Green Schools Green Future: Sustainable Lessons from Expo West 2025
At Green School Green Future (GSGF), we stay ahead of the curve regarding sustainability, regenerative practices, and educational innovation. Reflecting on the 2025 iteration of Natural Products Expo West—a leading natural and organic industry event—we gathered insights that will shape our mission and programs.
From regenerative agriculture to resilient supply chains, Expo West delivered valuable sustainable lessons. We are bringing these back to our students and supporters to inspire action.
Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC): The New Standard for Sustainability
One of the biggest takeaways from Expo West was the rise of Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) products. ROC is quickly becoming the gold standard in regenerative and organic farming. It focuses on soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. Companies such as The Republic of Tea and many others showcased their ROC-certified products, marking a shift away from traditional organic labels (Organic Insider, 2025).
At GSGF, we see this movement as essential for green education in Canada. We are building sustainable schools that teach environmental responsibility and model regenerative practices. We help students nurture healthier ecosystems and resilient communities by embedding these values into our curriculum.
Supply Chain Cracks and Small Business Challenges
Although the event buzzed with optimism, some challenges emerged. Small and medium-sized organic brands spoke about ongoing supply chain disruptions, inflation, and tariff issues between Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. These difficulties are pushing many businesses to rethink the broker-distributor-retailer model. Some are shifting toward direct-to-consumer strategies (Organic Insider, 2025).
At GSGF, these challenges underscore the need for adaptable thinkers. We prepare students to navigate these complexities through food security education and sustainable business courses. We help young people thrive in an unpredictable world by promoting critical thinking and resilience.
The A2 Dairy Boom: Gut-Friendly and Sustainable
A growing trend at Expo West was the popularity of A2 dairy products. Alexandre Family Farm expanded its range to include organic A2 chocolate milk, cheeses, yogurts, and more—all ROC-certified
A2 dairy is praised for being easier to digest and nutritionally rich. This trend highlights a larger shift toward consumer-friendly and sustainable products. At GSGF, we integrate this thinking into our programs. We teach students how personal health, sustainable choices, and food security are interconnected.
Purpose Pledge: Raising the Bar for Business Ethics
Another key highlight was the Purpose Pledge, led by Dr. Bronner’s LIFT Economy and One Step Closer. This initiative challenges companies to surpass B Corp certification and commit to higher accountability and transparency (Organic Insider, 2025).
This aligns with GSGF’s commitment to ethical and long-lasting impact. We foster partnerships that drive systemic change.
Innovation in the Tea Sector
Tea lovers found plenty to celebrate. Wild Orchard Tea launched ROC-certified teas, while Teeccino blended superfoods like mushrooms into their offerings. Even established brands like Steaz are committed to sourcing regenerative organic ingredients (Organic Insider, 2025).
At GSGF, we draw inspiration from this regenerative mindset. Just as tea companies evolve, we innovate how students engage with sustainability. Your contributions will support our green programs, helping youth build lifelong eco-conscious habits.
Climate Resilience Amid Political and Economic Headwinds
Despite declining government support for climate programs, Expo West remained hopeful. Attendees focused on biodiversity, soil health, and resilient food systems that can withstand climate and economic challenges (Organic Insider, 2025).
At GSGF, climate resilience is core to our mission. We incorporate renewable energy, permaculture, and regenerative agriculture into daily learning in our school project. Students won’t just learn about the climate crisis—they will lead with solutions.
With your help, we are designing climate-resilient schools that equip students to make a lasting impact.
Why This Matters to GSGF—and to You
Expo West 2025 clarified that sustainability is shaping every industry, including education. At GSGF, we integrate these insights into experiential programs that bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world solutions.
How You Can Get Involved
- Donate: Support GSGF by making a financial contribution. Every dollar brings us closer to building our first green school and supports our advocacy initiatives.
- Volunteer: Join GSGF’s efforts to spread sustainable education and promote our cause.
- Stay Informed: Join our newsletter for more news on our activities and information on sustainability topics!
Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Tomorrow
Expo West 2025 left us inspired. From regenerative agriculture to bold business ethics, we saw a world ready for change. GSGF is proud to be part of this transformation. We prepare young people to connect food systems, climate resilience, and social equity.
🌱 Support our mission today 🌱
References:
Green School Green Future. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved from https://www.greenschoolsgreenfuture.org
Organic Insider. (2025, March 12). 10 Takeaways from 2025 Natural Products Expo West. Retrieved from https://organicinsider.com/newsletter/10-takeaways-from-2025-natural-products-expo-west/
