Originate is Celebrating 23 Years of Health, Home, & Well-being

On this 23rd anniversary, we honor and celebrate decades of hard work, collaboration, and community. A reminder of what people can do together. In numerology, 23 is a number of curiosity, creative expression, collaboration, and freedom ~ a number that flows.

The dragonfly, suspended in the golden light above the water, offers a beautiful reflection of this journey. Known for its remarkable agility, ability to change direction with ease, and extraordinary vision, the dragonfly reminds us of the power of perspective, adaptability, and moving forward with intention. Its wings, working in harmony, allow it to hover, glide, and navigate ever-changing currents, a reflection of the balance between finding our own direction while moving with the world around us.

Community has always been at the heart of Originate. For 23 years, our shared efforts have brought people together, sparked new ideas, and strengthened the connections that help our community flourish. What begins with a single effort can grow into something much greater, creating ripples that extend far beyond us. Like the dragonfly, we continue to embrace change, find new ways forward, and move freely toward what is possible, grounded in where we began and inspired by all that lies ahead.

Climate Neutral Certification Year 2!

Being mindful of our environmental impact is an ongoing journey, not a one-time accomplishment. We recently completed our second year of Climate Label certification, and we’re proud to continue building on the progress we’ve made while looking for new ways to reduce our footprint. From lowering emissions wherever possible to supporting verified climate projects, we remain committed to making thoughtful decisions that reflect our values and contribute to a healthier planet. Every step forward matters, and we’re committed to continuing that work.

As part of our ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency, we installed two smart windows located high on the north side under the eaves and on the west side within the curved roof parapet, that automatically open when temperatures get too high. This allows hot air to escape naturally, helping regulate indoor temperatures during the summer months and reducing the need for additional cooling at night.

The largest portion of our CO2 emissions comes from domestic freight shipping, and we want to do what we can to account for that impact. We have been carefully tracking the mileage of our freight shipments, so we can calculate our emissions and determine how many carbon credits are needed to offset them. We purchased credits to offset 83 tonnes of carbon which accounts for the first 6 months of this year’s shipping emissions. While we continue to look for ways to reduce our impact, purchasing these credits is an important step in working toward carbon-neutral shipping.

When choosing our carbon credits this year, we were really drawn to the UPM Blandin Forest Project in Minnesota. This project helps protect nearly 188,000 acres of beautiful native forests that are home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, gray wolves, moose, 47 different bird species, and 30 miles of state designated trout streams! Beyond helping address carbon emissions, these forests provide vital habitats, protect waterways and give wildlife room to thrive. We’re excited that our investment supports a project that cares for both our climate and the amazing creatures we share this planet with!