The past year has brought about lots of new pandemic pets and we are all for it! As pet parents ourselves, we understand that getting a new pup or cat can come with a lot of work. From getting all their essentials to training them, it can sometimes get a little overwhelming. So, we asked our very own Life’s Abundance employees for their top tips on having a furry friend.

Want more? Here’s additional tips and tricks we felt you just had to know!

Nail clipping is so much easier with a second person holding an enticing treat level to the floor. It's a wonderful distraction to help keep the dog in place and distracted. Who knew they could love a pedicure?! - Arin

I try to get creative and make fun games for my dog, Tucker, to keep his mind busy. Like putting his food in a puzzle. - Alyssa

Establish pack leadership, pack mental health, and boundaries for the pack inside the house. - Jennifer

Don't free feed, give 2-3 small meals a day and always plenty of water. - Stephen

Entertain them when away at work. Lots of toys and I have an interactive camera so I can say hi to her and send her a treat. I also use a treat holder and I leave that in the morning before I leave to keep her a little entertained. - Denise

Make sure your dog is microchipped and has a collar on with his or her name and a phone number to call if they get lost. - Rocky

Do not start feeding your dog table scraps. It will be very hard to resume pet food after your vet yells at you for doing something you know you shouldn’t have started to begin with. Just don't do it. If you must, keep a bag of high-quality dog treats around and toss one out every so often. - Sasha

Whether you’re a new pet parent or an experienced one, we hope you learned something new!

What are your best tips you use for your furry friends? Comment below!

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Whether you’re looking to treat your own mom or a special motherly figure in your life this Mother’s Day, moms simply deserve the best. Selfless, supportive and loving moms are surely the most deserving of moments of self care - time dedicated purely to themselves to recalibrate, relax, and celebrate their unique beauty. Deciding how best to show your appreciation can be difficult; how can you say thank you to someone who does so much? Like many of us here at Life’s Abundance, we’re regularly sharing our favorite botanical-powered skincare with important women in our lives. We love that our natural skin care products are gentle and clean, but most of all, we love that they help support the natural beauty of the women we share them with. We thought we’d share a few tips on how you can help create moments of beauty for the mom in your life this Mother’s Day.

We’ve pulled together a simple guide for you to make the best skin care picks that will help the mom in your life keep her natural glow radiant. Because our natural skin care products are formulated with clean, natural & plant-powered ingredients, they are extremely gentle and suitable for most skin types, making picking the best one for the mom in your life a bit easier.

For the busy mom

Keep “me time” simple with an easy-to-follow 2-step skin care ritual packed with nutritive plant botanicals and natural actives. As a first step, our Charcoal & Sea Salt bar cleanser will gently cleanse skin to remove impurities and her makeup from the day. Our facial bar soap is formulated with the tea tree and neem oils that fight bad bacteria and Dead Sea salt which delivers earthly nutrients directly to her skin. She can finish off this quick routine with our organic ingredient-filled Facial Moisturizer to boost hydration and keep her skin happy day and night. Fresh, bright skin in a breeze.

For the multi-tasker

Just like many moms who are so naturally gifted with the ability to multitask, give her a gift that works just as hard as she does. Our 2-in-1 Hibiscus Mask & Scrub promises to do just as it says, offering a masking experience that will truly make her feel pampered, and a gentle scrub to keep her skin fresh, smooth and bright. As a mask, it’s the perfect excuse to carve out “me time” for a spa-like treatment, or it can be applied and work it’s magic while she answers emails or handles a multitude of life’s daily tasks. This honey-based mask works as a humectant to retain moisture, leaving her skin smooth and supple after it’s rinsed off.

For the mom who misses her regular facials

Unfortunately, living through the past year with Covid-19 has meant much of our normal routines have shifted; including regular haircuts, facials and other appointments that help us to feel our best. Make her feel pampered with the soothing experience of an at-home facial with this four step, spa-inspired skin care ritual that will leave her skin nourished, hydrated and glowing.

1. Give her the full experience starting with a gentle, calming cleanse using the foamy suds of the Charcoal & Sea Salt Soap.
2. Just like she’d receive in her professional facials, she’ll love the exfoliating, brightening treatment that is our Hibiscus Scrub & Mask. 98% organic and packed with natural ingredients, this mask can be left on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.
3. While her Hibiscus Mask works it’s magic, our Body Lotion can be applied to hands, feet or anywhere that needs a boost in hydration and softness.
4. Post exfoliating and moisturizing hibiscus mask, she can perform a luxurious facial massage using our Facial Serum as her medium. The end result? Glowing, fresh skin!
5. The last step to this “almost as good as the spa” facial is crucial to seal in all of those beautiful plant-based ingredients she’s delivered to her skin. Our Facial Moisturizer is a light-weight, easy to massage into skin cream that’s effective at hydrating, plumping & softening skin.

