Frequently Asked Questions
Kootenay Wildcrafting Co. – Frequently Asked Questions
Our Ethos: We are a small, wildcrafting business based in Fruitvale, British Columbia. Every product is foraged, formulated, and packaged by hand with deep respect for the land. Thank you for supporting slow, intentional craftsmanship.
Products & Ingredients
Q: Are your products 100% natural?
A: Yes. We believe in minimalist, potent formulations. Our products contain only wild-harvested botanicals and certified organic carrier oils, butters, and beeswax. We never use synthetic fragrances, dyes, parabens, sulfates, or fillers.
Q: Why is my tallow balm blue? Is there dye in it?
A: No, there is never any dye. The beautiful colours come directly from the plants. Our blue balms get their hue from Blue Tansy essential oil (which contains a natural compound called chamazulene) or from Blue Yarrow-infused oil. The colour is a mark of the plant's potency.
Q: Are your ingredients sustainably harvested?
A: Absolutely. Sustainable and ethical foraging is our cornerstone. We follow the "Honourable Harvest" principles: taking only what we need, never from endangered or sensitive patches, and ensuring the future health of every plant and ecosystem we work with. We never commercially harvest at-risk plants like wild ginger or reindeer lichen.
Q: Where do you forage?
A: We forage exclusively within the traditional territories of the Ktunaxa and Sinixt peoples, in the wild forests and mountains of the Kootenay region in British Columbia, Canada.
Q: Do you test on animals?
A: No. We are a cruelty-free company. Our only testers are ourselves, our families, and our wonderful community.
Q: Why don't you sell certain popular foraged items (like chanterelle mushrooms or evergreen tip tea)?
A: Our offerings are guided by ecology, not just demand. We refuse to sell anything whose commercial harvest would damage the local ecosystem (like chanterelles, which are vital to forest health) or deprive wildlife of critical food sources (like evergreen tips in winter).
Orders & Shipping
Q: What is your processing time?
A: As a one-woman workshop, please allow 5-7 business days for us to carefully prepare and pack your order before it ships. We do not process orders on weekends or statutory holidays.
Q: What is your shipping policy?
A: We offer FREE Canada-wide shipping on all orders over $65. For orders under $65, a flat-rate fee of $10 applies. We ship via Canada Post. Delivery times vary by location but are typically 2-10 business days after shipping.
Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: Not at this time. We currently ship only within Canada.
Q: Can I pick up my order locally?
A: Yes! We offer free local pickup in Fruitvale, BC. Select this option at checkout, and we will email you with coordination details once your order is ready.
Q: My order is a gift. Can you include a note?
A: Of course. Please add your gift message in the "Note to Seller" box at checkout, and we will include a handwritten note with your package.
Usage, Storage & Safety
Q: How should I store my products?
A: For maximum freshness and potency:
- Tallow Balms & Oils: Store in a cool, dark place (a cupboard is perfect). The balms may soften in warm temperatures but will re-solidify when cool.
- Dried Herbs, Teas & Kits: Store in an airtight container away from heat, light, and moisture.
- Syrups, Shrubs & Fire Cider: Must be refrigerated after opening.
Q: What is the shelf life of your products?
A: Shelf life varies. Unopened, most products are best within 1 year. Because we use no synthetic preservatives, natural products have a shorter shelf life than commercial ones. Refrigeration extends the life of fresh items like syrups.
Q: Are your products safe for children/pregnancy?
A: While our ingredients are natural, we are not medical practitioners. We strongly recommend consulting with your healthcare provider or a qualified herbalist before using any new product during pregnancy, nursing, or for young children. Some herbs are not suitable for these groups.
Q: I have a nut allergy. Are your products safe?
A: We do not use peanut or tree nut oils in our core line. However, we cannot guarantee our facility is entirely free of allergens. Please check individual product ingredient lists carefully and consult your physician if you have severe allergies.
Our Business & Community
Q: Are you really a one-person business?
A: Yes. Sarah is the founder, forager, formulator, packer, and shipper. Your support directly fuels this passion project and allows us to keep our practices small-batch and deeply connected to the land.
Q: What is the Fruitvale Community Cupboard?
A: It's our self-serve, honour-system fridge located in Fruitvale, BC! It's stocked seasonally with fresh items like our elderberry syrup so our local community can access wellness staples at their convenience.
Q: Do you donate to any causes?
A: Yes. A minimum of 10% of our annual profits is donated to the Canadian Ancient Forest Alliance, supporting the protection of the old-growth ecosystems that inspire our work.
Q: Can I collaborate with you or become an affiliate?
A: We love connecting with aligned businesses and creators. Please reach out to us via our contact page with your collaboration idea.
Q: Do you offer wholesale?
A: We occasionally partner with select brick-and-mortar shops. Please contact us for our wholesale policy and application.
Still have a question?
We’re a small team, but we love hearing from you. Please reach out via our Contact Page:
For additional assistance, you can also email info@kootenaywildcrafting.ca or call us at 778-718-2076.
