Green Pet Gear
A recent study by the Environmental Working Group found that cats and dogs are carrying around as many forty-eight different industrial chemicals in their bodies; and many of them at much higher levels than the dangerous levels found in humans.
Some of the most harmful chemicals found in pets are flame retardants from beds, furniture, and polluted food; stain and grease-proofing chemicals from carpets, beds, and food packaging; and plastic softeners known as phthalates, which are found in products ranging from shampoos to toys to medicines. These chemicals have been linked to thyroid problems, birth defects, and cancer, among other conditions.
The boom in green design and marketing means that you can now find all kinds of eco-friendly toys, bedding, and grooming products for your pet. You can also find pet beds and toys made from organic cotton or recycled plastic bottles as well all-natural grooming supplies.
Planet Dog is a great source for eco-friendly pet supplies such as hemp collars and toys made from recycled materials. And give your pet a safe, clean place to snooze with a pet bed from Worldwise that is made from recycled plastic bottles.
According to The Green Book by Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas Kostigen, if every pet toy sold each year were made of 100 percent recycled materials, it would save enough virgin materials to make a Frisbee more than two miles in diameter. Look for recycled toys whenever you purchase something new for your pet.
Like children, pets rarely need elaborate toys to make them happy so look for simple, eco-friendly toys for your pet. Dogs love to chase and chew sticks of any kind. Cats and rabbits might enjoy leftover boxes and bags (not plastic) from your holiday wrapping, pine cones from the backyard, or a paper bag.