The beauty of our skincare products is that they’re formulated to be gentle and effective for all skin types. Not sure which above routine to choose? Pick and choose your favorite products to create a custom ritual just for her - there’s no wrong way to do it! Whether near or far from the mom in your life this Mother’s Day, the gift of these simple-yet-beautiful skincare rituals will help her feel loved and celebrated everyday.

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In just a few short years, Cannabis has gone from that thing college kids spent too much time thinking about, to the mainstream belle of the ball. Powered by an interest in natural medicine, a distrust of traditional pharmaceuticals, and some strong word-of-mouth talk of results, everyone from your neighbor to your buttoned-up grandmother is comfortable talking about CBD oil and what it can do for your health. Naturally, the topic also extends to our loyal furry family members.

I get asked about Cannabis more than almost anything else: does it work, what should I use, where’s a good place to start. And like most other veterinarians I know, we have very little guidance to offer. Trust me, we are just as frustrated as you are. There is nothing I want more than to be able to provide the best, safest information for pet owners about this or any other medical concern. There’s just one problem: the law may or may not forbid it.

It’s not that we aren’t talking about Cannabis and learning: every continuing education conference I’ve been to has multiple lectures about Cannabis use in pets and how to do it safely. Those lecture halls are packed. The second we’re legally allowed to discuss it, we’re ready.

THC vs CBD

Without going too far down the chemical rabbit hole, most of the legal wrangling and debate comes down to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the hallucinogenic component of the Cannabis plant. This is concentrated in the flowering buds, leaves, and resin. Other parts of the plant are much lower in THC but still contain cannabidiol oil (CBD), which provides the purported medicinal benefits without the psychoactive ones. CBD oil products are not intended, nor should they be, to get a pet “high.”

“Controlled” substances are those drugs with a potential for abuse. Those are controlled on a federal level by the DEA, and those regulations supersede any state law.

0.3 is the magic number to be classified as controlled. If the plant parts used in a product contain less than 0.3% THC, it’s considered industrial hemp. The DEA doesn’t care about industrial hemp. This is where most CBD oils marketed to pets are derived from.

Anything over 0.3% THC is classified as a Schedule 1 substance by the DEA, and we aren’t allowed to possess, administer, dispense, describe, or discuss it under risk of prosecution.

The Legal Ramifications

The next question seems obvious: if the DEA doesn’t care about industrial hemp and that’s where most veterinary CBD products come from, what’s the problem?

Confusion, mostly.

1. While the DEA doesn’t care about industrial hemp products, they still fall under federal regulation- ie, the FDA.
2. CBD oils are not FDA approved for use in pets, and while their official positioning is still under review the current rule is “not legal for vets to prescribe.
3. Veterinarians are also subject to state regulations, which are just as confusing and perhaps directly contradictory to federal ones.

Just last year, California became the first state to pass a law expressly allowing veterinarians to talk about Cannabis with pet owners. Not sell it, not distribute it, just answer the question “do you think CBD oil is worth a try in my dog with cancer?” In 49 other states, vets aren’t even sure they can legally answer that question, nevermind recommend anything.

No one really knows what could happen when a veterinarian does something as simple as help guide a client through safely choosing a product without actually selling it him/herself. A few brave souls are out there testing the waters, but most of us are waiting for the legal OK.

So Now What?

The law will eventually catch up with reality. As a consumer, you can advocate for your pet by calling your state representatives and encouraging them to pass a law similar to California AB-2215. In the meantime, please be patient with us as we do our best to advocate for your pet within the constraints of the law.

As you can imagine, non-veterinarians without the worry of DEA prosecutors hanging over their heads and livelihoods are saying and doing all sorts of things about CBD. Some of them have your pet’s best interest in mind, while others are looking out for their pocketbooks. Like all supplements, some manufacturers take quality control much more seriously than others. Published research is scarce, but people are working on getting factual, science-based information out there.

As a pet advocate, I sometimes have to get creative when it comes to getting the word out there about pet health. There are some really science-minded, ethical veterinary professionals who have great information. In fact, they’re the ones teaching us at veterinary conferences. In my accompanying infographic, I’m sharing the same great information and resources that veterinarians are hearing at conferences.

