These days there are so many terms for natural, organic, holistic and so on and so on.  But exactly what do these terms really mean?  How organic is organic??  Often companies use these terms very loosely to get you to buy their products, however are they being truthful?

We all want to keep the planet green to live as harmoniously as we can with nature.  So in that light,  here are some terms to help guide you through this bombardment of “green” terms in our life today.

Green Earth

Organic – The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) defines organic as follows:
“Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled “organic,” a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.”

Within this definition are 4 degrees of organic.

1.  100% Organic –  made with 100% organic materials and procedures

2.  Organic – 95% needs to be of organic materials

3.  Made With Organic Ingredients – means that the product is made with a minimum of 70% organic ingredients.  The remaining 30% has to be made with strict restrictions with no GMO’s  (genetically modified organisms)

4.  Less than 70% Organic – If the product is made with less than 70% organic materials, they can list which ingredients are organic on the side label of a package, but can’t make any organic claims on the front.

Holistic –  pertains to the whole –  physical, mental, social, and spiritual aspects of a person’s life as an integrated whole.  When you visit  a holistic vet, they will be treating your pet as a whole being and how the parts effect the whole.  They step back and look at all the reasons why your pet might be sick and not just zero in on one particular symptom. 

Eco Friendly and Green – Actually these terms don’t have strict guidelines set as of yet but are bandied about on every label you see.  When I think of eco friendly or green, I think of products that are made without chemicals, maybe some or all is made with recycled materials, or with renewable sources such as bamboo and cork.  Eco friendly is made with as little of a damaging impact on the earth, nature and people as possible.  The Oeko-Tek 100 Standard Certification has guidelines that I wrote about in a prior post.

Sustainability - Sustainability means that what we do on a continued basis has a minimal impact on the environment.  When we say that Bamboo is sustainable, it’s because bamboo grows so fast that the impact on the forest is minimal.

Durable Products – Using products that last a long time are better for the environment because you don’t have to produce as much and it’s good for your pocketbook!

Landfill

Locally Grown – Buying products that are locally grown means that products don’t have to be shipped (trucked) as far reducing fuel consumption and emissions in the atmosphere.

Biodegradable – means that a material will decompose by composting or in a landfill.  Microorganisms are either in the items using raw materials, or they are made with an additive that chemically breaks down the material at the molecular level.  Think bio doggie bags!

Recycling – I’m sure we all know that recycling is processing old or abandoned materials to make new ones.

Now go recycle a shelter dog!

Chris L Wagner

From One Pet Lover to Another

Waggy’s Eco Pet Products

Waggy’s Pet Sitting

Waggy’s Holistic Pet Food

We hear a lot about Bamboo these days – about their many uses and being an ecologically sound choice.  But just why is it the latest material that’s used in everything from medicines to flooring so popular in the green community and around the world?

One of the reasons why Bamboo is so eco friendly is because it’s the fastest growing plant in existence.  It can actually grow as fast as 48 inches in a 24 hour period and grow to its full height  in one growing season.  That’s only 3 to 4 months!  You could actually watch it grow!  This fast growth allows it replenish itself in a short period of time, usually 3 to 5 years, without having to destroy more forest for the bamboo.

A variety of Bamboo Stalks

Bamboo is actually a grass that varies in height from 1 foot to as high as 100 feet.  It grows in a variety of climates from the cold mountains to hot tropical regions, and they are distinguished by their root systems –  Runners and Clumping bamboo.  I’d love to have bamboo in my garden, but the ones I love are the runners.  The root system will spread across your garden and sprout up everywhere and it’s very hard to stop.  The clumping root system pretty much stays where you’ve planted them.

Because of the fast growth, no use of pesticides and other incredible properties, it’s what they call a sustainable product.  According to Sustainable Products Corporation, “Sustainable products are those products providing environmental, social and economic benefits while protecting public health, welfare, and environment over their full commercial cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to final disposition”.  Basically, they are good for the Earth and people alike.

The sustainability of Bamboo has also reach the pet industry.  Since there are so many uses, I’m only going to concentrate on how they make it into bamboo fabric that we can use for dog clothing and dog and cat accessories including collars and leashes.

Bamboo Dog Collars

2 methods used to turn the bamboo stalks into fiber for fabrics

• Mechanical Process:  The bamboo stalks are crushed which allows the natural enzymes to break it down even more.  This allows them to comb out the fibers which will be made into fabric.  This process is the most natural way to make bamboo fabric.

• Rayon Process:   They use chemicals to break down the fibers.  However, this process is not without controversy because they may use lye, carbon disulfide and other strong acids.  As of 2009, the US Federal Trade Commission handed down new guidelines to qualify bamboo when processed with chemicals.    They have to say “from bamboo” instead of “natural bamboo fabric”.   Please keep that in mind when buying bamboo products.

