Modern Hippie Mag » Pets

When baby goes eco – The Little Seed for Target

Guest Contributor — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:00:37 +0000

I’ve been on the hunt for eco friendly duds for my little man, but cheap and eco-friendly don’t always come hand in hand. And since babies grow so quickly I’m less likely to spend high dollar for something that will last for a few months, max. Thankfully Target decided it was time to do an eco and budget friendly designer collaboration for babies.

The Little Seed

The Little Seed was started by new moms Soleil Moon Frye (or as some of you might remember her as Punky Brewster) and Paige Tolmach when ‘finding stylish eco-friendly clothing wasn’t easy’. The all-exclusive line for Target is slightly limited to solid brightly colored organic onesies, pants, bibs, towels and blankets. Along with a few hat and bootie sets to spice things up in the cooler months.

The Little Seed

Prices range from $7.99 for onesies and pants to $12.99 for two swaddling blankets, making it easy to stock up on what you need now and later. All of the essentials are made with ’100% organic cotton fibers, and passes the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification process, meaning every item is rigorously tested for 100 substances that are harmful to health’. Meaning not only is it safe, it’s super soft and comfy just for baby and his needs .

The line will be available from July 4th until October 16th, so stock up on your baby’s essentials. It’s ‘never too early to sew the seeds of care and responsibility’.

Megan

Megan Zietz is the creator of the cheap chic fashion blog, The Frugalista Diaries. Megan has a passion for fashion, great deals, and refining personal style. It’s all about looking and feeling like a million bucks without spending it.

When baby goes eco – The Little Seed for Target is a post from Modern Hippie Mag your online resource dedicated to hip, healthy conscious living & environmental sustainability.

My Recycled Greyhound

Guest Contributor — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:00:54 +0000

Some people believe greyhounds are working dogs that enjoy chasing a mechanical rabbit, and at the end of their exciting careers become recycled into a family pet – a nice life with the ultimate retirement. This however, is just not the way the story goes, and in the case of my repurposed greyhound, he simply beat the odds.

The real story of the life of a greyhound is not even close to nice. When housed at the race track, they spend about 20 hours of the day confined in small cages barely large enough for them to stand up or turn around. If their stats are below par, they are retired from racing. A retired female may end up as a brood, spending years on a farm breeding more potential racers. Some retirees end up in veterinary research labs because greyhounds have a universal blood type and because they are so docile, they are easy to handle. The lucky get adopted, and the remaining get destroyed.

Over 15,000 greyhounds were registered in 2009⁽¹⁾. More were born but got culled as they were not suitable for racing. Many suffer broken legs or necks, spinal cord paralysis or go into cardiac arrest while racing and have to be put down. Some states do not require that records be kept on injuries or deaths, which I suppose is deemed too much information for the public. The industry does admit though to destroying thousands of greyhounds each year, which is estimated to be as many as 3,000⁽²⁾.

I was shocked when I recently read that greyhounds tested positive for cocaine at a track in Birmingham. It’s hard for me to even get my head around this act of cruelty. My husband took me to our local track to see the deal firsthand. What I saw was mostly shady characters who probably consider gambling their “job” and a few semi-normal people that might have been just looking for something different to do on a Saturday night.

Thanks though to the tireless efforts of GREY2K USA, a non-profit group headed by the talented Christine Dorchak, who serves as both President and General Counsel, only 23 tracks are still operational in 7 states: Alabama has 3 tracks, Arizona one, Arkansas one, Florida has 13, Iowa has 2, Texas one, and West Virginia has 2. Gone most recently are the tracks in Colorado, Kansas, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Oregon.

This amazing group has been able to ban greyhound racing by working with state politicians to pass the Greyhound Protection Act while defeating attempts to keep tracks alive with subsidies and tax breaks, or the back door approach where promoters lobby for a law legalizing slot machines to save the live racing. If the tracks are successful at getting slots, they remain economically viable, and the dogs continue to remain disposable commodities.

