United Plant Savers: Ecological Herbalism

As all of us know, the resources of the Earth are being used by human beings (especially the wealthy consumer nations) at an unsustainable pace. This is as true in the herbal domain as in all others. That was the underlying inspiration for the foundation of United Plant Savers. This lecture offers an overview of the ecological problems and solutions facing the modern herbalist.

While there are important laws governing this field, we never want to forget, at United Plant Savers, that the herbalist should be in right relationship with the plants, in whatever way each person experiences that relationship. We emphasize individual responsibility. That is not possible without an understanding of the problems and solutions––and that means education.

We need to know about wild plants and the communities in which they live, as well as the stresses that herbal and non-herbal users place upon them. For the individual herbalist this can include planting, identifying and supporting plant sanctuaries, sustainable use of wild herbs, understanding the specific guidelines and laws that increasingly govern the field.

About the Presenter
Susan Leopold, PHD is the current Director of United Plant Savers and she is deeply passionate about the At-Risk herbs and how to source plants ethically for small apothecaries, companies and herbalists. She is an advisory board member of the American Botanical Council, a board member of the AHPA Herb Research Foundation, and advisory member of the Sustainable Herbs Program.