From Shiloh, Summit Assistance Dog |
Food is just one area one can use to reduce the carbon foot print of a service dog. The pet product market is awash with biodegradable, sustainable, recyclable, and products made of reclaimed materials and according to The American Pet Products Association Survey of Pet owners in 2008/2009 the industry expects to see a continued demand for eco-friendly pet products of all kinds.
Examples of Eco-Friendly Products for the Busy Service Dog:
- Biodegradable waste bags
- Collars/Leashes/ Harnesses/ Beds made from recycled or sustainable materials such as recycled plastic, rubber, polyester; hemp; or bamboo to name a few.
- Organic or Natural food (I hear all you Barf and Raw Diet people yelling at me to include you:))
Examples of Eco- Friendly Practices for Life with Service Dog
- Bring Reusable traveling gear in your bag such as refillable water bottles, and reusable water bowl
- Save and/ or Trade outgrown vests/harnesses/collars. I cannot tell you how much money my friends with service dogs and I have saved by trading/loaning gear that does fit or is not being used. Not to mention we don't throw away things we otherwise might this way.
- Use biodegradable grooming products
- Turn the water off while soaping up your service dog in the bath
- Take your Service Dog in the Shower with you... Really, Seriously. I've done it and I know others who do this too.
- Turn those warn out towels and blankets into dog towels/bedding
Resources and More Information on Topics in this article:
- FDA Pet Food Labels - General -Updated March 2010
- Appendix: USDA-NOP Organic Pet Food Task Force Initial Report April 7, 2006 DRAFT GUIDANCE DOCUMENT FOR DISCUSSION ONLY Examples of Labeling Terms Allowed for Pet Food Compliant with State Regulations and Proposed Organic Regulations
- American Pet Products Association Survey of Pet owners in 2008/2009
1 comment:
I appreciate your showing us how even our animals (and best friends) can be responsible, and we can be responsible for the earth while still taking care of them the best we can.
On my blog I share a great video by Puglet about being Green.
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