Defeating dog track owners is no easy task. It has taken the hard grassroots approach of collecting thousands of signatures in order to place a measure to end dog racing before voters. People were shown state records documenting hundreds of injuries, along with actual video footage of terrible collisions that are common occurrences and photographs of the endless confinement greyhounds endure. This hard proof gave the greyhounds a voice. And the numbers and force of the people proved that small groups of people really can bring about big change.

There is currently a blogger dedicated to seeing that that last remaining track in Arizona is closed. She discusses the issues associated with this industry in no uncertain terms. There are also something like 350 greyhound rescue groups throughout the U.S. comprised of volunteers that find ways to transport, feed, medically treat, house, and market these dogs to the public. If a track closes, these groups network in an effort to place dogs across states. You can imagine the constant work involved to make even a dent in the number of greyhounds needing homes in a state like Florida with a whopping 13 tracks. What does this say about my state of Florida? Gambling trumps animal welfare?

I was initially put off to hear that my local rescue group was neutral on racing, but then it occurred to me that they are dealing with ruthless people, and this is their way of getting in to make the saves. I had the experience of going with members of a rescue group to pick up dogs as space had become available. We went to a kennel that was full of all these beautiful dogs in all their wonderful colors stacked in crates with their almost human eyes looking so intently at us as if to say, “please pick me.” It was heart-wrenching to leave with only two, and no one can convince me that another group came to that particular kennel to pick up the rest.

My greyhound Buddie, who raced for a short period under the name Mr. Pibb, is an amazing recycled dog. He is gentle and loving and gives standing hugs if allowed. He is an ambassador for his breed using his charm to get hugs and kisses by people everywhere he goes. Most tend to think greyhounds are full of energy, but the truth is they are used to lying around and being active for only short periods of time. Other things that people usually don’t know is that greyhounds don’t bark, they have a sweet smell, and barely shed. They walk right by your side on a leash, and many enjoy cats. What more could you ask for in a pet?

If you are interested in learning more about greyhounds or adopting go to www.grey2kusa.com.

⁽¹⁾National Greyhound Association, Breeding Stats, 2009.

⁽²⁾National Greyhound Association, KABC Channel 7 ABC TV, February 20, 2009.

Jellie

Jellie Stanton is the creator of HumanWear, eco t-shirts for males, females & babes donating a percentage of sales to GREY2KUSA to help end greyhound racing.

My Recycled Greyhound is a post from Modern Hippie Mag your online resource dedicated to hip, healthy conscious living & environmental sustainability.

Manage Your Pet’s Carbon Footprint

Guest Contributor — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:15:24 +0000

In the last ten years or so, most people have become more aware of the issues that affect our environment, as well as how we each affect the environment with our carbon footprint. A carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that an individual causes whether directly or indirectly. In recent times, many people have risen to the challenge and have taken heroic measures to reduce their own carbon footprints. However, what few people have taken into consideration is how much the carbon emissions caused by their pets affect the environment.

Dogs and cats are living, breathing creatures, and they do leave a carbon “paw print” just as we leave a carbon footprint. As they are just animals though, it is up to pet owners and not pets themselves to see to it that their carbon paw prints are limited. Almost every decision a pet owner can make regarding his or her dog or cat has an impact on the pet’s carbon paw print. Collectively, several bad choices could have quite a negative impact, but smart and eco-friendly choices on the other hand can have very positive effects as well.

An effective way to manage your pet’s carbon paw print is to construct a pet waste composter. Most pet owners simply scoop up their pets’ waste, put it in a plastic bag, tie it off, and throw it away. Such practices can lead to a contaminated water supply, and even cause epidemics among wildlife. With a composter, pet waste is stored underground, and decomposed, this improves the soil greatly. It is also a far less wasteful practice than simply wrapping it in plastic and tossing it.

If you live in a high-rise or a condo where you have either a small garden or no garden at all, building a composter may not be possible. If you must use bags to dispose of your pet’s waste, buy only 100% biodegradable bags, made from GMO free corn. Stay away from any bags that contain any trace of polyethylene, as this chemical is not good for the environment.

