Organic Dog Collars and Leashes

Leashes, collars and harnesses for dogs come in a lot of different materials. But many of them are not very environmentally friendly. Nylon is often made from petrochemicals. Leather is not very animal friendly, and the chemicals used to process and dye it can be quite toxic. Metal chains may seem environmentally neutral, until you remember the leather grip on the leash, or the high amount of energy needed to make metals.

So if you want to be environmentally aware, what are your choices when you are in the market for a new leash, collar or harness for your dog? Organic plant based materials are your best earth-friendly options. Dog accessories made of organic cotton or hemp are becoming easier to find. They come in a wide choice of styles and colors that are quite fashionable, too.

Organic cotton is the traditional earth-friendly option. Regular cotton is not considered to be environmentally friendly because it requires more pesticides and toxic chemica
ls to grow per unit than any other agricultural crop. These chemicals not only pollute the soil, air and water, but can also be irritating to sensitive skin. But organic cotton can be grown without the use of all the toxic chemicals that regular cotton requires. Organic cotton products tend to be more expensive to buy than regular cotton products (unless you consider the long term cost to the environment).

Organic hemp is becoming more available, and is one of the most eco-friendly and versatile plants on the planet. It is hardy, fast-growing, renewable, doesn’t need pesticides and is bio-degradable. And no, it is not the same kind of hemp that is used for medicine or “recreational” drugs. (The hemp grown for industrial use contains such small amounts of the psychoactive chemical present in medicinal marijuana that there are no physical effects at all).

Like organic cotton, organic (industrial) hemp can be used to make natural fabrics which are durable, comfortable to wear, and can be dyed to any fashion color imaginable. So organic hemp makes a perfect material to use for environmentally friendly dog accessories.

Organic cotton and hemp are great choices for your dog accessories if you like being on top of the latest trends. Your dog can be quite fashionable, wearing matching collar and harness in the latest fashion forward colors. And you can be carrying the matching leash. Not only will the two of you be happy to look great, but you will both be happy that you are supporting a healthy future for out planet.