There are a lot of people who take great joy in providing luxury for their pets, a way to live vicariously through their furry friends. This green-roof pet house is a perfect example. Created by Jardin Chic, this little pet house allows you to grow grass, flowers, herbs, or your average house plant right above your pet’s bed. To up the eco-friendly character of the pet homes, each is made from recycled plastic. Certainly a luxury, this is a creative way to find multipurpose applications for a small amount of space. Though knowing my cat, she would probably never enter into the home. Rather, she would spend all of her time digging up the plants and scattering them around the house.

Jardin Chic

Adopt first!
First up is to thoroughly check out the source from which you purchase your pet. Don’t support puppy mills! Buy dogs from reputable breeders not pet stores, or even better rescue a pet from you local shelter! Shelters don’t just have dogs and cats anymore, so check for small pets such as rabbits, birds, reptiles and larger pets like goats and horses. Your local animal control should be able to inform you of shelter pet types available in your area, including open hours and adoption fees etc.

Stop the overpopulation!
Once you have your pet, be a responsible owner and spay/neuter your pet. If money is a problem then check your local resources for low cost clinics in your area, or check out your local animal shelter for reduced prices on surgeries. If you adopt from a shelter most will insist on the pet being spayed or neutered before being adopted and the fee is very reasonable if they do this before you take the pet home. Become part of the solution not the problem – spay and neuter!

Check the labels
Just as you are checking the labels of your own foods and toiletries take a second glance at the pet food and products! If it’s not something you’d use yourself why are you putting your dog or cat at risk? Opt for natural organic where possible. Many pet food and toiletry companies now offer natural alternatives made with good wholesome ingredients.

Choose natural
Instead of opting for a brush with a plastic handle, opt for wood instead. Or if you have to buy a collar or leash think about natural alternatives like hemp and rope as natural alternatives to plastic collars. Also get dog name tags and place the relevant information on them. Most pet stores have machines that will engrave your details on a metal tag, avoid the plastic where possible!

Avoid unnecessary chemicals
Flea and tick prevention is important, but can be achieved with natural sources rather than chemicals. Cedar-wood is a great for deterring insects like fleas. Neem, citrus and eucalyptus is reported to deter flea’s and ticks also. Why not try a little spritz spray with water and a drop or two of essential oils instead. Our dogs seem to be flea/tick free by using Dr Bronner’s citrus or eucalyptus bar soap once a month.

Happy pet parents day!

Yep it’s time again for one of those lesser known holiday weeks, did you know it’s National Pooper Scooper week? Most dog owners are responsible enough to know that they have to clean up after their pets and scoop the poop (it’s the law in most areas), but what’s an eco-friendly pet owner to do when faced with pet waste in their quest to stay green? Here are a few tips

Biodegradable poop bags
There are some companies now that are selling bags that are biodegradable or compostable. Whilst these are a great addition to the eco-friendly pet owners accessories remember that these won’t help if you are sending the poop to an “anaerobic” or “locked” landfill. These bags work great for “open” or “turned” landfills and compost piles. Because of the nature of the locked landfills no air can get to the bags and they won’t biodegrade so first find out what kind of landfill your waste goes to before deciding if these biodegradable bags are suitable for your needs.

Flushing
The Environment Protection Agency reports that

Pet waste can be a major source of bacteria and excess nutrients in local waters. When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly. Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain and eventually into local waterbodies.

Education is essential to changing people’s behavior. Signs and markers near storm drains warn residents that pollutants entering the drains will be carried untreated into a local waterbody.

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Some bags report that they are flushable so check your bags are suitable for flushing before putting them in the sewer system. Another thing would be to check your local resources (water bureau) as some water treatment facilities don’t allow pet waste flushing. Also if your sewer system is a septic tank it is also not advisable as the septic systems.

Reuse
Sometimes plastic waste is unavoidable, and that means ending up with plastic bags, whether that is used bags from groceries, produce, or perhaps plastic baggies from shipping. For example our local free paper comes in a plastic bag in the winter to avoid it getting wet, some of our produce we buy comes in plastic bags, and liners from some grocery cartons are plastic. See what plastic bag waste you have in a given week and decide if any can be reused for pet waste.

Compost
Putting pet waste into household compost piles is a tricky thing. The current thinking is that home compost piles do not generate enough heat to kill all the pathogens in pet waste, plus if you have pet waste in your compost pile you shouldn’t use the compost on or near your vegetable plants. There are some specific in ground compost bins for pet waste which you add enzymes to, the verdict is out on the safety of these composters and there is supporting evidence for and against pet composters. If we had enough space in our garden for one (away from ground water and food crops) I think we’d at least try it, though it seems almost all the pet composters are made from plastic which almost defeats the point.

