When it comes to chemicals in the United States, there’s a common misconception that if something were dangerous, it wouldn’t be on the market. Fortunately, thanks to the work of organizations like Environmental Working Group, word is getting out that many chemicals are, in fact, not safe and, shockingly, many have never even been tested for safety — meaning the chemicals in your baby products, food, cosmetics and other household products are potentially harmful to you and your family’s long-term health. One area that hasn’t gotten quite so much press is how the various chemicals that are used by millions of people every day affect our beloved pets. Environmental Working Group has put together an excellent resource site on this very topic called Pets for the Environment and I’ve also come across a must-see short documentary about the effects of commonly used lawn chemicals on our companion animals — if you love your pets, and I know you do, please take a moment to watch The Truth About Cats, Dogs, and Lawn Chemicals and then visit Pets for the Environment for comprehensive info on how to safeguard your furry family members from chemical exposure. They’re counting on you!

By Izzy, October 5, 2008  
Filed under: Pet, Resources

As a green mom I’ve got food and yard waste composting down pat, but what about all of the waste that dear old Fido produces? Yep, I’m talking dog doo. It’s a rather unsavory topic but if you have a dog, the doo is part of the deal and since a “Va-poo-rizer” has yet to be invented, the Doggie Dooley Pet Waste Digester System might be the next best thing. Made of heavy-duty plastic, the Doggie Dooley is installed underground and opened using a foot operated lid opener. Like a miniature septic-tank, it’s odorless and reduces pet wastes to a ground absorbing liquid. The Doggie Dooley keeps pet waste out of landfills and best of all — out of your yard — because there’s almost nothing worse than stepping on a canine landmine (except stepping on a canine landmine and tracking it into your house. Ewww!)

Find it Here: Doggie Dooley Pet Waste Digester System

By Amy, April 13, 2008  
Filed under: Clean, Home, Pet, Reduce/Reuse

Trying to make lifestyle changes to lessen your impact on the environment may seem daunting at first, especially when you’re not sure where to begin. For the person in your life who wants to start on the path to a greener lifestyle and needs a little help getting started, consider giving them a boost with the Get Started Toolkit from Green Lemonaide. This environmentally friendly kit includes a Reusable Tote, a Smart Strip Surge Protector, a Tire Pressure Gauge, two Sink Aerators, two Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs, a Shorter Shower Timer, and some biodegradable doggie “business” bags. With all of this, your giftee will be on the road to saving energy, natural resources and reducing carbon emissions in no time. You can’t say that about a fruit basket!

Find It Here: Green Lemonaide

Win It: Subscribe to Green Moms Monthly, our free e-newsletter and you will automatically be entered to win this gift basket. Current subscribers and new subscribers living in the U.S. are eligible.

By Cristina, March 6, 2008  
Filed under: Biodegradable, Gift, Pet, Win

Living in a multi-cat household, I was happy to learn that pet lovers like myself can now choose a biodegradable alternative in cat litter. Awarded “Best of the Best 2008″ by the SPCA, Pet Ecology Perfect Litter is up to 70% lighter than regular litter and has a unique enzyme-based system of destroying odors instead of using irritating chemical-based fragrances. Perfect Litter’s key ingredients (vermiculite and perlite) are used in hydroponic gardening and safe enough for use in flower beds. Unlike clay litter, it’s also totally flushable, sewer-friendly and dissolves without impact to plumbing. Additionally, Perfect Litter helps monitor your cat’s urinary tract health and offers an early warning system for FLUTD (a common and potentially fatal disease) by turning different shades of pink as a sign of possible infection. You can join their mail order program or start practicing perfect pet ecology in March, when the company starts selling Perfect Litter in major pet stores.

Find It Here: Perfectlitter.com

By Liz, February 23, 2008  
Filed under: Biodegradable, Home, Pet