‘Greenies’ Got Me
Making the “green” choice, not for Mother Earth but for man’s best friend
By Jenni Terry
Courtesy of Wellness Natural Pet Food (treats); courtesy of Safe Paw Ice Melter (ice melt); courtesy of West Paw Design (toys)
I would never call myself an environmentalist. To me, that is a term of honorary distinction for folks who really go for the green in all aspects of their home, professional, political and social lives—right down to the dog toothpaste they buy!
By some standards, I could probably be considered an “environmentally conscious” person—I use canvas bags at Whole Foods just as much as the next Gen Y’er. Yet, there are several areas of my life many a hippycrite would tsk-tsk, especially regarding pet care.
Every time I chuck a garbage bag of clay-based kitty litter into the dumpster, I can practically hear the sirens of the planet police. This is especially shameful given the availability of hundreds of great, eco-friendly pet care products that Wylie Wagg co-owner Laura Clark, of Middleburg, says are on the market today.
“It’s very important for consumers to think about what they give their pets in the same way they do with their children,” she says. And pet food is a great place to start. As Clark points out, it’s important to remember that buying natural food is not just better for the planet but also for the pet.
Clark says the majority of grocery store foods do have by-products and that owners should read labels and steer clear of any foods (including treats) with ingredient lists that include Digest, BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin, Propylene Glycol or contain generic meat sources. While pet food recalls have led to a demand for higher quality products with an emphasis on natural food, the industry still needs to step up, Clark says. One line Clark recommends, Wellness, is available in major pet stores. A list of other suggested brands can be found on Wylie Wagg’s website.
Because what goes in (no matter how healthy) must come out, Clark advises owners to forgo plastic poop baggies and switch to biodegradable clean-up bags. And, switching to wheat-based or corn-based cat litter is the way to go since they typically break down better. Some kinds can even be flushed.
Natural doggie shampoos and other pet grooming products are better for the pet’s skin, Clark says. She says they are easy to find, particularly the Earthbath line, which has products for cats, dogs and horses. Purchasing toys and pet beds made out of recycled items is another way owners can be a little greener.
One area Clark says is a major dilemma is chemical-free pest control. “The problem is that in Virginia, ticks are so prevalent, and many of them carry Lyme disease, so it is extremely difficult for pet owners to be fully diligent without using some kind of chemical treatment.”
Pet owners who strive to be chemical-free may have good results with the Dr. Goodpet line, she says.
Owners should also think about what a dog comes in contact with outdoors. Clark suggests using organic lawn care products and also trying products like Safe Paw Ice Melter [www.safepaw.com] and Pawz doggie boots in the wintertime to protect paws.
I may not be an environmentalist by my own standards, but Clark’s suggestions did inspire me to make some changes. My first step? Fresh Step!
(April 2011)