Kari Warberg Block, CEO/Founder of EarthKind®

“Pest prevention, even in the smallest spaces like the home, needs to be done ethically, sustainably, honorably and safely. If we don’t take charge of our environment to keep it healthy and safe, who will?”

Kari Warberg Block is no stranger to bugs, as the daughter of an entomologist, environmentalist and CEO/Founder of EarthKind®, she has successfully created a sustainable, more mindful approach to pest prevention. Recent reports indicate that the insect population has declined by almost 75% in Germany, with patterns following similarly in other regions of the world, including the US. The now-coined “Insect Armageddon” has scientists declaring the issue is much more pertinent than anticipated, with insect decline revealing the devastating effects of heavy pesticide-use, pollution and climate change on the environment. Opening people’s hearts to a kinder way of controlling pests, by offering a more affordable option that treats the cause, not just the symptom, has always been the mission of Kari Warberg Block, who commercialized the first DIY botanical rodent repellent to gain a federal EPA registration in 2007.

As a fearless woman entrepreneur and industry-disruptor, Kari built her business from the ground up. As a mom of two and farm wife once living off food stamps, Kari has worked relentlessly with universities and Government programs in her home state of North Dakota, now running her multi-million-dollar company with a conscious commitment to kindness, transparency, traceability and sustainability. She single-handedly brought change to the chemical-and-kill-based pest control industry by paving her own way into it – without the toxins, pesticides and harm. With her love for Mother Earth always overriding the harmful nature of traditional practices, Kari attests, and has proven, that pest protection really can be harmonious, and effective.

Honoring a live-and-let-live approach, Kari’s business plan continues to be fundamentally different than any other in the space, acquiring impressive sustainable initiatives – such as having a USDA certified 98% carbon-free footprint, biodegradable packaging and products, and commercializing a way to mimic plastic using ND grown flax seeds, beet pulp, and sunflower hulls. However, what may be most unique about Kari is her ability to create transformation at all levels of society through innovation, education and entrepreneurship.

Her attitude of “all harmony, no harm” supersedes that of most, launching plant-based repellent pouches that work, without any mess, by changing insect and rodent behavior, rather than killing them. Through a mixture of essential oils and plant fibers sourced from family farms, such as thyme, lemongrass and rosemary, these natural scents are proven to disrupt insects’ olfactory receptors, effectively deterring them from encroaching on certain areas, without compromising their place in our ecosystems.

“Manipulating nature’s balance through toxins and kill-based methods detrimentally impacts the integrity of our planet while interfering with insects’ natural place in the eco-system and food-chain. The proof is in the numbers, or even through the “windshield test.” Where are all of our bugs going? And why are they dropping at such alarming rates? Pest prevention, even in the smallest spaces like the home, needs to be done ethically, sustainably, honorably and safely. If we don’t take charge of our environment to keep it healthy and safe, who will?”

Kari’s drive, commitment to her values and success has won her recognition as one of EY’s Entrepreneurial Winning Women, and she has gone from being part of her local homemakers’ club to advising the SBA, Congress and the White House on policy that impacts women in business, constantly pushing the agenda for sustainability and woman-empowering initiatives.

She leads the EarthKind family with strong values, always inspiring others to see themselves and their surroundings as sacred. “Every creature has a purpose, and the role insects play is vital to the sustenance of our environment – we need our beetles, our moths, our spiders, and our ants – without them, our eco-system will face a devastating collapse – they are our pollinators, our aerators, decomposers, and serve as a main source of food for hundreds of species. We need to do better, we need to save our bugs”

This new year, Kari is urging everyone to be more conscious and mindful, pushing the agenda that we all need to protect our insects, protect our homes, and to protect our Earth – and, of course, to always keep it kind with EarthKind.

For additional information about Stay Away® products, please visit www.www.earthkind.com. Media interested in setting up an interview with Kari Warberg Block to learn more about her all-natural pest prevention techniques, please contact Sara White at [email protected] or 212-693-2152.

About EarthKind®

Founded by leading pest prevention expert Kari Warberg Block, EarthKind® is a pioneer in natural prevention for families and households everywhere. Its line of high performance, plant-based pest repellent products provide kind and effective ways to get rid of insects, pests and mice, while bringing inviting smells into your home. All EarthKind® products are sourced from American farms and designed by inventive artists, scientists and engineers who care about the earth. EarthKind® products are made in the USA and the company provides handicapped individuals with meaningful employment. Kari was named to the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Woman Class of 2012, 2013 ND SBA Small Business Person of the Year and National Second Runner Up. Her latest product, Stay Away® was the winner of the 2015 NEXTY People’s Choice Award for Best New Product of the Year. Learn more at EarthKind.com and on social media: