In our increasingly environmentally aware society, more and more people are becoming concerned with how their purchases are affecting our ecosystem. With that in mind, here are some carbon footprint-friendly options for your dog, whether you’re buying first-time items or replacing some staples in your dog’s collection of accouterments.
Bed
The P.L.A.Y Snuggle Bed provides the versatility of a plush mat, sleeping bag, and bolster bed all rolled into one. With its polyfiber stuffing made from recycled plastic bags, the bed’s moldable shape makes it perfect as a mat to lie on or a cocoon to wrap in for a secure snuggle, depending on your pet’s wishes. The reversible cover has faux fur on one side for warmth in the winter and smooth canvas on the other for cooler rests in warmer weather. Better still, it’s washable. The bed comes in small (13 x 18 inches for dogs up to 7 pounds, $55.00), large (18 x 25 inches for dogs up to 25 pounds, $75.00), and extra-large (25 x 36 inches for dogs up to 50 pounds, $109.00) in colors ranging from charcoal gray to truffle brown. Available on petplay.com, chewy.com, hayneedle.com, and other sites.
Bowls
Circles ‘N Stripes Ceramic Dog Bowls from Petware Pottery are microwavable, dishwasher safe, and handcrafted by artisans in the company’s studios in Colorado and Pennsylvania. And because they’re made of clay, these durable items have less impact on the environment than other materials. The muted red or blue on a white background fits with nearly any decor and gives a warmer look than metal. The company gives 10 percent of its profits to the non-profit Kody’s Fund, which funds spay and neuter programs. The bowls range from 4 inches to 10 inches in diameter, in prices from $23.00 to $40.00. Available on earthdog.com.
Brush
The double-sided All-Natural Bamboo Brush from AtEase Accent offers bristles on one side for pulling shedding hair and smoothing a dog’s coat and has pins on the other for detangling. Bamboo is eco-friendly because it regrows 10 times faster than trees. The compressed bamboo of the brush also makes it durable, helping it to become an Amazon Choice. Available from $13.98 to $15.90 on amazon.com, ecopetbrush.com, and other sites.
© krebsrecycle.com
Leash
Krebs Recycle Climbing Rope Dog Leashes are made of partly recycled nylon climbing rope and recycled canvas. The leash’s quality is assured, having been made of rope that was discarded not because it was no longer viable but because climbing ropes are routinely switched for new ones to ensure the safety of climbers. If any portion of the discarded rope is found to be damaged, it is used for furniture stuffing rather than as part of a new leash. Comes in 2-, 4-, and 6-foot lengths from $16.95 to $20.50 in colors ranging from gray (with a yellow and red design) to orange or silver. Available on amazon.com.
© chewy.com
Toy
West Paw Design’s interactive Qwizl Treat Toy dispenses treats, keeping pets focused while also helping to lengthen the amount of time they spend savoring their snacks. Made from used toys, it has rounded ends and a narrow center that make gripping the toy easier for your dog, helping with maneuvering it enough to squeeze up treats from the center to the opening. The toy also floats, making it fun for tossing and fetching in or out of water. Dogs can even use it as a chew toy when the treats are gone. Its clever design and use won it first place at the March 2017 Global Pet Expo and the Reader’s Choice Award for dog toys in Pet Age magazine. The non-toxic, dishwasher-safe toy comes in aqua blue, tangerine, and granny smith green from $11.77 to $19.95. Available on chewy.com, westpaw.com, amazon.com, and other sites.
Poop bags
Eco-friendly Doggy Do Good Biodegradable Poop Bags are vegetable-based, breaking down in 90 days. Besides being 100 percent biodegradable, the plastic-free bags are certified compostable by the American Society for Testing and Materials, (known today as ASTM International), which sets standards for a wide range of materials. Specifically, they can be composted in municipal or industrial facilities. The thick and leak-proof bags, which keep odor in check, are easy to separate and open with gusseted side panels that allow the bag to expand. The manufacturer donates at least 10 percent of profits monthly to animal rescues and shelters listed on its site, including the ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States. One box has 60 bags. Available on amazon.com for $9.99.
