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Why It's Good:
Raising pets responsibly requires making healthy choices. These clean (and green) options add extra gold stars to your pet parenting report card.
Why It's Green:
You might not have thought much about it, but the carbon paw print of our four-legged friends matters as much as ours do. From organic grooming products, to recycled toys and beds, to hemp collars and leashes, these products are as earth-friendly as they are animal-friendly.
Green Living, Doggie Style
Owen Meany, my fourteen-year-old bulldog, has always led a pretty green lifestyle. He sees a homeopathic vet, uses organic grooming products and has a healthy diet. He's no vegetarian, though. He'll eat anything—Gucci sunglasses, the food off a stranger's plate, the groceries in the back seat of the car, anything. At his age, I've quit the "mean mom" routine. I'm facing the music—he's in his twilight years—and now I just want him to have everything he needs to be comfortable and sitting pretty and healthy. Here, my picks for a long-livin', happy pet.—Allison Reynolds
Grooming:
Bulldog's get some pretty dirty ears. All dog owners know the drill—you gotta get in there no matter how squeamish you are. FuzzYard Organic makes some mild and aromatic Sweet Almond and Aloe Vera ear cleanser, $22. I just love how scrappy the little scromper gets after a good ear cleaning!
Treats:
I keep pouches of these hilariously subversive, donkey- and elephant-shaped certified organic Political Dog Biscuits, $5.80, in the country for Owen. I put one of each cookie out to determine the party allegiances of any dogs in the vicinity. I usually also give Owen one (for the sake of journalistic balance, I won't reveal which one) as soon as we get through the door from driving in, as a thanks for not causing a car wreck. (He tends to almost knock the gear shift out of fifth when I'm on the highway. I should really make him sit in the back, but I like him as my co-pilot.) The treats are also good to add his medication drops to. And he loves them.
Bedding:
I marvel at how dogs turn themselves in. Owen loves to curl up and get comfortable. He'd buy Frette sheets if he had the money and the address. We love this sweet Recycled Fill Bumper Bed, starting at $61.99, by West Paw Design. The bed is made from 100% recycled plastic soda bottles, and I love to watch Owen get like a pretzel on it.
Accessories:
Every few years, it's time to get the dog a new lead and collar. I once gave Owen an S&M spiked dog-collar look (!) which now mortifies me when I look at the pictures.. Now I am happy he is wearing a simple biodegradeable Braided Twine leash, $16.39, and collar, $12.59. made from all natural hemp. Comfort it the most important thing, and I've come to learn it's much more Owen's style.
Toy:
My dog can be a bit of a narcissist in this department. He's had two stuffed bulldogs, Lolita and Tilly. He ripped the guts out of Lolita and Tilly just sits under the bed gathering dust. He's now matured a bit and using Turtle, $13, as a pillow. This adorable plush turtle is basically a squeaker surrounded by batting made from 85% post-consumer recycled soda bottles.
Leisurewear:
Yes, after doing some time rocking a bathrobe and a trench coat, Owen has a kimono, $17.90. We love its little obi. By Sckoon, it’s made of 100% certified organic cotton. He loves that zen vibe. And what dog doesn’t look good in a kimono?