6 reasons to use bamboo products for your pets

1. It’s naturally Anti-Bacterial and Odor Resistant, however when they use the Rayon process, it destroys the Anti-Microbial qualities.
2. It’s hypoallergenic and has UV protection which is great for sensitive pets.
3. It’s super absorbent and fast drying which is good for swimmers or when you walk your dog in the rain.
4. It’s breathable and self regulates the temperature.  So in the Summer, it keeps your pet cooler.
5. It’s 100% biodegradable and we all like that!
6. When processed naturally, there are no pesticides, insecticides or fertilizers.  Now that’s eco friendly!

There are other natural fabrics that are used in pet products including hemp and organic cotton.  Using these types of fabrics are good for your pet and the planet.

To see our full line of bamboo collars and leashes, please go to Waggy’s Eco Pet Products.

Now go out and walk your dog!

Chris L Wagner

Waggy’s Eco Pet Products

Waggy’s Pet Sitting Service

Waggy’s Pet Tips and Tales Blog

I always find it funny when I read articles about greening up your dogs.  If you think about it, a dog is already natural and organic. It’s the humans that make our pets bad for the environment, from leashes and collars made from petroleum, polyester bed covers and clothes, shampoos with chemicals and so on.

As you know, there is a large movement all over the world to go “green” and help keep our planet clean.  As a consequence, there has been a bounty of new products on the market to help us be more eco friendly conscience.

Superdog Saving Our Planet

So, when it comes to your dogs (or I should say human owners), what can you do?  When you first get your new doggy, there are so many things you need to purchase that it can be overwhelming.  It’s just like bringing home a new baby!

Since I do own Waggy’s Eco Pet Products, I’m going to shamelessly plug my store, but this is our business and I’m glad I can help you out!  If it’s not in my store, I will provide links to places that do carry these products.

Here’s a list of things you will need and are good for the planet:

Food and treats: are the number one items you need.  There are scores of natural, organic and human grade products you can buy.  I realize that organic brands are more expensive, but please don’t skimp on this purchase.  Go to this link for a list of natural and holistic dog food companies and do a little research.  Don’t forget you can always offer your dogs cooked meat, pieces of fruit and vegetables and bits of cheese for treats.

Leashes/Harnesses and Collars:  Purchase these items that are made out of hemp, bamboo and other natural products.  The bamboo plant is very quick growing and does not require the use of pesticides and herbicides to thrive.  Hemp is also fast growing and is known for its strength, durability, absorbency, anti-mildew and antimicrobial properties.

Dog Beds: There are beds made of Hemp, organic cotton and filled with shredded plastic bottles, buckwheat and other natural fibers.  Shredded plastic bottles may not sound soft, but they are made from a special fiberfill blend spun from post-consumer plastic beverage bottles. Many of the beds are filled with the equivalent of more than 50 recycled plastic bottles.

Cycle for Shredding Plastic bottles

Dog Bowls:  Buy ceramic, stainless steel and even canvas eco travel bowls.

Dog Crates: Stainless Steel crates or crates made out of wood are a good solution.  How about making your own dog crate with recycled wood to fit your decor!  You can also find eco friendly crate pads to put inside or recycle old blankets you aren’t using anymore.

Dog Shampoos, Lotion and other pharmacy items: There are many items on the market from Shampoos, conditions, sunscreens, ear cleaners and even essential oils for dogs.  These products are made with natural ingredients that are detergent and alcohol free.  Natural vitamins and supplements can be found, but please consult with your Veterinarian before purchasing supplements just to be on the safe side.

Biodegradable Doggie Bags and In Ground Waste Digesters:  I’m sure you know what biodegradable doggie bags are, but what is an in ground waste digester?  A Doggie Dooley is a container that is buried in the ground and treats your dogs waste with enzymes which turns it into a liquid that is safe for the environment.  There are different models, some of which are made of plastic, but there is a galvanize steel model that would be more eco friendly.

Dog Toys:  These are a must especially if you have a puppy that will want to chew on everything!  If you have a large dog with big teeth, they can go through chew toys in a matter of minutes!  For an eco friendly option, you can always tie some old socks or tee shirts together for a tug of war toy.  For ideas on how to make your own dog toys, please go to Homemade dog toys.

Cleaning Products:  There is no doubt in my mind that your dog will either urinate, vomit or poop in your house.  There are many products in your local stores, but you can also make your own cleaners.  Please go to Homemade Cleaning Products for Dogs for ideas and learn about how green ingredients work.

Dog Clothes and Raincoats:  Although these aren’t essential unless you live in cold weather regions,  you can still be green when buying clothes for your pooches.  Clothes made with fast growing sustainable bamboo and organic cotton are wonderful and have excellent wicking properties.  Believe it or not, there are raincoats made from recycled materials and then when your done, you can recycle it again!

Other helpful tips:

Adopt a dog instead of buying a new puppy.

