Hemp Hemp Hooray For Eco-Friendly Dog Products

[Ganjarden]

Since the mid-2000s, manufacturers have worked overtime to produce natural or “green” products for your family pet. One material making its way into and onto those eco-friendly products is hemp. There is a lot to be said for using hemp, particularly in products designed for dogs, because it is durable and resistant to mildew.

The hemp plant can produce a biodegradable fiber that contains a low amount of lignin, the organic glue that binds plant cells. This allows the fabric to be bleached without the use of harsh chlorine. Due to hemp fiber’s porous nature, it is more water absorbent and will retain its dyed color better than any other fabric - even cotton. The porous nature also allows hemp to "breathe," so that it is cool in warm weather and warmer in cold weather.

Hemp is used to create the fabric covers of the circular, striped pet beds from Harry Barker, now available at Only Natural Pet Store. The fabrics are colored without azo dyes and pigments, which contain by-products that are potential carcinogens. The bed’s hypo-allergenic inserts are made from recycled plastic bottles, and the fabric can be removed and machine washed. Just one of many hemp-covered dog beds on the market, this one comes in three sizes, with prices starting at $120.

At The Good Dog Company, shoppers can choose from two different hemp dog toys: the elasticized Bungee-Bone tug toy for $20 and the $12 Hemp Biscuit, which is ideal for fetching, catching or carrying around.

Hemp also is a common material for dog collars and leashes. An adjustable, triple-layer hemp collar with quick-release hardware is available in any of 19 colors from Earthdog. The collars can be machine washed and dried, and prices start at $17. It’s a bonus that 10 percent of earthdog earnings go to a non-profit spay and neuter organization.


News Hawk- Ganjarden http://www.420Magazine.com
Source: Examiner.com
Author: Pat Pape
Contact: Examiner.com
Copyright: 2009 Examiner.com
Website: Hemp Hemp Hooray For Eco-Friendly Dog Products