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Don’t worry, we aren’t going to tell you to ditch your brand new Peloton bike (that you waited eight months for) but if you’re just “spinning your wheels” doing cardio, without adding strength training, you definitely want to keep reading.

Both cardio and strength training have many of the same benefits and play an important role in your wellness routine. Both can strengthen your heart and reduce your risk of developing a ton of other health issues, including high blood pressure, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis, but strength training has value-added where cardio falls short. Below are just some of those incredible benefits.

Strength training:

• Can incorporate both your upper and lower body at the same time, unlike cardio which focuses only on 50% of your body. Bonus -  it can raise your heart rate on par with cardio zone levels.
• Can save your joints, unlike cardio, which puts extra pressure on them. Strength training strengthens all the tendons, ligaments, muscles, and even our bones. Plus, it can create more fluid in the joints without placing those repetitive blows to the joint that running or other high-impact cardio does.
• Fights bone and muscle loss from increased stress on bones. This is great news for people with osteoporosis, or for those of us who want to get ahead of the game and prevent it.
• Improves flexibility, according to results from a 2017 study in the journal Isokinetics and Exercise Science.
• Prevents injuries and falls, since strong muscles are important for balance and coordination.
• Is more effective at preventing increases in abdominal fat than cardiovascular exercise, according to a Harvard study.
• May be more effective at reducing cardiovascular disease risks than cardio exercise such as walking and biking, according to research from the ACC Latin America Conference 2018.
• Can boost your metabolism, so you burn more calories 24 hours a day.
• That last one gets most people excited, and rightfully so.  One study showed that after working out with weights, your metabolism can actually be boosted for up to 38 hours post-workout. That might not sound so epic, but If you add up every time you workout it can mean a few extra slices of pizza or craft cocktails every month.

The greatest news? It’s not just about the physical benefits, it also improves mental health. Research published by Jama Psychiatry found that not only do those exercise-triggered endorphins boost your mood,  but strength training provides an opportunity to overcome obstacles which helps increase mental resilience.

Think about it: something as simple as increasing your weights from 5 to 8 pounds can seem like a big victory - we’ll take it!

And don’t think these benefits are just for men. A 2015 Journal of Extension study of middle-aged women, showed that consistent strength training improves body image and perceived physical appearance even if the aesthetics don’t change. But in reality, another benefit to lifting weights is that the results are relatively fast and noticeable.

If you’re looking to tone up and get more definition from your workouts, you aren’t going to see those results just from doing cardio. Watching your clothes getting looser comes from building muscle, which takes up less space than fat, and that results from strength training.

Still worried you need to do cardio every day? You’re in luck!

Strength training can be turned into a cardio workout simply by adding intervals with lighter weights and more repetitions because as long as you’re increasing your heart rate and breathing, then you’re doing a cardio workout.

See, it’s a win-win!

If you love a challenge and want to take it a step further you can up the multitasking benefits by combining upper and lower body dynamic movements that also work the core- it’s like getting three workouts in one. Think about doing a squat with an overhead press, incorporating a twist.

Just think of all the progress you’ll make - in half the time.

The great news? Just 15 minutes of strength training 3 times a week will bring you all of the incredible benefits mentioned above - especially enjoying that extra pizza and margaritas with friends.

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Note: No Life’s Abundance products are involved in this or any other recall.

On April 9th, the parent company of Meow Mix, J.M. Smucker Co., announced a limited recall on their 30 lb. bag of Original Choice Dry Cat Food over a potential salmonella contamination.

What Pet Parents Should Know

The impacted Meow Mix products were sold at some Walmart stores in several states, including Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming. The company advises pet parents to avoid feeding this food to their cats and throw out any product immediately. The bacteria can sicken cats and anyone who handles the food as well.

Lots of the following Meow Mix pet food products have been recalled if the expiration date is on or before “09/15/22” and has a lot code of “1081804” or “1082804.” You can find this information on the bottom or back of the cat food bags.

More About Salmonella

Salmonella is a bacteria that affects both people and animals. It is transmitted through contact with contaminated food or surfaces that may have been contaminated by the recalled products. Thorough hand washing and sanitizing contact surfaces can reduce the risk of symptoms including: nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, and more severely, arthritis and muscle pain.

