You know that here at Shrub Farm and Apple State HQ we love a good cocktail, a shared meal, and getting to connect with all of you at farmers markets and craft shows. And while that’s true, that’s not the whole heart of our work.
Apple State Vinegar was born from a desire to do more to help support the land and seas that support us: the farms that grow our apples, the soil that nourishes the fruits we use, and the waterways that allow the earth to flourish.
On February 1st and 2nd, we will donate 100% of all online Apple State Vinegar sales to three local organizations that are doing incredible work on behalf of the oceans that we know and love.
If you’ve had your eye on a bottle for a while, are looking to incorporate more probiotics into your life, or just want to have a fun new culinary product to play around with, this is the time to just go for it!
We hope you’ll be as inspired as we are by the great work that these groups are doing!
Puget Soundkeeper is a Washington-based organization that advocates for clean water through weekly ocean monitoring and enforcement of the Clean Water Act. They keep a well-trained eye out for illegal pollution, educate youth in conservation and environmental stewardship, and are deeply involved in policy and civic engagement.
SR3 is another Washington-based organization that “advances the health and welfare of marine life in the Pacific Northwest.” They free sea lions and whales from entanglement, work with diverse community entities, and are working to build the Pacific Northwest’s first marine wildlife speciality hospital.
SeaDoc Society conducts research in the Salish Sea, focusing on turning groundbreaking science into action. Their current projects include orca health, wildlife disentanglement, and research on the effects of chemicals and petroleum on marine life. The SeaDoc Society says it best themselves: “We think of ourselves as arbiters of truth in matters of ocean health, and it's a role we take seriously.”
What Can I Do?
Sometimes the scope of the issue feels overwhelming, especially if you’re not a scientist, legislator, or otherwise involved in the front lines of ocean protection. Here are a couple ways that you can do your part to support the sea and the creatures that call it home.- Cut back on your carbon emissions! When it’s possible, take the bus, subway, or other forms of public transportation. Take your bike or go for a walk!
- Buy sustainable seafood whenever possible. Seafood Watch has a great guide that gives you best options for purchasing and consuming ethical seafood in your state. Or befriend a local fisherperson!
- Demand and use plastic alternatives. Approximately 17.6 billion pounds of plastic enters the marine environment every year - and it never goes away. Bring a reusable mug to the coffee shop, opt for no straws (or non-plastic alternatives), and ask companies to provide compostable or recyclable options.