Pet Industry Continues Trend Greener
October 4, 2008
The greening of the pet industry continues to intensify. At the recent Superzoo show in Las Vegas, pet industry exhibitors introduced new environmentally responsible products in record numbers, across a broad range of categories.
From organic pet foods and dietary supplements to bedding, toys, collars, grooming supplies and clothing suppliers are rushing to meet consumer demand for products that tread softly on the earth, recycle and biodegrade.
Here are some highlights of new green pet products I came across at the show:
Go Green Biodegradable plastics
Pet owners and groomers use plastic daily as they purchase products and remove trash and pet waste. There are an estimated 500 billion+ new plastic bags used each year. Most plastic winds up in landfills or oceans, where it can take hundreds of years to decompose.
Go Green has introduced a line of plastic products that are made from post-consumer recycled plastics to help reduce plastic waste. Go Green’s products biodegrade at an exceptionally fast rate leaving no harmful toxins behind.
Their products include extra tall kitchen bags, extra strong garage, lawn and leaf bags, commercial garbage bags, kitty litter liner bags, plastic drop cloths, and Doggie Duty bags.
West Paw Design
West Paw Design has long been an innovator in the pet industry, and continues to introduce more eco-friendly products sourced and manufactured in the US. West Paw’s latest offering is Reknitz™, beautiful fall and winter sweaters made from reclaimed cotton. In addition, their Zogoflex line of durable dog toys is 100% recyclable. Their organic Bumper Beds use organic fabric combined with recyclable fiber fill. West Paw’s EcoNaps and EcoToys are both made from fabric using 85% recycled fibers. Even their packaging is made from recycled paper and petroleum-free plastic.
NaturVet
NaturVet was established in 1995 after the founders used holistic medicine to save their lab puppy Winston, who had been diagnosed with arthritis and hip dysplasia. Rather than follow advice from vets to euthanize the puppy, Winston’s owners began researching homeopathic treatments with a renowned holistic veterinarian, Dr. Pedro Rivera. They found a natural treatment that enabled Winston to live for ten years, pain-free.
NaturVet offers a full product range of medicinal herbs for wellness and for ailment treatments, plus all-natural botanical shampoos and pest repellants. They also offer chemical-free cleaners and deodorizers for the home, grooming aids including breath tablets, ear wash, and specialty products to stop chewing and heal wounds. NaturVet also offers a line of holistic supplements specifically formulated for senior dogs, including Bladder Support, Hip and Joint, and Skin and Coat care. The Quiet Moments line uses natural extracts like rosemary and ginger to help soothe pets with separation anxiety, storm phobia and car sickness.
Wagging Green Bamboo Products
Bamboo is growing in popularity as an alternative to other grasses and woods because of its many environmental benefits. Bamboo plants grow quickly and do not require fertilizers or pesticides. The plants thrive with minimal water and can survive both droughts and floods. It is a sustainable and fast growing. Bamboo also releases more oxygen into the atmosphere than trees.
Bamboo - hypoallergenic, highly absorbent, fast-drying, anti-bacterial and odor resistant -is being used to make collars, leads and harnesses. Wagging Green Bamboo products design collars for specific environmental missions – from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to saving endangered species. The company also offers t-shirts that are naturally odor-resistant and fast-drying, with designs that accompany the collars and leads.
NuHemp
The cultivation of hemp dates back more than 10,000 years. The hemp plant is a completely renewable resource - every part of the plant can be made into an end-consumer product. Hemp needs no pesticides and its yield is among the highest of all crops.
Hemp cultivation is on the rise, after years of being mistakenly associated with marijuana. Though the plants belong to the same family, hemp has virtually no THC - the active ingredient in marijuana. Hemp farming was reintroduced in Canada in 1998 and in the United States in early 2007.
NuHemp offers products including health & grooming, functional treats/dietary supplements, and comfort products for small animals. Formulated with certified organic ingredients and enriched with moisturizing, rejuvenating and antiseptic properties of hemp seed oil, Anthem’s products are biodegradable and engineered to benefit animals without using harsh, toxic chemicals.
Those who are searching for products that are healthy for their pets and beneficial to the environment will find more products like these available at their local pet and health-food stores. Many stores now have green shelves or even departments to help environmental-conscious shoppers find thoughtful products. The trend is continuing to take hold in the pet industry, and given the growing demand for these types of products the green choices for pet owners will continue to grow.
Pam Guthrie is a freelance writer who, along with her husband Dan Headrick, own Wag Pet Boutique in Raleigh, NC. The couple are former corporate burnouts who just got fed up with leaving their dogs home alone all day, opened Wag in 2003. The store has received numerous community and national trade awards.
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