Use old towels to dry off your dog after a bath instead of using an electric hair dryer.

Recycle old towels to clean your dogs paws after a wet and muddy walk.

If you don’t use tap water, use a water filter instead of bottled water.

Now go out and save the Earth!

Chris L Wagner

From One Pet Lover to Another

Waggy’s Eco Pet Products

Waggy’s Pet Sitting Service

Waggy’s Pet Tips and Tales Blog

Ever wonder if the chemical exposure in the textiles for  your pet’s beds and toys are harmful to them?  The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification takes the guess work out and eliminates harmful substances for the consumer and the environment.

Organic Bumper Bed with Oeko-Tex Certification

I remember the 70’s very well with polyester being all the rage.  It made clothes easy to clean and was practically indestructible.  Gotta love those high waisted pants with big bell bottoms!  (My kelly green pants come to mind)

However, the outcry from consumers that the chemical exposure in certain materials were harmful elicited the need for a standardized test for chemicals.   In fact, the people were crying,  ”Poison in Textiles”.   So in 1992, The Austrian Textile Research Institute (ÖTI) and the German Research Institute Hohenstein created the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 which created the first uniformed  safety standard tests for the textile and clothing industries.  The motto “Confidence in Textiles – Tested for Harmful Substances” was born.

Eco Bones with Oeko-Tex Certification

How does this relate to pets?  Well, these same standards can be found in products for your pets with no harmful substances whatsoever.

Okeo-Tex accomplishes this by using a 4 step Textile Ecology certification process:

• Production Ecology involves the production processes on man and the environment.  Which means everything from operational safety, water and energy use, to dust and noise generation.
• Human Ecology deals with the effects of the textiles and the chemicals in the textiles on the well being of the consumer.
• Performance Ecology looks into the effects of washing, dry cleaning and care on the environment.
• Disposal Ecology involves at all aspects of disposing the material from recycling to dumping.

As you can see, they have looked at all angles to bring you the very best .  Today here are currently over 9,000 textile and clothing manufacturers in more than 80 countries that use the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification label for no harmful substances and is the most well known test label in the world.

That’s why we are so proud that Waggy’s Pet Products is able to offer products with the Okeo-Tex Standard 100 label for your pets.  We know that you love your pets and want the very best for them.

I hope this was helpful in arming you with the knowledge you need to give your pets the best.

Chris L Wagner

Reflections of a Pet Sitter and Mompreneur

Waggy’s Pet Products

Waggy’s Pet Sitting

Waggy’s Pet Tips and Tales Blog

Imagine you’re walking in to a beautiful day spa and what’s the first thing that hits you?  That wonderful smell of  Essential Oils.  Immediately that sense of calm surrounds you and you can just feel the tension leave your body.

Over the course of thousands of years even before Man knew how to cook or make fire, they knew which plants were poisonous and which would help in the aid of certain physical ailments such as digestion and diarrhea.  From there, they gradually discovered the healing effects of plants and flowers.

Lavender Farm with Doggies

These plant and flower oils, or better known as essential oils, are the main ingredient in aromatherapy products today.  Essential oils are tiny droplets in many plants that are most commonly used for medicine and cooking.  They’re highly odorous, very volatile and actually have the consistency of water rather than oil.  Nowadays, manufacturers extract the oils by distillation.

How does this relate to your pets?  The same essential oils that have been helping Man all these years can help your dog too.

As a pet sitter, I have heard about many conditions that plague pets such as motion sickness and hyperactivity.  I’ve listed 4 common ailments and how aromatherapy oils can help to make your precious pup feel better.

1. Motion Sickness: Among their many uses peppermint and ginger can help in the aid of  nausea and vomiting.  Ever wonder why they say to drink ginger ale if you feel nauseous?  A few years ago, my family and I went to Hawaii and boarded a boat to go snorkeling.  I forgot to take my motion sickness pill and needless to say, got very sick.  They actually gave me fresh ginger and hot water.  I have to say that it did help a lot.

2.  Doggie Bad Breath:  What else but pure peppermint oil.  Much like your own tooth paste, this oil mixed with organic sweet almond oil will make Fido’s breath smell minty fresh!

3.  Horney Dog Syndrome: How many times have you been embarrassed by your dog at the dog park when he tries to mount every dog in sight?  I see it happen all the time.  A blend of organic sweet almond oil with essential oils of sweet marjoram, lavender, and lemongrass  will have a calming effect on your dogs body and mind.

4.  Calm Down and Chill: A blend of Lavender, green mandarin, clary sage, and ylang ylang help to promote feeling of love and security and calming at the same time.  It’s great for training to keep them focused and help rescue dogs feel a little less lost and insecure.

I hope this helps and for a more complete list  of  oils and their uses, please check out Natural Essential Oils List.

Be well

Chris L Wagner

www.waggysecopetproducts.com