The Mobile Moon Co-op is a community herbal apothecary housed in a converted bus. Think of it as first aid on wheels. Founded last year by Salt Lake City resident Erika Longino, the mission of the Co-op is to bring people together over herbalism, wildcrafting, and growing and using herbs from home gardens. The organization operates as a platform for free education, empowerment and botanical stewardship here in Salt Lake City.
“By working with and learning from the land, plants, and fungi, a healthier, more fulfilled way of life is possible for everyone,” Longino explains.
The Mobile Moon seeks to create a safer space for people to access alternative healing through botanical medicine while elevating the voices of women and queer folk in the local herb, food and art movements.
Since getting started, Erika has offered a number of free workshops at Salt Lake City’s Main Library, Moab Pride, and a handful of other locations and smaller events sprinkled throughout west Salt Lake and downtown. They have also hosted several moon ritual gatherings for femme-identifying people surrounding the phases of the moon.
The co-op is involved with a number of alternative press events and zine fairs. Every solstice and equinox, the Mobile Moon produces a 16-page zine that includes interviews with community members, a newsletter update, information related to herbalism, essays, poetry, and visual art from the community.
The apothecary is intended to serve women and gender minorities, but it is open and inclusive of anyone who would like to get involved. Everything the Mobile Moon Co-op does is by donation — it’s a purely not-for-profit endeavor. Co-op members can use the bus and its herbs to make their own salves, tinctures and teas. The bus is available by appointment (kind of like a food truck) for events or workshops on topics such as herbalism, women’s health, and queer philosophy.
There are frequently work parties with tasks like bus renovations, building projects, and herb processing. The bus is outfitted with drying racks and most everything needed to bring people together to process fresh herbs.
The co-op strives to use as many donated locally-sourced herbs as possible. It also accepts cash donations. However, the best way to get involved is to just show up to share and partake of the spirit of herbalism.
The Mobile Moon is holding a Winter Solstice Fundraiser at Wasatch Commons (1411 Utah St, Salt Lake City, UT 84104) on December 15th at 7pm. There will be a sale and auction of locally handmade self-care and botanical products. Guests can expect performances by local artists and the event will conclude with a tea ceremony hosted by the Utah Tea Guild.
The suggested donation is $35 per ticket, but this will be waived for those who help with the event. Funds raised will primarily go toward local immigrant justice, supporting marginalized members of the community and the mission of the co-op.