Your pet’s diet also has an impact on his or her carbon paw print. A lot of dog and cat food goes through a lot of processing and contains a lot of chemicals. You should insist on only organic pet food. Organic pet food will mean toxin free waste. Apart from the positive environmental impact of organic pet food, your dog or cat will also enjoy better health. Dogs can actually be trained to subsist on a vegetarian diet with some patience. From an ecological standpoint, this is actually the ideal situation, if you have the patience and the commitment to do it.

Every purchase you make for your pet can affect the size of his or her paw print. Choose wisely when buying things like toys, cages, and other accessories. When possible don’t buy products from China. It is true that as China has emerged as the world’s factory, goods from there are cheaper. The downside is that goods from China need to come a long way, and the freighting consumes a lot of energy. Factories in China are not designed to be eco-friendly and produce the highest emissions in the world. So while they may be cheaper, save buying of Chinese manufactured products to those in Asia.

Victoria Knight works with the Pet-Super-Store, the dog bed store, to promote an all-natural way of living to animals and pet owners.

Manage Your Pet’s Carbon Footprint is a post from Modern Hippie Mag your online resource dedicated to hip, healthy conscious living & environmental sustainability.

The Dangers of Toxic Flea Collars

EarthTalk — Fri, 14 May 2010 13:00:29 +0000

EarthTalk®
From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: I’m told that, despite improvements in recent years, pesticides in flea collars are still harmful to pets and humans. Are there ways to minimize fleas without resorting to chemical concoctions? And is anything being done to ban these dangerous products from store shelves?

– Nancy Trouffant, Lancaster, PA

Americans spend some $1 billion each year on products designed to combat fleas. Many of these products do their jobs handsomely, but two of the most egregious chemicals widely used in flea collars, tetrachlorvinphos and propoxur, have been shown to cause damage to our brains and nervous systems, and are known human carcinogens. Residues containing these chemicals can stay on a pet’s fur—and whatever he or she rubs up against, including your rugs, furniture and children—for weeks on end.

Michael, courtesy Flickr

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that residue levels produced by some flea collars are 1,000 times higher than which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers safe for children to be around. Previous campaigning by NRDC and other nonprofit groups convinced the federal government to ban six other dangerous pesticides formerly common in flea collars, but tetrachlorvinphos and propoxur are still wreaking havoc on the environment and human and pet health.

In light of these dangers, what’s a concerned pet owner to do? For starters, ditch the collar and buy a flea comb. NRDC reports on its GreenPaws.org website that regular combing of a pet can help reduce fleas while allowing owners to monitor the extent of a given flea problem. Fleas caught in the comb should be drowned in soapy water. Also, vacuum frequently to rid your carpets, floors and crevices of fleas and their eggs. Dispose of any used vacuum bags immediately so fleas don’t escape and re-infest the room.

In the case of an extreme infestation, a professional steam carpet cleaning might be your best bet. As for your pet, frequent soapy baths are a great way to control fleas. Pet bedding should also be washed weekly in hot water. Outside of the house—where your pet romps and frolics—keep your grass and shrubbery clipped short to increase dryness and sunlight, which inhibits fleas. Nematodes—all-natural non-chemical biological agents available at most garden stores—will get rid of fleas in problem areas outdoors.

Of course, all this diligent work might still not be enough to keep fleas at bay, so you may need to turn to products formulated with essential oils that repel insects but do not harm pets or people. Be sure to start with small doses and monitor pets and family for allergic responses. Another non-pesticide option is S-Methoprene, a so-called Insect Growth Regulator which halts the growth of chitin, the substance that creates an insect’s exoskeleton, and won’t harm humans or pets. S-Methoprene is best used as a tool in preventing an extended infestation since adult insects are unaffected by it.

With the federal government apparently uninterested in banning tetrachlorvinphos and propoxur from flea products, NRDC is taking the issue straight to the people. Via its GreenPaws.org website, users can customize a letter to PETCO and PetSmart, the nation’s two largest pet supply retailers, asking them to stop selling products containing such dangerous chemicals. And whether or not these companies will heed the call may well depend on consumer behavior, so the more you buy safer alternatives, the better.

CONTACTS: U.S. EPA, www.epa.gov; NRDC, www.nrdc.org; GreenPaws.org, www.greenpaws.org.

