“Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative” are words to live by for Pangea Organics founder, Joshua Onysko. A brief visit to see his parents before leaving the country on a journey to India some years back became his inspiration for the wonderful line of Pangea products that we have come to know and love. During his visit, a soap-making book that Joshua’s mom had bought caught his eye. As he leafed through the book the thought of making soap intrigued him so off he went to purchase the necessary supplies. Once he and his mom finished making the batch of soap, Joshua stashed some in his backpack to use on his trip.
Upon his return to America, he decided to make more soap and sell it which afforded him another opportunity to travel the world. His time abroad was often spent working for special causes, such as helping to save green sea turtles in Nicaragua. These experiences continued to open him to new thoughts and ideas eventually bringing him to the realization that he wanted to start a non-profit organization back home in America. This is where it gets interesting! Short on cash and 24 years old, Joshua was making his way back to the US via Thailand. While there Joshua told a friend about his plans to start a non-profit institute that educated corporations about environmentally and socially responsible living & business practices. Without hesitation his friend said he should start a company to mirror what he wanted his non-profit to teach! And he suggested Joshua name it Pangea to honor the time 300 million years ago when all the continents on earth were one vast landmass!
Today Pangea Organics is based in Boulder, Colorado and operates out of a wind-powered 10,000 square foot manufacturing facility with a view of the flatirons jutting up from the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Sustainability in every aspect rules at Pangea Organics. All employees are paid a living wage and receive full health insurance coverage. An organic garden provides their chef with fresh food for preparation of daily employee meals. Sourcing materials for the products and product packaging are all from sustainable sources and all products are handcrafted.
And, yes, Joshua’s dream of starting a non-profit organization is on its way to becoming a reality. Architects and engineers are laying the foundation for The Pangea Institute! For Joshua, doing good is not just an idea, it is the essence of his being. The Pangea Institute will open to serve as an education center where classes and workshops are offered to promote environmentally and socially responsible living and business practices.
Ecocentric Bodycare – always beneficial, never artificial
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