Carmen Mudgett, Logistics Clerk at Wild Planet Foods, brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. With nine years in order fulfillment and logistics, Carmen ensures that Wild Planet's sustainably caught seafood reaches consumers efficiently. Her love for the ocean, fishing, and cooking perfectly complements the company's commitment to providing delicious, healthy products while protecting marine ecosystems.

Working at Wild Planet has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I love being part of a team that is so dedicated to sustainability and making a positive impact on the world. Every day, I contribute to a mission I truly believe in – providing consumers with responsibly-sourced, high-quality seafood while advocating for the health of our oceans.

One of the things I appreciate most about Wild Planet is the shared sense of purpose among my colleagues. We all bring different skills and perspectives, but we're united by our passion for protecting the environment and promoting sustainable fishing practices. It's inspiring to work alongside people who care deeply about making a difference.

In my role as Logistics Clerk, I have the opportunity to see firsthand how our commitment to sustainability shapes every aspect of the supply chain. From the fishermen we partner with to the eco-friendly packaging we use; every decision is made with the planet in mind. It's empowering to know that my work directly supports Wild Planet's efforts to be a leader in sustainable seafood.

I'm also excited to be involved in sustainability reporting, where I help determine the carbon consumption associated with moving our products from canneries to ports and warehouses. Being part of this process and contributing to Wild Planet's sustainability efforts is incredibly rewarding.

Outside of work, my love for the ocean and fishing continues to grow. When I travel, I make a point to explore the local fishing scene and learn about the unique challenges and opportunities in each region. Whether I'm dropping crab pots off the pier in Trinidad or planning a deep-sea fishing trip in Mexico, I'm constantly reminded of the incredible diversity and beauty of marine life – and the importance of protecting it for generations to come.

Looking to the future, I'm eager to see how Wild Planet continues to evolve and innovate under the guidance of our leadership team. They've shared their goals and expectations with us, and it's inspiring to be part of a company that is committed to taking sustainability to the next level. The idea of Wild Planet emerging as a global leader in sustainable seafood is truly exciting, and I'm curious about potential international expansion opportunities that may arise.

At the end of the day, I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of Wild Planet. It's a place where I can bring my whole self to work, combining my professional skills with my personal passions in service of a vital mission. Together, we're not just selling seafood – we're helping to create a healthier, more sustainable future for our oceans and our planet. And that's something I'm proud to be a part of.

 
Sincerely,
Carmen Mudgett
Logistics Clerk, Wild Planet Foods

In this illuminating Q&A, Carmen shares her favorite Wild Planet products, thoughts on the company's future, and insights into how consumers can support ocean health and sustainability.

Q: What is your favorite Wild Planet product and why?

A: My favorite is the mackerel in olive oil. I love the meaty texture of the whole fillets and the mild flavor. It's comparable to albacore in terms of taste, making it a great option for those new to canned seafood.

Q: Do you have a favorite recipe using Wild Planet products?

A: I don't really have a recipe. I'm simple – I like to start with a salad green base, then add the mackerel in olive oil on top. I'll drizzle some balsamic vinegar or even add a few dashes of hot sauce if I'm in the mood for a kick. It's a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that I'm always happy with.

Q: Why do you enjoy working at Wild Planet?

A: I really enjoy my coworkers and love working for a company that actively works to be sustainable. It's also exciting to be involved in sustainability reporting, where I help determine the carbon consumption associated with moving our products from canneries to ports and warehouses. Being part of this process and contributing to Wild Planet's sustainability efforts is incredibly rewarding.

Q: Can you share any pivotal turning points in Wild Planet's history?

A: I believe the introduction of our smoked salmon and smoked mackerel products is a significant milestone. Smoked salmon, in particular, is a popular item that can be used in various applications. By expanding our offerings in the growing tinned fish market, we're able to reach a wider audience and showcase the versatility of sustainable seafood.

Q: What excites you most about Wild Planet's future?

A: I'm eager to see how our leadership team will take Wild Planet's sustainability efforts to the next level. We're already an industry leader here in the U.S., but I think we have the potential to make an even bigger impact, possibly through international expansion. The idea of Wild Planet becoming a global force for positive change in the seafood industry is exciting.

Q: What does sustainability mean to you and why is it important?

A: To me, sustainability means implementing practices that regenerate and preserve our environmental, social, and economic resources rather than depleting them. It's about meeting our needs today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Sustainability is important because our survival and quality of life depend on a healthy environment. In my personal life, I focus on buying local food that benefits the community and minimizing waste whenever possible.

Q: What do you wish consumers knew about fishing, ocean health or environmental sustainability?

A: I wish more consumers realized the power of their vote, especially at the local level. By electing leaders who prioritize environmental protection and listen to their constituents, we can drive meaningful change in our communities. I've seen the positive impact of this firsthand, with local governments implementing recycling programs and other sustainable initiatives in response to citizen advocacy. For example, in Arcata, California, residents advocated for a green waste program that diverts organic materials from landfills and turns them into compost. This not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also helps prevent organic waste from ending up in our oceans, where it can harm marine life. By supporting programs like these and leaders who champion them, we can all contribute to protecting the health of our oceans and the planet as a whole.

Q: Any special Wild Planet memories you'd like to share?

A: Having our leadership team visit us and take the time to understand our day-to-day operations was a memorable experience. It demonstrated their commitment to employee engagement and their dedication to leading Wild Planet towards a more sustainable future. Seeing their passion firsthand was truly inspiring and reinforced my pride in being part of this incredible company.