Mission

Fertile Ground is a worker-owned cooperative transforming waste into community wealth by repurposing compostable and recyclable materials to protect local ecosystems, foster a circular economy and cultivate an equitable workplace.

Values

Cooperation
As a cooperative, we voluntarily unite to meet our common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations as a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise. We understand that we own this together. Working as a team is foundational to our success.

Community
We exist for the benefit of our community: the local ecosystem, the local economy, and the people of our community. We strive to make meaningful/intentional connections that make our community stronger • Our well-being is connected to the community's well-being.

Environment
We value our home and strive to make it better for future generations. We aim to reduce environmental harm by encouraging recycling, composting, and other Zero Waste solutions. We understand and advocate “reduce, reuse, and redesign” as foundational principles in creating a more equitable and regenerative future.

Equity
We value equity in three dimensions: financial, governance, and social equity as a worker-owned enterprise.

Dignity
We treat everyone with dignity, our co-workers, customers, vendors, and community members. We treat people the way we would want to be treated. The whole is only greater than the sum of the parts when the parts are treated with dignity.

Creativity & Hope
We nurture imagination and creativity. We act because we believe a better world is possible. 

Making a Difference
We understand that we are a bridge to help others understand our collective and individual environmental impacts. The path isn’t clear, but we will make the way by walking. We don't allow perfection to be the enemy of the good.

Reliability
We show up for our co-workers, customers, and community members. We deliver on our word.

Honesty
We value the trust of our community and are always transparent about our business practices. We likewise value the trust of our coworkers and strive for radical candor.

Growth Mindset
None of us are finished growing. We value nurturing new skills and competencies. We extend empathy but challenge each other to grow. We seek co-workers with a growth mindset.