Selecting Organic Dog Collars and Leashes
April 2, 2009 by Paris and John
Filed under Tips
Are you looking for a new leash, collar, or harness for your dog? You’ll find plenty of options–but many aren’t very eco-friendly. Many of the options are taxing on the environment. Nylon is often made from petrochemicals. Leather is not animal friendly, and the chemicals used to process and dye it can be toxic. Metal chains might seem environmentally neutral, but a high amount of energy is required to make metals.
To be environmentally conscious, what are your choices? Look for organic plant based materials. Dog accessories made of organic cotton or hemp are becoming easier to find; they’re being offered in a wide choice of styles and colors that are quite fashionable, too.
Organic cotton is the traditional earth-friendly option. Regular cotton is not considered to be environmentally friendly because it requires more pesticides and toxic chemicals to grow per unit than any other agricultural crop. These chemicals not only pollute the soil, air and water, but can also be irritating to sensitive skin. But organic cotton can be grown without the use of all the toxic chemicals that regular cotton requires. Organic cotton products tend to be more expensive to buy than regular cotton products (unless you consider the long term cost to the environment).
Organic hemp is becoming more available, and is one of the most eco-friendly and versatile plants on the planet. It is hardy, fast-growing, renewable, doesn’t need pesticides and is bio-degradable. And no, it is not the same kind of hemp that is used for medicine or “recreational” drugs. (The hemp grown for industrial use contains such small amounts of the psychoactive chemical present in medicinal marijuana that there are no physical effects at all). Like organic cotton, organic (industrial) hemp can be used to make natural fabrics which are durable, comfortable to wear, and can be dyed to any fashion color.
Organic cotton and hemp are great choices for your dog accessories if you like being on top of the latest trends. Your dog can be fashionable, wearing matching collar and harness in the latest fashion forward colors. With you carrying the matching leash, not only will the two of you be happy to look great, but you will both be happy that you are supporting a healthy future for the planet.
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