The GI symptoms are very similar in cats who contract Salmonella, and they may also experience fever or decreased appetite. Even with no symptoms, they can still pass the infection to other pets or humans in your household. If you or your pets experience any of these symptoms after having contact with a recalled food, contact the appropriate healthcare provider.

A Safer Solution

At Life's Abundance, we have a much better and safer way of making pet foods and notifying consumers should a problem ever arise. As for consumer safety, we view the system of product recalls as problematic. That is because most consumers will never hear about a recall. Yet because of our direct relationship with consumers we know who received which product, down to the lot number. In the event there is ever an issue with a product, our proactive communications system allows us to reach thousands of people by phone in just one hour, ensuring that we can contact all affected customers quickly. We can also reach them by email and even through the mail.

We hope the information we shared with you will do two things. One, alert cat food consumers of this situation, and two, help you feel even more confident about Life's Abundance and our commitment to helping families, including our pets, live long, healthy lives!

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I think most of us dog parents can admit we will do just about anything to see our pup wag their tail at lightning speed or give us tons of those sweet, sloppy kisses. Turns out, it’s as easy as saying a simple word or two! A new study that surveyed 4,389 dogs reveals that there are certain words that they love to hear the most. These dogs varied within their breeds, ages, and sizes. Normally, a dog’s resting heart rate is at around 115 BPM. But with these *magic* words, their heart can race up to 156 BPM:

1. Walkies: Coming in at #1 is the infamous “walkies.” Our furry friends absolutely love their daily walks with their heart rates beating at approximately 156 BPM whenever you say the word. That’s a 36% increase! By nature, dogs are active beings that aren’t used to staying indoors all day, so we can certainly understand their excitement when it’s time to go into the great outdoors!
2. Dinner/food/eat: Obtaining food is an instinct for dogs, so it makes sense as to why this is their second favorite word. We’re sure you’ve probably seen your pup come racing around the corner when you pour their kibble in a bowl, so there’s no denying this one.
3. Treat: Is it really any surprise that “treat” makes it on this list? At 151 BPM, we can all agree that getting a yummy snack is one of the many highlights of your pup’s day. With the savory ingredients in wholesome dog treats, it’s no wonder they can’t resist.

The fourth and fifth most excitable words are “get it” and “fetch.” These words tend to have a tasty award attached to them which is why our smart pups love to hear them. In this study, it also highlighted the least loved phrases which included “roll over” and “speak,” which do not usually have a treat attached to them. Check out the full list of beloved words below:

We want to hear what words make your pup’s tail wag! Comment below!

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Thoughts of oatmeal might make you cringe if the last time you had it was when you were five and your grandma threw a bowl of oats mixed with water in front of you. Those aren’t the oats we’re talking about.

This recipe, along with the mix-in suggestions, will even make the Quaker Oats guy jealous.

If you haven’t yet jumped on the overnight oats bandwagon, we’re here to help you take the leap. This recipe is not only quick and easy but also nutritious and delicious. Plus, it will save you tons of time because you can make a batch and eat it for a few days. And whether you sit and enjoy it while reading the paper or grab it and go for an early morning meeting, it will keep you full for hours.

Not a fan of cold cereal? That’s ok, some people like their oatmeal hot and some like it cold… kinda like their coffee. Just heat it up in the microwave for 30 seconds or the stovetop for a minute or two.

Benefits:

• Oats are full of fiber, so you feel fuller longer (4g per serving).
• Oats contain more protein than many grains (5g per serving).
• Oats may help you drop a few lbs by keeping you fuller, longer.
• Oats are high in antioxidants, which help protect cells against free radicals and may fight heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.
• The addition of protein powder in this recipe ups the protein factor, so it’s even better for a post-workout recovery meal to help rebuild muscle and reduce muscle soreness.

Ingredients // Serves 1:

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ -3/4 cup almond milk (or whatever milk you prefer, depending on how thick you like them)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tsp chia seeds
• 2 tbsp Life’s Abundance Vanilla Plant Protein
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1-2 tsp maple syrup
• ½ cup blueberries // fresh or frozen
• 1 tbsp toasted sliced almonds

Directions:

1. Add oats, milk, vanilla, chia seeds, protein powder, cinnamon, maple syrup, and blueberries together in a mason jar or other resealable container.
2. Stir or shake it up and put it in the fridge overnight, or at least for 2 hours.
3. Top with toasted almonds or other favorite toppings, coconut works great too.
4. Eat and conquer your day!