SEND YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS TO: EarthTalk®, c/o E – The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; earthtalk@emagazine.com. E is a nonprofit publication. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe; Request a Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

The Dangers of Toxic Flea Collars is a post from Modern Hippie Mag your online resource dedicated to hip, healthy conscious living & environmental sustainability.

Holistic Approach to Dog Medicine

Guest Contributor — Fri, 07 May 2010 14:00:31 +0000

Holistic and Healthy

Holistic medicine sometimes known as “natural healing” places its emphasis on the whole body, taking into account environmental, nutritional, physical, and emotional factors. It is also referred to as alternative medicine because it embraces techniques that are not readily accepted by traditional practices.

Holistic medicine has been gaining increasing popularity in recent years and has begun to be used in treating pets and animals. Holistic medicine, formerly trivialized by the conventional medical community, has started to gain credence, and many times where traditional medicine has failed to produce results, holistic medicine is increasingly being used to find solutions.

Holistic medicine embraces a wide range of alternative therapies ranging from the use of herb, physical therapy, massage, homeopathy, acupuncture and chiropractic therapy. Veterinarians have become more willing to work with pet owners who would like to try alternative therapies to help prolong and improve their pet’s quality of life.

Most of the time, holistic medicine is turned to as a last attempt to cure a condition conventional medicine has failed to find answers for, but sometimes conventional medicine and holistic medicine work hand in hand to create optimal results, for example a dog who has just had surgery may benefit from holistic therapy which can help decrease the time needed for healing.

Acupuncture and acupressure have become popular in treating and alleviating many conditions such as hip dysplasia, arthritis, and even stomach disorders. Many pet owners prefer the natural treatment holistic medicine offers over more traditional drugs such as steroids and painkillers.

Trigger point therapy is another form of holistic medicine that is gaining traction among pet owners. Trigger point therapy involves the massaging of painful spots that can aid in relieving pain in limbs and muscles. Chiropractic therapy is also used in trigger point therapy as well as acupuncture.

Herbal therapy is yet another method of holistic care especially when traditional drugs and medication don’t produce the desired results or when the side effects of using these medications outweigh their benefits. Herbal therapy should only be conducted under the supervision of a veterinarian as many herbal potions are very potent and can be toxic under certain circumstances. Many proponents of herbal medicine claim that herbs such as wormwood or black walnut can safely be used for treating internal parasites in dogs. Valerian and passionflower are touted by herbalists as having sedative powers and licorice is thought to contain anti-inflammatory powers.

Perhaps the most important aspect of holistic medicine exists in good nutrition. The most important thing you can do for your pet is to ensure you feed him only the best food possible. Organically grown beef, fowl, and fish are healthy foods to feed your dog. Avoid cheap brands of commercial dog food as they contain many harmful additives and preservatives and can seriously damage your dog’s health in the long run. Always try to feed your dog wholesome, organic meats and vegetables to ensure he is getting the nutrients he needs to thrive.

Don’t be afraid to do further research on holistic medicine. Used in conjunction with conventional veterinary medicine, you can greatly improve your pet’s quality of life and perhaps even lengthen his life span.

Victoria Knight

Victoria Knight works with the Pet-Super-Store to promote an all-natural way of living to animals and pet owners.

Holistic Approach to Dog Medicine is a post from Modern Hippie Mag your online resource dedicated to hip, healthy conscious living & environmental sustainability.

Doggie Style…. Naturally!

Guest Contributor — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 18:00:23 +0000

I am the proud owner of 2 chocolate Labradors and along with my own well-being, their lifestyle rates very highly on my eco-conscious scale. Now I am not partial to dressing dogs up in dresses or little hats, that’s just a personal choice, plus my big boy Lab would totally not appreciate it!! But when it comes to their health and happiness, I go all out with natural products including shampoo, food, toys and blankets.

So lets start from the beginning, when my 4 year old Labs were mere chocolate chips (pups) I investigated different natural shampoos for them, as puppies tend to get as muddy and dirty as they can, I wanted a mild yet effective cleanser. I came across a few companies:

I first used Bio-Groom puppy shampoo because it was available to me locally, it smelled wonderful and did not strip the natural oils from their coats, they need their oils because they are very avid swimmers.

