Living Green
by Christine Smith
Five Ways to Live Green With Your Pets
I understand how some of you may be hesitant (considering that being organic, natural, and Eco-friendly is a lifestyle of choice), but I am here to tell you that you and your family can make a difference and live healthier in the process. These tips will give you and your family very simple solutions that help you make better earth conscious choices.
Here are my Five Tips to Begin the Eco-friendly Journey with Your Pets.
1) Clean up their poop (or shu-shu).
We all have them. Nicknames for unpleasant words (like “poop”). For my family, the word is “shu-shu.” Shu-shu is not my idea of a fun topic either… so I will get right to the point. Since we don’t live in San Francisco where they are turning shu-shu into bio-fuel, here we must pick up our pet’s shu-shu. If we don’t pick it up, shu-shu could be washed into our local waterways and into our water supplies. Don’t use those grocery store “plastic” bags… use biodegradable bags. Otherwise, shu-shu sits inside that plastic bag for hundreds of years at the landfill.
2) Pet Foods and Treats
Have you ever read the ingredients in your pet’s food? You might be surprised to know that pet food can include anything from pesticides to hormones to antibiotics. Instead, try natural and organic foods. This means that there are no artificial preservatives, flavorings, or fillings. Most grocery stores carry organic pet foods and treats on their shelves. However, if you want to do something really special, consider preparing your own food and treats. Check out your local library or search on the Internet for recipes and proper portion amounts for your pet.
3) Bedding and Toys
Purchase products made with organic cotton, hemp, or 100% recycled soda bottles. Yep, that’s right – many toys are made from recycled soda bottles (and can be recycled again after your pet loses interest). Recycled pet products are available in almost form, from leashes & collars to the bowls your pets eat from. This tip is especially important because not only will you be helping the environment, but these non-toxic toys and bedding also help with human allergies.
4) Kitty Litter
Use litter that is made from recycled newspaper and corn kernels. Why? Clay litter is strip-mined and is not Eco-friendly. On the other hand, newspaper and corn litter are quickly biodegradable!
5) Cleaners & Soaps
When searching for pest control, look for all-natural ingredients such as guava fruit, orange oil, and clove oils. When using cleaners use Eco-friendly, toxin-free products that contain eucalyptus, spearmint, peppermint, cinnamon oil, lemon grass oil, or thyme oil. These natural ingredients are often just as effective. In other words, if it’s safe for us, it’s safe for our pets.
These are just a few ideas to get you started going green with your pet! For more ideas and information check out your local library or the Internet.
Christine Smith is a Principal, as well as the Director of Marketing for Fine Lions, Inc. Fine Lions specializes in a proprietary Eco-friendly wood graining process that is applied to non-wood products to give them the appearance of natural wood. This earth-conscious application may be done on exterior and interior doors, garage doors, kitchen and bath cabinets, as well as other surfaces. To learn more visit http://www.finelions.com.