Earth-Friendly Leashes and Dog Collars

We green pet owners don't just have to worry about green ways to groom our dogs and dispose of their poop. The little choices we make, like what kinds of collars and leashes we buy, also affect our dogs' ecological paw-prints. Most collars, leashes and harnesses are made from dirty synthetic materials like nylon and polyester. If you want to buy your pooch a collar and lead that tread more lightly on the planet, here are a few options.

1. Buy used. Used leashes, collars and harnesses are inherently green. In fact, they're the greenest option you can get. Buying a gently used product helps to ensure that already-manufactured items stay out of landfills, and the re-use of goods will help to prevent more energy and material from going into the production of new products. Whenever possible, go green by buying your dog's leashes and collars at the thrift store, rather than the pet store.

2. Look into Wagging Green Eco-Hip products. Wagging Green Eco-Hip collars and leashes contain beautifully colored bamboo webbing with fringe edging. The bamboo material is naturally resistant to bacteria and odors, and dries more quickly than other natural fabrics. The bamboo material is also completely organic-- grown with no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers-- and entirely biodegradable. Choose from a variety of leashes and collars in several complementary-color patterns.

3. Check out Cycle Dog products. Made from reclaimed, recycled inner tubes, Cycle Dog products are hand-crafted in the United States. This hip company offers edgy-looking leads, collars and belts with hippie and punk styles. The recycled inner tube material is water-resistant, resilient and tough-- perfect for rugged outdoor excursions, such as camping, backpacking and hiking.

4. Choose from eco-groovy, handmade dog products at A Bee's Hive. The dog product company A Bee's Hive offers a variety of beautiful, handmade, earth-friendly collars and leashes. Choose from harnesses, leads, and collars made from either handmade nylon products or organic hemp. These fashionable products are decorated by hand and and come in plain, striped, spots, and dozens of chic artistic patterns.

5. Look at BMB Pet's sustainable dog collars and leashes. BMB Pet products, available at Petsmart, are stunningly fashionable and durable. Made from organic hemp with a natural cork overlay, these surpass most other natural products in durability and resilience. The products are dyed in attractive pattern-- pure vintage, brown flowers, pink flowers, or blue-and-yellow flowers-- using sustainable colors.

Your dog's leashes and collars don't have to come at the expense of the environment. By making ecologically conscientious choices, you help to keep the planet clean for ourselves, our pets, and all the other creatures who share our planet.