Ian Somerhalder is imparting essential life lessons to his children, emphasizing the significance of community connection and giving back.
The actor, best known for his role in “The Vampire Diaries,” is a proponent of the principle that one should give as much or more than they take from life. This philosophy, he says, is crucial for achieving health, happiness, and success. Somerhalder, discussed these values in an interview with E! News at the Farmers Market for dogs, a community event powered by pet food brand NUTRO.
“My parents taught us from a young age that there is a balance in nature,” Somerhalder said. “If you give back as much or more than you take, you will find an enormous bounty of health, happiness, and success. That’s the core message we pass on to our kids.”
He elaborated, “We teach our children and our friends’ children to respect and appreciate this balance. It brings boundless harmony, energy, and joy. You can’t just take and take; it doesn’t work that way.”
Somerhalder’s commitment to these values is reflected in his lifestyle. Several years ago, he and his wife, Nikki Reed, 36, chose to step away from their acting careers to focus on a more sustainable way of living. The couple relocated to a farm in California with their children, where they now produce much of their own food.
However, transitioning to farm life was not without its challenges. “There was a lot of failure involved,” Somerhalder admitted. “You learn that some things you try to plant might not work, but others do.” Despite the difficulties, he found the experience rewarding. “You end up creating a system where you and your community engage in a barter system. People grow corn, and I grow beans. It’s a throwback to how things used to be done, and it’s incredibly gratifying.”
Somerhalder’s latest interview took place just days before he hosted a farmer’s market for dogs in Los Angeles, an event aligned with his partnership with Nutro. The pet food brand, which launched a $5 million commitment in 2022 to support growers in adopting healthy soil practices, aligns with Somerhalder’s values of sustainability and community.
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One of Somerhalder and Reed’s dogs, Nietzsche, a stray the actor rescued in 2013, was present at the event and the interview. Somerhalder jokingly remarked to Nietzsche, “Are you eating kale? That’s a farm dog.”
Somerhalder’s collaboration with Nutro underscores his dedication to both sustainable agriculture and animal welfare. “If you think about it,” he explained, “you have a century-old pet food company that is deeply invested in supporting farmers and promoting healthy soil practices. They are helping make a challenging transition easier and less intimidating.”
He praised Nutro’s initiative, saying, “It’s huge to see a legacy pet food brand invest resources into such important work. Their commitment is a statistical anomaly and reflects a genuine concern for the environment and community.”
Through his personal experiences and professional partnerships, Somerhalder continues to champion the values of balance, community involvement, and sustainable living. His efforts reflect a broader commitment to making a positive impact both in his personal life and through his collaborations with organizations like Nutro.
