We are committed to implementing responsible environmental practices and awareness. As part of our commitment, we maintain a variety of responsible environmental programs in our everyday business practices, such as using recyclable packaging for our products, recycled paper for printing, recycled cardboard boxes and packing materials for shipments. We do other small things that contribute to our environment, such as keeping our thermostat down in the winter by insulating the windows, cut our vehicle usage by riding our bicycles (and when we do drive, it's in an American made Hybrid vehicle), we use cloth napkins, use reusable bags for shopping, we've changed all our light bulbs to energy saving bulbs, and, we eat local organic food. But it doesn't stop there...we will further our efforts as we continue to grow and learn of new alternatives and remain committed to the education of global sustainability. 

With environmental awareness, comes responsible purchasing.  We support local and global sustainability in the production and the growing of the raw materials within our ingredients. The sourcing of these raw materials is done with integrity and practices that benefit the people who grow them and the environment they are grown in.  

We support community involvement.  We are an active member of our community, volunteering and working with non-profit organizations to provide vocational training for developmentally disabled adults, meals at local shelters and clothing for the less fortunate.  

We Give Back

During the process of starting Life Elements in 2005, my mother, Petra, was diagnosed with anal canal cancer; a rare form in women. As the cancer was found in its very early stage, the prognosis was good and with proper treatment, we were advised she had a 98% chance of recovery.

My mom chose chemotherapy and radiation treatments over surgical removal of the area.  A fatal decision.  Over the six week course of the treatment, she was over radiated and suffered severe wounds; wounds that she fought to recover from over a period of eight months. The ordeal was physically painful for her and emotionally painful for our family. For almost a year we prayed and hoped she would recover, but the affects were irreversible.

Mom passed away on August 9, 2006, joining her two sisters who had previously passed away from breast cancer. The third sister, a breast cancer survivor, chose a double breast mastectomy along with chemotherapy to prevent further spreading. Today, she is living a healthy, cancer free life.

In February of 2009, my father, a life long smoker, became ill with high fever, swollen limbs and severe shortness of breath. He was admitted to the hospital on Monday, February 9 for treatment.  First diagnosed with pneumonia, it quickly became apparent there was much more going on. After many tests, he was diagnosed a day later with lung, liver and prostate cancer and given less then six months to live. Deciding he did not want to go through the same ordeal as my mother, he chose to surrender to his fate and passed away hours later on the morning of Wednesday, February 11.

It's because of this that we give back to cancer research through direct donations, event and team sponsorships. Don't wait until
you or a family member is diagnosed. Learn what you can do now by visiting these websites:

• Livestrong
• Susan G. Komen for the Cure
• Team Winter