Olive Organic

Olive Green Dog is a newer company (4 years old) which uses organic ingredients in all its products. A wonderful company I recommend as their philosophy is to provide products that support…. not burden the eco-system.

Another to try is Earth Bath Totally Natural Pet Care.

With regards to my dogs comfort, personally I always buy blankets for my dogs from thrift shops/jumble sales whose donations and proceeds go to help the needy, instead of what I believe to be very overpriced jumbo cushions from pet stores…… giving back feels so good.

As for toys, there is one great company that supplies organic dog toys, Simply Fido‘s hemp toys are wonderful, maybe even too nice for the dogs to slobber on!

Onto my dogs’ favorite…EATING! There are numerous companies springing up in recent times with organic pet food which does cost a little more, but for piece of mind I think it is worth it.

A good example is Karma Organic Food for Dogs. Their manufacturing standards along with their sustainability values protects the environment and sets the benchmark for holistic dog food.

My dogs are happy, shiny, fun loving pups and I feel wonderful giving them the best natural life possible. The wag of their tails everyday tells me just how great they feel.

Wendy Chambers & pups

Wendy Chambers lives in Golden, British Columbia, Canada. She is a self-proclaimed, full-fledged eco chick striving to provide an organic and sustainable life for her family. Wendy recycles, upcycles old furniture, uses environmentally friendly products, and eats mainly organic homegrown veggies from her own garden and eggs from her hens. She has spent the last 15 years learning and living a greener lifestyle and hopes to share her findings by creating a local green business directory.

Doggie Style…. Naturally! is a post from Modern Hippie Mag your online resource dedicated to hip, healthy conscious living & environmental sustainability.

Why do I eat grass?

Guest Contributor — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:36:40 +0000

This is an age old question, why do cats and dogs crave like mad eat grass? Short answer, who really knows. Smarties like doctors and scientists gather that it may be an instinctual behavior. If that’s true, does it mean that cats and dogs are smarter than humans because cats and dogs have been doing it for years and mere humans are just figuring it out? Hmm…

Though it may be convenient for you to let your four-legged compadre eat grass from your neighbor’s lawn or local park it’s really not safe as so many idiots people use unsafe chemical fertilizers and pesticides that are toxic which could potentially poison your master pet.

Next Day Pets

Pet Greens Treats are a healthy wheat grass alternative. Semi-moist Pet Greens Treats are the only treats made with organic wheat grass, an excellent source of green nutrition.

What is wheat grass exactly?

“Wheat grass is a young, green cereal grass originating from a wheat plant that is harvested before it develops gluten-forming grain kernels. Because of this early harvest, wheat grass contains no wheat gluten.”

Adding wheat grass to juices and other beverages is becoming more mainstream as smart people recognize its health benefits.

Wheat grass is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in chlorophyll, antioxidant vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that support optimal health. Chlorophyll is often called the green blood of the plants because its molecular structure is closely mirrors the structure of hemoglobin molecules – the molecules that deliver oxygen to all parts of the body.

Antioxidant vitamins found in wheat grass, such as vitamins A, C, and E, help to reduce oxidation and the damage it may cause.

Wheat grass contains as much magnesium as broccoli, brussels sprouts, beets, carrots or celery. Magnesium is important for good muscle function and bowel health.

Another nutritional property of wheat grass is its high concentration of biotin, which is a crystalline form of the vitamin B-complex, essential for the activity of many enzyme systems.

Wheat grass contains valuable vegetable-based fiber, which helps to support healthy digestion.

Source www.bellrockgrowers.com

Based in San Marcos, Calif., Bell Rock Growers is a certified organic grower of live wheat grass and the pioneer supplier of green nutrition products for pets.

Bell Rock Growers Pet Green Treats contain:

High quality fiber found in wheat grass helps to support healthy digestion
NO wheat gluten
NO artificial colors or flavors

The feline goddess cat treats are available in Roasted Chicken, Deep Sea Tuna and wild Savory Salmon. I tend to be a bit finicky discerning, my favorite is the Deep Sea Tuna, but I don’t complain when Mom Jaszy treats me to one of the other flavors.

