LED lighting throughout our facilities
- Smart climate control systems that minimize energy waste
Transportation
- Optimized shipping routes to reduce transportation emissions
- Partner with carbon-neutral shipping carriers when available
- Consolidated shipments to minimize packaging waste
- Electric vehicle fleet for local deliveries
Carbon Offset Programs
For emissions we cannot yet eliminate, we invest in verified carbon offset projects including:
- Reforestation projects in the Pacific Northwest
- Renewable energy development in developing countries
- Methane capture from organic waste
Sustainable Packaging
Zero-Waste Initiative
We're working towards 100% zero-waste packaging by 2027. Our current efforts include:
- Recyclable Materials: All product packaging is made from recyclable glass, aluminum, or post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic
- Minimalist Design: We've eliminated unnecessary packaging layers and components
- Refill Program: Select products are available in refillable containers, reducing packaging waste by 70%
- Compostable Shipping Materials: All packing materials are compostable or recyclable
Packaging Innovation
We continuously research and invest in innovative packaging solutions:
- Biodegradable tubes made from sugarcane plastic
- Ocean-bound plastic recovery program—using plastic collected from coastlines
- Seed-infused paper labels that can be planted
- Waterless formulations that reduce packaging size and shipping weight
Water Conservation
Water is precious, and we treat it that way:
- Waterless Formulations: Many of our products use concentrated, waterless formulations that are more potent and sustainable
- Water Recycling: Our production facilities recycle and purify water for reuse
- Efficient Manufacturing: Advanced equipment minimizes water usage during production
- Clean Water Access: We donate 1% of profits to clean water initiatives in developing regions
Waste Reduction
Zero Waste to Landfill
Our production facilities have achieved zero waste to landfill certification by:
- Recycling 98% of production waste
- Composting organic waste from ingredient processing
- Donating or repurposing materials whenever possible
- Working with specialized recycling partners for hard-to-recycle materials
Product Take-Back Program
Send your empty Origins Ascendants containers back to us for proper recycling or reuse. For every 5 containers you return, receive a 10% discount on your next purchase. We ensure every container is responsibly processed.
Biodiversity Protection
We're committed to protecting the ecosystems that provide our ingredients:
- Ingredient Diversity: We source from multiple regions to avoid over-harvesting any single ecosystem
- Habitat Protection: Partner with conservation organizations to protect critical habitats
- Bee-Friendly: Support pollinator conservation programs and use bee-friendly farming practices
- No Palm Oil: We avoid palm oil to prevent deforestation
Our Certifications
- USDA Organic: Certified organic ingredients and processes
- Leaping Bunny: Cruelty-free, never tested on animals
- B Corp Certified: Meeting high standards of social and environmental performance
- Carbon Neutral: Verified carbon-neutral operations
- 1% for the Planet: Donate 1% of sales to environmental causes
- Rainforest Alliance: Sustainable sourcing practices
Goals for the Future
We're constantly pushing ourselves to do better. Here are our sustainability goals:
By 2027
- 100% plastic-free packaging
- Increase carbon offsets to achieve carbon-negative status
- Expand refill program to all products
- Source 100% of ingredients from regenerative agriculture
By 2030
- Achieve fully circular economy model—all products designed for complete recyclability or biodegradability
- Restore 1 million square meters of natural habitat
- Partner with 100 organic farms globally
- Zero-emission shipping for all domestic orders
Our Impact
Thanks to our sustainability initiatives and your support, we've achieved:
- 500,000 kg of CO2 emissions prevented
- 2 million plastic bottles diverted from landfills
- 10,000 trees planted through reforestation partners
- $500,000 donated to environmental organizations
- 50 hectares of habitat protected or restored
How You Can Help
Sustainability is a team effort. Here's how you can contribute:
- Participate in Our Refill Program: Choose refillable products and reduce packaging waste
- Return Empty Containers: Use our take-back program to ensure proper recycling
- Choose Conscious Consumption: Buy only what you need and use products completely
- Spread the Word: Share sustainable skincare practices with friends and family
- Recycle Properly: Follow local recycling guidelines for our packaging
Transparency & Reporting
We believe in accountability. View our annual sustainability reports for detailed information about our environmental impact, progress toward goals, and areas for improvement. Reports are available on our website and updated annually.
Join Our Mission
Sustainability is an ongoing journey, not a destination. We're committed to continuous improvement and welcome your feedback. If you have suggestions for how we can be more sustainable, please contact us.
Together, we can create a more sustainable future—one skincare product at a time.