Radical Transparency: How We Sourced (Almost) All the Plastic Out of Our Apothecary

When you buy a product meant to heal your body, it shouldn't come at the expense of the earth. It sounds simple, but we have yet to find many other companies that walk this talk.

Further, when you buy a natural product in plastic, it removes any benefit it may have had for you. Microplastics are everywhere, including in our bodies. We have a sneaking suspicion it correlates to the rise in cancer, autoimmune dysfunction, and other problems.

The graph shows a 233% growth in the prevalence of plastic use since 1990. It also shows an 80% growth in cancer and a 98% growth in autoimmune dysfunction. We believe that the parallel trajectory is no coincidence.

In 2020, Haven Herbs made a firm operational commitment: we set out to eliminate single-use plastic from our entire packaging line. We transitioned nearly all of our bottles, jars, and shipping materials to recyclable, compostable, or reusable alternatives.

Four years later, we want to share an honest look at where we stand, where we still face industry challenges, and how your purchases directly fuel community action.

Our Packaging Audit: The Wins and the Work in Progress

We believe in radical transparency, which means celebrating our progress while being completely honest about where the packaging industry still lags behind. (As a sidenote, we are very wary of "biodegradable plastic" packaging- because we know that greenwashing abounds in that space.)

What We've Mastered:

• Zero Plastic Shipping: We reuse packing materials and ship exclusively with kraft cardboard boxes, compostable peanuts, kraft (unbleached) paper, and recycled paper tape.

• Glass, Paperboard, Paper, & Metal First: Most of our products are housed in infinitely recyclable amber glass and metal containers. We also use paperboard tubes for our lip balms and body powders, which are compostable (no plastic liners). 

The Struggle We’re Still Solving:

If you’ve ever bought a tincture or body spray from us, you’ve seen the only plastic left in our lineup: dropper tops, spray pumps, and tamper-evident shrink bands.

Currently, the global packaging market does not produce functional, leak-proof tincture droppers or fine-mist spray pumps made entirely without plastic components. But we refuse to settle. We are continuously searching for zero-plastic component manufacturers. 

Have a lead on a reliable, food-grade, plastic-free pump or dropper supplier? Email us directly—we’d love to connect with them!

Beyond Business: Mutual Aid and "Round Up for Justice"

Sustainability isn't just about packaging materials; it’s about human ecosystems, too. We created Haven Herbs to be more than a profit-driven business. We built it as an engine for community empowerment and mutual aid.

Through our educational work, our staff herbalist leads free and low-cost wellness classes, teaches for organizations like the Cancer Support Community and The Victory Center, hosts the Ask the Herbalist podcast, and moderates the Ask the Herbalist subreddit.

And every time you shop with us, you have the option to join our "Round Up for Justice" initiative at checkout:

• Monthly Direct Giving: 100% of rounded-up funds are disbursed monthly to grassroots organizations.

• Our Funding Focus: In 2026, we prioritized frontline initiatives supporting immigrant communities and trans advocacy and support groups. (2026 focused on Black and Indigenous People of Color, and that was named "Round Up for Reparations".) what shall we do in 2027 together?

Voting With Your Dollar

When you choose Haven Herbs, you aren't just buying small-batch, artisanal body care and herbal remedies. You are backing a family-owned business that holds itself accountable to the planet, supports real community change, and treats wellness as a shared human right.

Thank you for being part of this movement with us!