Tips:

• Once prepared, they last for up to 3 days, or a week if you omit the fruit until serving.
• Allow the oats to sit at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight to get really creamy.
• You can play with adding more milk or less, depending on what consistency you like best.
• Quick oats are ok but will have a softer consistency than traditional oats.
• Double, triple, or quadruple the recipe depending on how many days you want to have prepped or people you want to serve.

Now, we love our blueberry protein oats, but one can only eat so many blueberries. So if you find yourself suddenly in love with overnight oats, but want to switch it up, here are a few suggestions:

• Chocolate peanut butter - Use chocolate protein powder and add a tbsp of peanut butter
• Apple pie - Add ½ cup of chopped apples and ½ tsp cinnamon
• Pumpkin pie - Add ¼ cup of pumpkin puree and ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
• Banana walnut - Add ½ cup sliced bananas and 2 tbsp chopped walnuts

And if you run through all of the above, you can experiment with extracts, citrus zest, or even espresso powder - this is one of those recipes where you can let your imagination (and your tastebuds) run wild. Then the next time you go and visit your grandma, or your grandkids, bring them a batch and make sure you have enough for seconds - because they’ll be asking!

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It's long been known that dogs can have a soothing effect on their human’s health - but did you know that cats can do something similar as well? There are many studies that show that sharing your home with cats supports good physical and mental health. I mean really, who can be upset when you’re looking at those sweet faces? Here are some of the ways that your feline friends help you out.

Improves Your Mental Health

Imagine relaxing on your couch and your purring cat cuddles up next to you. Did you know that by simply petting your cat, your body produces stress reducing hormones? Talk about a win-win for both you and your feline! In one study, single people with cats reported feeling fewer negative emotions and bad moods than single people who do not own cats. Even if you’re prone to stress, cat parents also feel less stress and more confidence when their cat is present. 

Boosts Your Physical Health 

Being a cat owner can also improve your physical health in a variety of ways. Studies show:

• Many cat owners sleep better than non-cat owners.
• Cat owners may be less likely to die from a heart attack. This is true even of former cat owners!
• Small health complaints, like headaches, backaches, and colds reduce or diminish after a person gets a cat.
• Cat owners have a lower resting heart rate and lower blood pressure.
• You have better ability to cope with challenges than people who don’t have pets.

Mental Health Development in Young People

If you thought cats were only good for you, they are an even better influence on your kids. One survey of kids between the ages of 11 and 15 showed that those with pet cats enjoyed better quality of life. This included higher energy levels, better attention and focus, and improved social skills. Kids in this study were overall happier, whether at school or at home. In addition, when kids are exposed to cats early on in life, their immune system is built up as they age. Therefore, they are less likely to develop allergies or asthma.

Relationship Management

You know that love you have for your cat? These feelings actually extend into your interactions with other people. Cat parents tend to be more socially sensitive and trusting, which helps them in relationships. Even more, they allow us to be more caring, loving, and patient. In fact, it's been suggested that cats are "social catalysts," prompting their humans to interact with others. This can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. 

Cats help you in a variety of ways. You have someone to care for, snuggle with, talk to, look after, think about, play with and interact with. Your cat helps you stay healthy, and of course we want to do the same for them.

One of the most critical factors in helping your feline friend thrive is their daily nutrition source. Feeding a healthy diet to your cat will help them live their happiest, longest life by your side. We formulate food with both you and your cat in mind by only choosing ingredients that work well together and give real results. Plus, our carefully designed antioxidant and gut health systems supply your cat with the support they need. Learn more about premium cat food and cat treats, and give your felines the same love they give to you!

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Note: No Life’s Abundance products are involved in this or any other recall.

On March 27th, the FDA announced a massive recall of 140 lots of dog and cat food produced by Midwestern Pet Foods. This voluntary recall spans many brands and is the result of possible Salmonella contamination.

What Pet Parents Should Know

• The list of affected brands includes Earthborn Holistic, Venture, CanineX, Unrefined, Sportmix Wholesomes, Pro Pac, Pro Pac Ultimates, Sportstrail, Sportmix and Meridian.
• The complete list of affected lots can be found at FDA.gov.
• The FDA advises to discard the recalled products in a way that children, pets and wildlife cannot access them.
• They also recommend washing your hands and any dishes or utensils that have come into contact with the recalled food.
• No illnesses have been reported as a result of the recalled dog and cat foods to date.

What Is Salmonella

Salmonella is a bacteria that affects both people and animals. It is transmitted through contact with contaminated food or surfaces that may have been contaminated by the recalled products. Thorough hand washing and sanitizing contact surfaces can reduce the risk of symptoms including: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping or fever.