Scoop
Bags are often a necessity when walking your dog, but maybe you have a yard dog that doesn’t get outside walks often? Maybe it’s better to invest in a scoop and deposit the poop directly in your trash can. As always try and purchase sustainable products, maybe a scoop made from metal or one made from recycled post consumer content.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a press statement last week regarding their concern and investigation into “Spot-On flea and tick control treatments”, stating that following an increase of incidence reports in 2008:

“the EPA will begin reviewing labels to determine which
ones need stronger and clearer labeling statements. Next, EPA will
develop more stringent testing and evaluation requirements for both
existing and new products. EPA expects these steps will help prevent
adverse reactions. In dogs and cats that can include skin effects, such
as irritation, redness, or gastrointestinal problems that include
vomiting or diarrhea, or effects to the nervous system, such as
trembling, appearing depressed or seizures—from pet spot-on products.“

The EPA press release does state that those pets are higher risk of adverse reactions are small dogs and that cats exposed to products meant for dogs is a concern. They also state that people should carefully follow label directions
and monitor their pets for any signs of an adverse reaction after
application, particularly when using these products for the first time. EPA recommends that owners consult a
veterinarian about the best way to protect their pets from fleas and
ticks or whether pesticides are needed, especially before using any
product on weak, aged, medicated, sick, pregnant or nursing pets, or on
pets that have previously shown signs of sensitivity to pesticide
products. 

Among immediate actions that EPA will pursue are:

· Requiring
manufacturers of spot-on pesticide products to improve labeling, making
instructions clearer to prevent product misuse.

· Requiring more
precise label instructions to ensure proper dosage per pet weight.

· Requiring clear
markings to differentiate between dog and cat products, and disallowing
similar brand names for dog and cat products. Similar names may have led
to misuse.

· Requiring
additional changes for specific products, as needed, based on
product-specific evaluations.

· When new products
are registered, granting only conditional, time-limited registrations
to allow for post-marketing product surveillance. If there are incidents
of concern associated with the product, EPA will take appropriate
regulatory action.

· Restricting the
use of certain inert ingredients that EPA finds may contribute to the
incidents.

· Launching a
consumer information campaign to explain new label directions and to
help users avoid making medication errors.

Sounds like a great time to research natural methods of controlling fleas and ticks on your pets!

Being eco-friendly means that we care about our environment, and as such caring about the health and wellbeing of all animals including those that live in our houses. March
19-25th marks National Animal Poison Prevention Week. Is your house safe for your pets? If not then is it really safe for your children? for you? By thinking about one species we affect another so lets look at some ways to protect our pets this week to ensure they are as safe as possible.

Plants
Did you know that some plants can be poisonous to pets? If you have a pet you’ll know it’s virtually impossible to contain them to one area of a garden or not to dig, so why take the risk? The
ingestion of azalea, oleander, castor bean, sago palm, Easter
lily (in cats, only) or yew plant material by an animal
can be fatal.

Tobacco
Cigarettes contain nicotine. If a dog eats too much tobacco, symptoms include vomiting, agitation, diarrhea and increased breathing rate. The dog can then develop weakness, muscle twitching, decreased breathing rate, and finally collapse, coma and possibly death.
Not only that but it’s hardly an eco-friendly habit. Give it up today for the health of yourself, your children, your pets and the planet!

Chocolate/Cocoa
Chocolates contain theobromine and, to a lesser amount, caffeine, a closely related chemical. Since most chocolates are also high in fat and sugar, we may also see an upset stomach and diarrhea. In severe cases, a dog might develop a condition called pancreatitis in which the pancreas becomes inflamed.

Household Chemicals
Being eco-friendly most of us will have made the switch to eco-friendly cleaning alternatives, and if not then start now. Even if the cleaning product is eco-friendly ingesting it won’t do your pet much good, so if using a cleaning product, make sure the container is
out of reach of your pets, so they don’t tip it over or end up lapping
up its contents. Ensure that highly toxic chemicals like antifreeze are kept in secure places away from possible animal contact. Since there is a narrow window of opportunity for managing antifreeze
poisoning before kidney damage occurs, it is critical to get your pet
to a veterinarian for prompt treatment. As little
as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat; less
than one tablespoon can be lethal to a 20-pound dog.

Medications
Ensure that medications (even those meant for animals) are kept securely away from curious mouths. Pets tend to eat anything (especially dogs) so don’t put temptation in their way. Many medications that are safe
for humans can be deadly for animals. For example, one extra
strength (500mg) acetaminophen tablet could be fatal to
a cat.

Many
common household items can be lethal to animals. Mothballs,
potpourri oils, coffee grounds, homemade play dough, fabric
softener sheets, dishwashing detergent, batteries, cigarettes,
alcoholic drinks and hand and foot warmers are potentially
toxic

The American
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals/National
Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA/NAPCC) has an objective
to educate pet owners about the importance of poison safety.
The Center is the first and only 24-hour poison control hotline
for animals in North America. Professionals are available
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Veterinarians
and pet owners needing advice reach a staff of 16 veterinarians
(including four board-certified veterinary toxicologists)
and six certified veterinary technicians. The number is for
consultation services is 1-888-4ANI-HELP

Sources: ASPCA, Dog  & Kennel Magazine.

