By Karin Bull, President, BioPaw
as published in CITY DOG MAGAZINE, Fall 2008
With the environment being a top priority these days, a good mantra to follow is, 'Think before you buy.'
Consider where things come from: Simply choosing a product that was manufactured close to you rather than shipped across the planet makes a huge difference
Consider where the product goes when you’re finished with it: choosing a product that can be recycled or that is biodegradable reduces the impact on our landfills
Hemp products are a viable choice. The hemp plant is a completely renewable resource and every single part of the plant can be made into an end-consumer product. Hemp requires no toxic pesticides while growing, naturally replenishes the soil with the decay of its large leaves and the yield per acre is among the highest of all crops. Hemp is perfect for pet products such as collars, leashes, bedding and toys. It is the strongest natural fibre yet breaks down quickly and completely once disposed of. “Let’s face it many toys get eaten! Hemp rope toys are tough yet break down in the digestive system unlike plastics and synthetics. Hemp has all the right qualities as an eco-friendly option and it is tough enough to endure the wear and tear of a dog.”
Biodegradable shampoos are a very important choice for our environment also. Think about all of the suds that go down the drain on a daily basis. There are a number of choices available for pets; look for products marked as biodegradable. Also, ask your groomer to use a biodegradable option. Non-toxic and natural products should be your first choice for any substance that comes into contact with your pet. De-tanglers and deodorizing mists are frequently applied directly to your pets’ fur. Their fur does not act as a protectant; on the contrary each strand acts as a carrier leading to the skin which is constantly absorbing. “In addition to feeding your pet a natural diet, choose biodegradable options for grooming and all products your pet plays with, wears and lies on. I consider this an important aspect of increasing the health of our planet and protecting the health of our pets.”
As you embark on your quest to find environmentally friendly products, beware of ‘greenwashing’.
‘Greenwashing is the practice of making an unsubstantiated claim about the environmental benefits of a product. This is commonly achieved through packaging and marketing. As demand increases for ‘green’ products, there is a corresponding increase of this unscrupulous practice.
Educate yourself and ask a lot of questions. “BioPaw has high standards that products must meet before they are offered among our variety of eco-friendly options for pets. We disclose as much information as possible about each product on our website. So, as you are browsing you will find lots of details including ingredients and what makes the product eco-friendly. ”