Wilding Pines
dōTERRA Solution
New Zealand
Commitment to Environmental Responsibility
The purposes behind the dōTERRA ® Co-Impact Sourcing™ initiative are varied . From ensuring the highest quality essential oil to facilitating humanitarian efforts with communities where our oils are sourced , each “ co-impact sourced ” oil presents a unique opportunity to have an impact on the world . In the case of Douglas Fir , one of the most unique benefits is the positive impact the sourcing of this oil has on New Zealand ’ s environment .
“ With this Douglas Fir essential oil ,” says Tim Valentiner , Director of Strategic Sourcing , “ we have been able to create with our partners a truly unique essential oil that provides tremendously positive environmental impacts for New Zealand ’ s biodiverse landscape , highlighting the environmental responsibility objectives of Co-Impact Sourcing .”
Wilding Pines
Douglas Fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii ) is an evergreen conifer species native to western North America that has been used primarily in the lumber industry . However , in New Zealand , Douglas Fir has been categorized by the government as an invasive species . It was planted originally for the lumber industry , and from there it bred very rapidly and uncontrollably into areas where it wasn ’ t intended to grow . The trees grow 25 times faster in New Zealand than in North America , and the dense root systems push out all or many of the native species of plants , making it nearly impossible for anything else to grow . Douglas Fir trees , which are known as “ wilding conifers ” in New Zealand , are also self-seeding . This means that they produce seeds that fall to the ground and replant themselves in that location . These seeds germinate then begin to sprout and grow at the start of the growing season . By the end of the season , new seeds are produced and begin the cycle over again . This , coupled with the rate of growth in New Zealand , is the cause behind the “ wilding conifer ” problem with Douglas Fir .
dōTERRA Solution
To help alleviate the environmental impacts of this wilding problem , dōTERRA established an exclusive sourcing partnership with a small-scale company . This company works through government and other programs for the harvesting of these invasive Douglas Fir trees for raw materials , and then distills them into an invigorating and truly unique essential oil . Choosing to source Douglas Fir oil from New Zealand provides dōTERRA with an opportunity to participate in a project that is very socially innovative and
8 / WINTER 2017 LIVING MAGAZINE