One Step Closer and Climate Collaborative Come Together, Stronger
Two Powerful, Impact-Driven Communities to Advance Climate Leadership in the Food and Grocery Industry
Bellingham, WA — One Step Closer (OSC) and Climate Collaborative (CC) today announced that the Climate Collaborative will integrate into One Step Closer, marking an exciting new chapter for both organizations. The integration brings together two of the food and grocery industry's strongest communities of purpose-driven companies and leaders. Spanning manufacturers, retailers, distributors, nonprofits, and service providers across the value chain, this combined community is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful climate and sustainability impact.
The two organizations share deep roots. OSC Co-Founder and Executive Director Lara Dickinson co-founded the Climate Collaborative in 2017 in partnership with the Sustainable Food Trade Association. At that time, there was a growing recognition that the natural products industry needed to take meaningful action on climate change and required greater resources to make meaningful progress. Since then, the Climate Collaborative has helped catalyze climate leadership across the industry, supporting thousands of leaders annually through its programming and inspiring more than 700 companies to make public climate commitments. Throughout that time, Lara has continued to serve on the Climate Collaborative's Board of Directors, helping guide the organization's evolution and impact.
"The Climate Collaborative has always existed to help companies turn climate ambition into collective action," said Courtney Pineau, Executive Director of the Climate Collaborative. "This aim has guided our work from the beginning, and it's what makes joining the One Step Closer community such a natural next chapter. At a time when climate action is facing significant headwinds, becoming part of the OSC ecosystem provides our community with year-round programming focused on the priorities that matter most to purpose-driven companies.”
The organizations will work through an integration process over the remainder of 2026, with a shared commitment to maintaining continuity for the Climate Collaborative community and its flagship programs. The integration also coincides with the planned departure of Climate Collaborative Executive Director Courtney Pineau. While stepping away from day-to-day leadership, Pineau will continue to support the integration process and key Climate Collaborative programming, helping ensure a seamless transition for the organization's community
"OSC and the Climate Collaborative share a common belief that meaningful change happens when purpose-driven leaders are connected, supported, and equipped to take action," said Lara Dickinson. "Bringing the Climate Collaborative into OSC creates one home for purpose-driven companies, where trusted climate programs sit alongside leadership communities and collaboratives that help businesses grow, lead, and create lasting impact.
About One Step Closer
One Step Closer (OSC) is a nonprofit membership organization and powerful sanctuary where natural products leaders come together to strengthen their companies and move the industry forward. Learn more at osc2.org.
About Climate Collaborative
The Climate Collaborative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to activate rigorous climate action in the grocery industry. Learn more at climatecollaborative.com
Media Contact:
OSC: Abigail Treves
Climate Collaborative: Stephanie Mock