Dr Bronner’s Liquid Castille Soaps
Now available in many fragrances but the traditional Peppermint liquid castille soap remains a favorite amongst environmentalists not only as as it’s a brand you can rely on, and a product that has truly stood the test of time. One reason for it’s popularity is its versatility, the packaging states it all really with it’s “18-in-1″ statement. Any Google search for “Dr Bronner’s soap uses” will turn up multiples uses for the product including: everyday showering, shampoo, household cleaning, laundry detergent and toothbrushing. I admit I have tried the first few and it does a great job in the shower, and home but I am reluctant to try the teeth cleaning. I’ve also personally used it as: carpet cleaner and dog shampoo and it worked great! Though I prefer the Eucalyptus or Citrus fragrances for the dogs soap for their flea deterrent qualities. All of this is a major reason it is so popular, why take a handful of different products to wash/shampoo/clean when one bottle will do the job?

Eco-friendly
In addition to Dr Bronner’s products being USDA Certified Organic and Fair Trade Certified they also carry the Rabbit and Stars logo to certify that their products are not tested on animals. They do however use organic beeswax in their lip and body balms so vegans beware! There other products are vegan however so plenty to choose from! All of the soaps are free from Sodium Lauryl Sulfates and similar chemicals.

Whether you are looking for the original castille soaps or the all new range of soaps, shampoo, conditioners, lotions, balms, shaving gels, baby care and more Dr Bronner’s is truly a leader in the eco-industry and worth checking out for all your personal and household needs!

One New Years resolution that most people make is to get fit and/or lose weight, but what if you are and eco-conscious individual? How do fitness and the environment work together? Well lots of ways! One of the most eco-friendly fitness exercises is through basic walking or running. The great thing about these exercises is they require very little equipement and all you need is a front door to walk through and get out into the neighborhood!

Here are just a few ecological benefits of walking/running:

• fresh air, no air conditioning needed when the street is your gym!
• meet your neighbors, good neighbors mean a good social network
• very little equipment needed, most of which we all already own
• low carbon impact due to needing less equipment
• lighter/healthier you is better for the environment

The things I love about running are that I can just pull on some loose clothing and my sneakers and simply head out and do it. No hopping into a car and heading to the gym to run on a treadmill for 45 minutes! The world outside is my treadmill! Even if I am just walking around the neighborhood with my dogs instead of running, I
always find new and interesting ways in which this activity assists in
my quest to become more sustainable and lower my carbon impact. On my daily runs during last year I :

• Met new neighbors with whom I need swap seeds with and compare gardening notes
• found some curbside treasures for free
• lost 20 lbs combined with a healthier diet
• got my daily does of Vitamin D being out in the sun
• keep my dogs in shape, thus reducing their carbon footprint

Equipment
Sure the basic attire of a pair of sweat pants combined with a t-shirt and a pair of sneakers works but what if you want to buy something new for the new year, new body, new you? Well now there are many options available for the eco-conscious fitness fanatic! Whether it’s sustainable clothing or eco-friendly foorwear, there are many companies manufacturing products using recycled materials, organic cotton or fair trade practices. Whatever your desires there is a company out there for you.

Regardless of whether you walk or run, getting yourself in shape is a great way to assist in lowering your carbon footprint!

Just put one foot in front of the other and get out there!

How about wearing a big warm knitted sweater over your t-shirt, sporting thick fuzzy socks or switching to thermal underwear? All these items contribute to layering. Even if you don’t wear the sweater or cardigan all day, it’s good to have one nearby when you do feel a chill. When we’re doing chores around the house it’s easy to keep warm, but once we stop our body temperature drops and it’s easy to feel the rooms cooler temperatures.

Photo by llse from Flickr

For the evening time spent in the family room watching TV with the children how about a blanket or shawl? Just add a few strategically placed folded blankets around the family room and the family will soon get the idea. Plus it’s always nice to snuggle up under a blanket with a family member.

And so to bed. If you normally wear light cotton nightwear how about switching to something thicker and warmer like flannel. Same with the bed linens. There are some great ‘winterizing’ bed linens that keep the body heat in and reflected. Another good night time idea would be to keep any sleeping bags you use for camping under the bed, then if you get cold simply add the sleeping bag over the bed, or climb inside. Good quality sleeping bags can keep you warm in freezing temperatures and are great for children who love camping at any time, even indoors!

Remember too that pets can also feel the cold in winter especially those short coated breeds. So if your house is on the cool side at night invest in a sweater or a blanket for the dog/cat so they stay warm. They are after all part of the family too!

