I recently got back from a trip to Costa Rica, and it moved me in ways I’m still processing. Costa Rica is lush and alive. Everywhere you turn the country breathes life from lush mountains, greenery everywhere, and the air feels fresh and softer. What really stayed with me was how much people care. Paper straws. Composting. Clean streets and public bathrooms. No matter where you go, people pick up after themselves, they respect the land. You can feel that love and responsibility in the way the country moves.
One of the most special parts of the trip was visiting my husband (Sams) grandmother, who moved there over 20 years ago and never looked back. She’s a longtime animal activist and nature lover, and I felt so connected to her.
When I asked her why she decided to leave the States, she told me a story I’ll never forget.
Every morning, she used to put out food for the squirrels and birds in her yard, sometimes twice, sometimes four times a day. They became part of her daily life. Then one day, the food was still there. No birds. No squirrels. Nothing.
As development grew around her, the animals disappeared. Their homes destroyed, their paths cut off, their safety gone. She told me, “When I saw the animals go, I knew it was my time to go too.”
That hit me hard.
Prior to visiting Costa Rica, Sam told me about visiting as a kid, how the mornings were filled with the sound of howling monkeys echoing through the jungle. But over the years, the jungle grew quieter. The calls faded into the distance, barely audible unless you listened closely. And it made me wonder: What happens when even they are gone too?
I truly believe that what we ignore or fail to change will always find a way to follow us. And while stopping development is not always the solution. I think there are discussions to be made about developing with nature in mind.
In Florida and across the country, we’re watching how the impact of rapid development, the destruction of wetlands, and over-pumping of groundwater is vanishing wilderness. This destruction and fragmentation of habitat is the greatest threat to the survival of wildlife, it impacts our health, our communities, and regulations alone will not ensure protection.
It’s a reminder that our voice, our choices, and our actions matter more than ever.
Change starts —
In your home.
In your backyard.
In your neighborhood.
With you
In your backyard.
In your neighborhood.
With you
Our daily choices have an impact. While some of us feel pressure to make massive changes overnight, from experience, that’s the fastest way to feel overwhelmed and stuck. Instead, I encourage you to start where you are.
Even in your wellness routine, change can start small. Through Sudz Cauldron, I love being able to offer intentional haircare solutions for you that create meaningful impact for your hair, wellbeing, and the environment.Our products are a gentle first step in your wellness and impact journey, providing nontoxic rituals that honor the lands and hands behind every ingredient.
As we move into this season, I invite you to choose with intention:
- Support small businesses like us
- Support our incredible retailers who share our values for impact
- Vote for people and policies that protect land, animals, and people
- Refuse to cave into mindless consumerism and waste
Because we need you.
Your purchase matters.
Your voice matters.
Your action matters.
Ready to be part of the change?
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