Have you found a tasty and healthy treat for your furry friend? Do tell!

TTFN!

Misty Kat

Misty Kat McAllister is a well kept feline who has exquisite taste. She spends her leisure time lounging in the top terrace of her kitty tower. She enjoys running up and down steep staircases and is an avid break-dancer. Look for more articles and product reviews from Misty.

Why do I eat grass? is a post from Modern Hippie Mag your online resource dedicated to hip, healthy conscious living & environmental sustainability.

Check out Ideal Bite’s Pet Food Guide!

Guest Contributor — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:40:18 +0000

Ideal Bite’s new guide of eco-options for pet food: Ideal Bite’s Guide to Feeding Furry Friends

The guide is chock-full of Biter approved pet and dog foods, treats, supplements, and even better bowls for grub. Ma’ Earth will appreciate these more natural choices, and they’ll help keep your four-legged pals healthier, longer.

Some organic, raw, and other eco diet options:
CATS

Pet Promise Wild Salmon Formula – wild-caught salmon; free of animal by-products and artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors; six canned varieties. Works great as a swanky dinner if they’re used to kibble ($34/twenty-four 5.5-ounce cans).
Natural Planet Organics Cat Food – organic chicken, flaxseed, and brown rice; non-GMO; high in taurine for vision and heart health ($20/6.6-pound bag).
Newman’s Own Organics Adult Cat Dry Formula – organic, human-grade chicken, peas, and brown rice; canned varieties also available ($18/4.75-pound bag).
Honest Kitchen’s Prowl – dehydrated (preserves the food without chems; just mix in warm water to serve), raw food; human-grade, hormone-free chicken and eggs; high in protein, grain-free for pets with gluten intolerance ($23/2-pound box – makes 7 pounds fresh food).

DOGS

Dogswell Happy Hips – cage-free chicken without added growth hormones; glucosamine and condroitin for joint health; canned or dry food; also available in Vitality (with flaxseed and vitamins for eyes and skin health) and Shape Up (low in fat and calories) ($33/11-pound bag).
Pet Promise Daily Health – dehydrated, sustainably and humanely raised chicken; no animal by-products, antibiotic-fed proteins, added growth hormones, or rendered meats; canned varieties also available so you can switch it up every now and then ($31/15-pound bag).
BARF Diet Patties – raw food diet; human-grade meat, eggs, fruit, and vegetables; available in chicken, beef, and lamb varieties ($93/forty-eight 8-ounce patties).
Honest Kitchen’s Verve – steak night for pups: dehydrated, human-grade, hormone-free, raw beef, organic rye, barley, and flaxseed; available in six varieties ($30/4-pound box – makes 16 pounds fresh food).

People Foods to Avoid Feeding Pets

While human-grade ingredients are a plus for cats and dogs, some human foods can be toxic to pets. If you think your critter has eaten any of these, call your vet.

Chocolate
Coffee
Macadamia nuts
Grapes and raisins
Onions
Avocadoes

Feel free to keep feeding your dog peanut butter, though. Because that’s just funny.

Fab Find: ARM & HAMMER® Essentials™ Clumping Cat Litter

Jaszy McAllister — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:39:00 +0000

misty girl

If you’re like me and have a fuzzy little feline fur ball gallivanting through your house, then you know the importance of good odor control cat litter. There are many all natural, eco-friendly brands on the market, of them all Misty and I are smitten with ARM & HAMMER® Essentials™ Clumping Cat Litter.

It’s formulated with a proprietary blend of 100% natural corn fibers that combine with ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda to effectively absorb urine and eliminate odors instantly, plus it’s biodegradable! Frankly we’re just happy that it has a pleasant scent that provides odor elimination with natural ingredients, is virtually dust free, and clumps quite nicely.

Find it at Netgrocer.com.

Fab Find: ARM & HAMMER® Essentials™ Clumping Cat Litter is a post from Modern Hippie Mag your online resource dedicated to hip, healthy conscious living & environmental sustainability.