Cozy Hemp Leash
Our Cozy Hemp Leash is made from durable, sustainable hemp. Hemp is one of our worlds most amazing fibers – it gets softer with use and yet stays strong. This Cozy Hemp Leash has an extra benefit for you – a soft, fleece lined handle. Consider it a small reward for all you do to keep your pooch happy and healthy. Your choice of green, purple or orange Measures: 5′ long.

Organic Cotton Leash
Organic cotton dog leash made from certified organic African cotton and finished in the USA. These stylish dog leashes are made with certified organic African cotton. Organic farming in Africa helps preserve natural resources by avoiding chemical-based pesticides and fertilizers. The cotton fibers are made into webbing in a factory in North Carolina and printed with low-salt, earth-friendly dyes. The final assembly is done in a factory in New England so the product is truly made in America.

Recycled Dog Leash
Polyester leash made in the USA from recycled plastic water bottles. Ruffin’ It One World recycled polyester leashes are made from 100% certified recycled polyester. The use of recycled material allows us to conserve resources while reducing the waste stream. All without any compromise in quality or performance. Recycled polyester leashes are available in three unique patterns and a variety of sizes.

Hemp Canvas Click-N-Go Leash
Completely practical, Click-N-Go hemp canvas leashes from The Good Dog Company have a releasable handle. A Wienerlock buckle is built into the handle so you can easily tie-up your dog while you run into the store or dine at your favorite sidewalk bistro. Also great at picnics, parks and campgrounds where pets must be on a leash.
These high quality hemp leashes are made from triple-folded canvas and trimmed with fun and unique patterns. The rest of the pack will be “green” with envy when your dog arrives on one of our leashes! Hemp canvas softens with wear, is machine washable and is also naturally hypo-allergenic and anti-microbial.

Waggin Green Eco Bamboo Leash
Bamboo webbing is naturally anti-bacterial and odor resistant, more absorbent and fast drying than other natural fabrics, breathable, and 100% biodegradable! No pesticides, insecticides, or fertilizers are involved, making this the greenest fiber on Earth. Leashes are 5′ long. Available in 3/4″, and 1″ widths. The Eco-Dog 1″ Leash, Medium Buckle Collar and Large Buckle Collar.

Wednesday’s Quick Tip: Constantly putting that chopping board to good use in the kitchen? Next time you buy a new chopping board try opting for one made out of bamboo instead of plastic.

Ark Naturals Breath-Less Fizzy Plaque Zapper For Small to Medium Pets
Plaque-Zapper contains naturally available enzymes that are activated by mouth saliva. As your pets drink from their water bowl Ark’s Plaque-Zapper zaps harmful mouth bacteria and our clinically tested enzymes stop plaque from sticking to teeth. Odorless, colorless, tasteless. Will not change pet’s drinking or eating habits.

Ark Naturals Breath-Less Fizzy Plaque Zapper For Medium to Large Pets
Plaque-Zapper contains naturally available enzymes that are activated by mouth saliva. As your pets drink from their water bowl Ark’s Plaque-Zapper zaps harmful mouth bacteria and our clinically tested enzymes stop plaque from sticking to teeth. Odorless, colorless, tasteless. Will not change pet’s drinking or eating habits.

Pet Naturals Of Vermont Oral Health For Dogs
Pet Naturals Of Vermont Oral Health For Dogs is a daily support formula for dental health and hygiene. Pet Naturals Of Vermont Oral Health For Dogs is a convenient and inexpensive way to support your dog’s periodontal health. Pet Naturals Of Vermont Oral Health For Dogs is recommended to help control plaque formation and support gum health.

Pet Naturals Of Vermont Oral Health For Dogs supports cleaner teeth and fresher breath. Pet Naturals Of Vermont Oral Health For Dogs is formulated with Zinc Ascorbate, Taurine, direct-fed microbials (Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus), Natural Zeolites, Yucca Schidigera Extract and Cranberry Powder. Pet Naturals Of Vermont Oral Health For Dogs is formulated specifically to be used between veterinarian dental cleanings to support cleaner teeth and fresher breath.

Nature’s Benefit Oral Biocleanse For Pets
Natural Enzymatic Plaque Digest – Oral Biocleanse? is a Natural Enzymatic Plaque Digest, the natural way to oral health, plaque management, and decreased bad breath. Just apply to teeth and gums and let nature exert its benefit.

Kissable Toothbrush and Toothpaste Set
Here is a great option for dental care for your dog… a great smelling (and tasting) toothpaste that is all natural and will help keep your canine’s pearly whites beautiful and healthy! The unique design of the Kissable toothbrush makes it easy to clean all three sides of the tooth with one stroke. The soft bristles massage the gums while the firmer bristles clean teeth. The vanilla flavored toothpaste is all natural and is great for dogs and their people!