PupLife.com has long supported earth friendly practices (we recycle 100% of our boxes and use recyclable packing materials). We support earth friendly causes, and from day one we have offered a wide selection of eco-friendly dog products. But for many, the concept of “going green” is still new. So, for the new dog owner, and those of us in need of a refresher course, we are pleased to offer these five simple ways that you (and your dog) can “go green”.
Organic. Natural. Recyclable. Today, pet owners want to do their part to help preserve our planet’s natural resources, and fortunately, there are plenty of options. No longer relegated to the back aisles of health food stores, organic dog products are now readily available. In fact, there are so many Earth Friendly Dog Supplies on the market, that the options can seem overwhelming.
1) Switch To Biodegradable Dog Waste Bags
Many dog owners still use plastic grocery bags to pick up their dog,s waste. The problem with plastic grocery bags is that they do not biodegrade or decompose. Plastic grocery bags overwhelm landfills, where they remain for years, harming the environment. Switching to paper grocery bags is a great first step. Opting for biodegradable, compostable waste pickup products is the next step.
PupLife.com’s compostable BioBag Biodegradable Dog Waste Bags are the perfect solution for conscientious dog owners. BioBags use no polyethylene in the production process and are fully certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute to be 100% biodegradable and 100% compostable. They are a great choice.
2) Replace Old Dog Toys With New, Earth Friendly Alternatives
Always inspect your dog toys for tears, rips or tatters. If the toy is in disrepair, replace it right away with an earth-friendly alternative.
PupLife.com offers a wide assortment of earth-friendly dog toys from Planet Dog and West Paw. The Huck, Hurley, Tux and Zisc dog toys from West Paw are made from a non-toxic, recyclable Zogoflex, a safe alternative to vinyl. New Hucks, Hurleys, Tux and Zisc dog toys are also made from (you guessed it) – old dog toys. West Paw recycles old, damaged Hucks and Hurleys into new toys – a perfect example of the recycle, renew and reuse philosophy. Zogoflex dog toys are very durable, but if you have a super-duper chewer, West Paw will recycle and replace your destroyed dog toy free of charge. Simply mail your damaged toy back to West Paw, and they will send you a free replacement. Awesome!
3) Choose An Earth-Friendly Dog Bed
How earth friendly is your dog bed? The sad truth is that there are many poor quality dog beds on the market today, and most are made from materials that are not good for the environment or your dog. PupLife.com features a wide selection of earth friendly Dog Beds, including some of the best brands available, like Big Shrimpy, West Paw and Bella Dogga. These beds are not only super comfy, they are good for the planet.
Big Shrimpy dog beds are super comfy, easy to care for and best of all, the inner cushion is filled with SmartFill, a 100% recycled fiber. The Big Shrimpy Original Dog Bed remains our dog Scout’s favorite and we love how easy it is to wash (just toss it in the washing machine). Big Shrimpy’s Catalina Dog Bed is perfect for small dogs that like to snuggle, and the Big Shrimpy Nest Bed is a great choice for dogs that like to curl up into a “donut”.
West Paw (makers of the recyclable Huck and Hurley dog toys) have also created a line of wonderful earth-friendly dog beds. The Eco-Slumber Dog Bed is an ultra-cool, modern dog bed that combines 85% recycled IntelliLoft fibers and 100% recycled IntelliLoft fiber fill. Created from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, IntelliLoft is safe, re-engineered fibers that diverts unnecessary waste from going to your landfill and takes six times less energy than producing fabric from virgin fibers. The Eco-Nap Dog Bed is made from 100% post consumer recycled plastic (the fabric is made from 85% recycled soda pop bottles). The fabric has a fabulous, super soft feel that dogs love. West Paw’s Organic Bumper Bed features an American made organic cotton outer cover that your pet will love, and it’s perfect for dog (and people) with chemical sensitivities.
Bella Dogga makes handcrafted organic beds filled with natural, organic kapok. The Bellla Dogga Loft Dog Bed is one of our favorites for a modern interior. Truly organic and hand made right here is the USA, this is a strikingly bold dog bed! The Bella Dogga Crash Pad is another great dog bed from Bella Dogga, and it is made from 100% organically grown cotton printed with low-impact dyes from Harmony Art.
4) Switch To Organic Dog Treats
This one is easy! What dog doesn’t love treats? Forget about those “mystery treats” from the big chain stores. Healthy Dog Treats are just as tasty, and they are way better for your pet. Organic dog treats, with natural, healthy ingredients taste fantastic and they are a wise choice for your pet.
Organic dog treats do not use the chemicals and preservatives that are found in store-bought treats. Not only are they are better for the planet, they are better for your dog. Woof!
5) Use Earth Friendly Dog Grooming Products
Avoid the chemical laden dog shampoos from the big box chains. Move to healthy, natural organic dog grooming products, and your pooch (and the planet) will thank you.
Spot Organics offers an incredible line of organic dog grooming supplies, and we are proud to feature them on PupLife.com. Spot Organics dog grooming supplies are effective, safe and of course, earth-friendly.
Spot Organics No More Itch Dog Shampoo takes care of itchy, scratchy skin naturally. No More Itch Dog Shampoo moisturizes and purifies your pup’s fur, while other natural ingredients including organic aloe vera and lavender offer anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties for both the skin and coat.
Flea the Scene is a truly natural dog flea spray solution from our friends at Happy Tails. Flea the Scene Insect Spray for dogs is a 3-in-1 spray that will take the sting out of flea season while soothing and protecting your canine companion. Flea the Scene contains a natural, proprietary insect repellent formula, a powerful blend of plant extracts, that repels the enemy for up to four hours, making hikes and vacations comfortable again. Best of all, it smells great and works for humans, too!
Earth Day is only once a year, but protecting our planet (and our pets) is a full time job. Switching to earth friendly dog products is a great way to make a difference. By making these simple moves, you and your pet can help to make our planet a healthier place for all.
For more on PupLife’s commitment to our planet, read our official Green Policy.