WHO
WE ARE
Cradle to Cradle
The blossoming of the CRADLE TO CRADLE movement had its roots in the fertile soil laid down by early environmental pioneers like Prof. Mauser. He died in 1994 before his dream of creating a foundation could be realized. In 1998, William and Rose Cook established the Mauser Harmony With Nature Foundation to honor the memory of their friend and mentor, Prof. Mauser.
Our Vision
We envision a healthy environment. A place where every person has the opportunity to drink clean water, breathe fresh air, eat healthy food and spend time enjoying nature. The earth is our only home and should be treated with care and respect. Through education, we are empowered to make wise choices...
Our Mission
To educate ourselves and others on how to live, work and play harmoniously within the environment. We support students, businesses, and non-profit organizations who are committed to honoring and respecting our natural habitat...
THE TEAM
VICE PRESIDENT
ROSE MARY COOK
My Foundation responsibilities include reviewing scholarship, donation, and grant requests, planning seminars, and scheduling board meetings. I have toured numerous LEED buildings, including the Metro Health Hospital and Health Village, a sustainable community near Grand Rapids, MI.
I’ve also participated in stormwater charrettes, attended forums and workshops, manned Foundation information booths at various seminars, and spearheaded numerous grant initiatives including Camp Greening. Since purchasing the Mauser EcoHouse in Costa Rica in January 2016 I have assumed the role of Marketing Director.
I am honored and humbled that Professor Mauser entrusted me to be one of the founders of the Mauser Harmony With Nature Foundation. I feel that I am ethically and morally bound to direct the Foundation’s activities in a way that would make “Doc,” as I affectionately called him, proud. As such, I am constantly evaluating and analyzing the Foundation’s direction Advocating for sustainability through the Foundation provides me with the opportunity, through education, to encourage harmony rather than discord on our planet.
HEATHER COOK
DIRECTOR
Since signing on as a director in 2001, I have taken on a multitude of tasks within the foundation, including becoming the full time residency manager for our artist residency program- The Mauser EcoHouse in Costa Rica. Not only do I host our artists in residence, but I also manage the property, select grant recipients for the foundation, review scholarship and residency applications, and manage our social media presence and residency open calls.
As far as my background in sustainability interests go, I have participated in green festivals including Lightning in a Bottle and Burning Man. I have repeatedly attended green conferences as well including ‘Green Build’ and ‘International Environmental Forum.’ Along with this, I have cultivated a love for gardening since moving to Costa Rica and running the Mauser EcoHouse. We have started an amazing garden, mostly from seed, and tend the greenhouse on the property.
PROFESSIONAL/TRAINING/ACADEMIC
Michigan State University, Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design and Textiles
Fashion Institute of Technology Associates Degree in Fashion Design
Institute of Psycho Structural Balancing Massage Technician Training
Certified Massage Practitioner CA
The Heart Touch Project Heart Touch Technique Training, Infant Massage for Healthcare Professionals Training
Sustainable Works-Green Living Workshop
Dragon Herbs Chinese Tonic Herbalist since 2000
OUR HISTORY
In 1967, while enrolled at Wayne State University (Detroit, MI), William Cook attended undergrad and graduate business classes taught by PROF. MAUSER. They became friends and handball partners. Later that year Rose, William’s soon to be wife, was introduced to Prof. Mauser. For many years the three of them would enjoy spirited conversations at the Traffic Jam & Snug Tavern. In 1969, Prof. Mauser attended the Cook’s wedding and later became a “third gramps” to their twins Jai and Heather. Prof. Mauser was family and that became abundantly clear when Rose became his primary caregiver later in his life.
For the next several decades, Prof. Mauser and the Cooks discussed the framework and goals of the proposed Mauser Harmony With Nature Foundation. The core concept was simple. The Foundation would promote Prof. Mauser's lifelong dream of educating others about living in harmony with nature. It would also support business practices and products that are environmentally friendly.
