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Good Dog

Help your friend be a friend to the environment, too.

Article by Jenny de Jesus, Photos by David Croxford

Issue Date: (Thu) August 28, 2008

Photo by Jaime de Jesus

My own favorite furry friends, Lily and Bean.

Sure you’re conscious of your own carbon footprint, but have you given much thought to Fido’s eco-pawprint? Luckily, there are more options than ever to help your dog live a green life with you, says Bark Avenue owner Renee Iseke.

“The pet industry has really answered the demand for green products,” Iseke says, and her Koko Marina dog supply store reflects the change with everything from chew toys made from recycled bottles to organic cotton doggie T-shirts. But it’s not just a trend. “Green products are better for the health of your pet all the way around,” she says. Natural foods, toys and grooming products made without chemicals and other harsh ingredients are safer for your pooch—and the planet. Check out a few of my favorites from Bark Avenue below.

BioBag 100 percent biodegradable and compostable dog waste bags, $7.95

Kauai-made Barkaroo Bakery gourmet dog treats, $8.95

EcoPure Naturals herbal shampoo, $9.95, flea and tick spray, $8.95, and natural odor and spot remover, $8.95

Have questions or suggestions about living an ecofriendly life? Send them to Jenny at jennydj@pacificbasin.net.

10 Steps

to a Greener Pet

Adopt. Find your family’s next pet at an animal shelter.
Fix your furry friends. Lessen the burden of pet overpopulation by spaying and neutering your pets.
Check-up close by. Find a veterinarian close to your home.
Chow better. Feed your dog organic and locally made pet foods and treats made with human-grade ingredients.
Skip plastic and vinyl toys. Instead, give your pet toys and accessories made with natural, recycled, organic or ecofriendly materials.
Clean without irritating. At bath time, use natural grooming products, as well as flea and tick repellants, that are free of chemicals and toxins.
Attire with awareness. Try outfitting your pet with leashes and collars made from sustainably grown fibers, such as hemp or organic cotton.
Handle their business. Always clean up after your dog. Pick up waste with biodegradable bags or compost it properly.
Put a leash on it. Dogs should be leashed in permitted wildlife areas to prevent damage to the natural environment. For more information on a fun way to hike with your dog, check out Pets on the Path .
Think before you trash. Visit www.earth911.org to find out how to safely dispose of certain doggie products, such as medications and flea treatments.