Our Values
Our Values
At Selvática, we strive to live and operate in alignment with our core values. These values are the foundation of everything we do, guiding our decisions and actions as we work towards making a positive impact on our community and the world around us.
- Sustainability
We are committed to minimizing our environmental footprint and promoting sustainable practices in all aspects of our business. From doing our best in sourcing ingredients locally and organically to reducing waste and carbon emissions, we continuously seek innovative ways to protect and preserve our planet for future generations. At Selvática, we compost our food scraps to feed nutrients into our soil and keep “greens” out of landfills which contributes to methane gas release. This type of closed loop system turns our food “waste” into rich soil which in turn provides us with even more food.
- Eating Whole Foods
We believe in the power of whole, unprocessed foods to nourish and sustain our bodies. By prioritizing whole foods in our diets, we aim to promote health and wellness while supporting local farmers and producers. If our neighbors come selling something, we will support them by buying it first and find a way to utilize it later. We also love to find ways to adapt our local produce into our exotic recipes to reduce the need for imported foods and instead highlight the new and exciting ways to use what is grown nearby. Not only are we reducing food cost and carbon emissions from transporting these imported goods, we are also supporting local farmers and sparking our creativity to find ways to adapt to our zone.
- Limiting Water Consumption
Water is a precious resource, and we are dedicated to conserving it wherever possible. Through efficient water management practices and mindful consumption habits, we strive to minimize our water usage and protect this essential element of life. We implement the permaculture practice of swales in our gardens. Swales are trenches that fill with water during heavy rains which slowly seeps into the Earth collecting water underground for tree roots to access in dry months. During our landscaping process, we focused on planting plants that are hardy in this climate which also reduces the need for excessive watering in times of drought. We have also utilized “lasagna” and “Hugelkultur” beds around our property which involves the layering of organic materials that aids in storing water to feed the plants in times of lack. This, with the addition of ground cover, helps to keep soil moist for longer.
- Growing Fresh Foods
There's something truly special about fresh, homegrown produce. We do our best to cultivate our own fruits, vegetables, and herbs, embracing the joy of gardening and the unparalleled taste of freshly harvested ingredients. Plus, there's nothing quite like sticking your hands in the dirt to ground your body and soul.
- Fermentation Practices
Fermentation is not just a culinary technique; it's a celebration of microbial magic and the transformative power of nature. We embrace fermentation as a way to preserve and enhance the nutritional value of foods, while also exploring the rich diversity of flavors it offers. By using preservation techniques such as this one, we can maximize the times when certain fruits and veggies are on sale and at their peak freshness.
- Well-being for Mind, Body, and Soul
True well-being encompasses more than just physical health; it's about nurturing our minds, bodies, and souls holistically. Through practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, we promote balance, resilience, and inner peace.
- Kindness and Compassion to All Living Beings
Every living being deserves kindness, compassion, and respect. We strive to extend these values to all creatures, whether they walk on two legs or four, (or even more!) fostering a culture of empathy and inclusivity. We find that when we are surrounded by nature and all of her Beings, we develop a compassionate approach and understanding that there is space for us all.
- Community
Community is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in the power of connection, collaboration, and collective action to create positive change in the world. By building strong, supportive communities, we can achieve greater resilience and impact together.
- Understanding and Good Communication
Effective communication is key to fostering understanding, trust, and collaboration. We value open dialogue, active listening, and empathy, recognizing that good communication is essential for building strong relationships and navigating challenges effectively.
These values are more than just words on a page; they are the guiding principles that shape our culture, inform our decisions, and inspire us to strive for excellence every day. Thank you for joining us on this journey towards a healthier, more sustainable future.