The GI symptoms are very similar in dogs and cats who contract Salmonella, and they may also experience lethargy or decreased appetite. If you or your dog or cat experience any of these symptoms after having contact with a recalled food, contact the appropriate healthcare provider.

For a complete list of the 140 recalled lots, visit FDA.gov.

A Safer Solution

At Life's Abundance, we have a much better and safer way of making pet foods and notifying consumers should a problem ever arise. As for consumer safety, we view the system of product recalls as problematic. That is because most consumers will never hear about a recall. Yet because of our direct relationship with consumers we know who received which product, down to the lot number. In the event there is ever an issue with a product, our proactive communications system allows us to reach thousands of people by phone in just one hour, ensuring that we can contact all affected customers quickly. We can also reach them by email and even through the mail.

We hope the information we shared with you will do two things. One, alert unsuspecting dog and cat food consumers of this situation, and two, help you feel even more confident about Life's Abundance and our commitment to helping families, including our pets, live long, healthy lives!

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Going green is more than just a trending topic. If you truly want to have a significant impact on your own ecological footprint and improve your local community, then you should consider adopting a more sustainable lifestyle. On the surface, it may seem difficult to transform your entire life and begin living in an eco-friendly way. However, you can take small steps and slowly change your habits in a way that will eventually make a big difference in the world around you.

Here are five ways that you can live a more sustainable life:

Minimize Your Plastic Use

It seems that everything and anything can be made out of plastic, and that material has taken a serious toll on our world. It is often found washed up on beaches and has been known to cause harm to animals that come into contact with it. One of the best ways to combat this global issue is to reduce your own use of single-use plastics. A few ideas that can help you get started include:

• Purchasing a reusable water bottle to use instead of buying disposable bottled water. Get fancy with it and buy one that really suits you.
• Metal and glass straws which are super affordable, eco-friendly alternatives to using regular plastic straws that are not biodegradable.
• Bring reusable, fabric bags to the store and give them to the bagger to use instead of plastic bags.

Shop at Thrift Stores

The process of manufacturing and distributing clothing products is incredibly draining on the world's natural resources, and the high turnover rate of new fashions has only compounded this issue. Rather than constantly buying a brand new wardrobe every season, you can shop at thrift stores to get great deals on clothes that are in excellent used condition. Even better, many of these stores have designer brands in stock that are still in season and in style!

Amp Up Your Recycling Efforts

One of the simplest ways to live a more sustainable life is to recycle as often as possible. If your community has a recycling program in place, make sure that you recycle every eligible product that you can. However, be mindful of what cannot be recycled as one tarnished recycling bin can compromise the entire load. In addition to participating in curbside recycling, you can also get creative and think about ways you can reuse the products in your house before you dispose of them. Some great ideas include:

• Repurpose glass jars to organize small items like nails and pins.
• Use egg cartons to start a gardening hobby.
• Turn your empty paper towel rolls into a DIY bird feeder.

Go to Farmer's Markets

At the farmer's market, you will be able to discover endless options for your next meal. There are tons of vendors available who sell fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy products. In addition, you can find homemade pastries and baked goods as well as other locally-produced food items. By shopping local at the farmer's market, you can support your community and reduce the need for cross-country transportation to get food into your area.

Be Mindful of Your Water Usage

Thousands upon thousands of gallons of water are wasted on a daily basis, while many around the world do not have access to clean, fresh water. By being more conscious about how much water you use and when you use it, you can aid in the water conservation efforts that are taking place worldwide. Some things you can do include:

• Take cooler, shorter showers.
• Buy a rain barrel to harvest fresh water to reuse in your garden.
• Wash your dishes by hand rather than using a dishwasher.

Buy from Sustainable Companies

Many companies are getting on the train of sustainability and incorporating eco-friendly practices into their daily operations. Choosing these green businesses over others that take a toll on the environment is just another way to live a more sustainable life. At Life’s Abundance, we aim to decrease our carbon footprint in just about every practice from product packaging to using solar panels. We took it an extra step with our Trees for the Future program by planting a tree for every clean beauty and clean body purchase. As a result, we will have planted over 1,000,000 trees by 2025!

As you take small steps toward a larger goal, it is important to know that a sustainable lifestyle is always within reach. By being conscious of the impact that you have on the environment and staying informed about the best ways to go green, you can improve your own health, reduce your ecological footprint and make the world a better place for the generations to come.

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