According to a new study, cancer in dogs and hypothyroidism in cats may be primarily caused by exposure to household toxins. This study (the article is linked to the title above) is further proof that we all have reason to be concerned about exposure to toxins in everything we use.
Since spring cleaning is upon us in many parts of the world, this is a great time to go green. Try new non-toxic products and discard the old chemical products. Chances are that you need to buy some additional cleaners anyway. Why not choose safer alternatives? The green cleaners are safer, work great, and are cheaper than in the past.
Many of the best products are no more expensive than the traditional household cleaners. Look for products such as BioKleen, Seventh Generation, and Mrs. Meyer’s. There are many more great choices too. I’ve noticed within the past two years that even the chain grocers started carrying a few of the green brands, especially in areas where the demand is high. So ask your grocer to stock them or order your favorites for you. That’s the only way a retailer knows what customers want, and customers that ask for specific products build the demand for better quality selections.
If you don’t know where to find these products, I’ve listed below many resources from my guest appearance on Animal Talk Naturally, when I did a radio show about going green for our pets. Readers may also contact me for more information and specific questions.
Products for the house:
- http://www.seventhgeneration.com/
- http://www.puregreen24.com/ (MRSA disinfectant)
- http://www.ecover.com/
- http://www.biokleen.com/
- http://www.mrsmeyers.com/
- http://www.williams-sonoma.com/gift/thm/SptPur/index.cfm?cm_src=hpsubhero
- For household products from mattresses to linens and paint to lawns, visit the Natural Home Magazine website. http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/
- http://www.ethicalplanet.com/ (vegan)
Products for the pets:
- http://www.cainandablecollection.com/ (available in Penny’s Online Boutique)
- http://www.earthbath.com/
- http://ww.nl-amer.com/ (natural lawn care)
- http://www.k9cuisine.com/
- http://www.doggyarchy.com/ (natural bedding)
- http://www.petsage.com/
- http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/
- http://www.robbinspetcare.com/ (click on online store)
- http://www.earthfriendly.com/
- http://www.earthbath.com/
- http://www.flushpuppies.com/ (flushable poop bags)
- http://www.petzlife.com/ (dental care)
- http://www.junosgarden.com/ (Pal Dog and Pal Kitty products)
Robbins Pet Care and K9 Cuisine both offer excellent choices in treats for dogs with multiple allergies and chemical sensitivities to additives and preservatives.
Products for personal care:
- http://www.avalonorganics.com/
- http://www.burtsbees.com/
- http://www.tomsofmaine.com/
- http://www.kissmyface.com/
- http://www.jason-natural.com/
- http://www.drbronner.com/main.html
- http://www.naturesgift.com/
- http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index2.html
- http://www.giovannicosmetics.com/
- http://www.gabrielcosmeticsinc.com/
You’ll find these brands in natural and organic focused stores, such as Whole Foods, Sprouts, Sun Harvest, and co-ops. Some chains are also beginning to respond to consumer pressure and offer the lower cost lines, such as Mrs. Meyers.
Additional resources:
- http://www.thegreenguide.com/ (a National Geographic website)
- http://www.seventhgeneration.com/ (This site offers a very good newsletter too.)
- http://www.greenandmore.com/ (There are links to business products made from recycled materials.)
- http://www.care2.com/greenliving (There is a section specifically about pets.)
Check these sites out and let me know if you have others you’d like to share.
