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by Janene Zakrajsek
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Love
your Pets and your
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Mother Earth—Bark & Meow
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Have you noticed that GREEN is the new BLACK? Help-
ing to protect Mother Earth is something we all inspire to
incorporate more of in our daily lives – but, what consid-
erations do we make to reduce our pets’ carbon paw-
print? Protection Agency (EPA) classified pet waste as a dan-
gerous pollutant in the same category as toxic chemicals
and oil. Un-scooped matter increases the presence of
flies, rodents, and other pests transmitting even more
disease. With so many valid reasons to pick it up, it’s a
wonder that not all pet owners are responsible.
PETS
As we gear-up for Earth Day (April 22th), we are remind-
ed that our lifestyle choices to lessen our imprint on the
earth, our city, our beach, our neighborhood…the very
space we occupy with our pets...do have a cumulative
effect on the planet AND our very own four-legged
friends. It has never been easier to choose wisely and to
respect the environment with the myriad of eco-friendly,
sustainable, or natural options now available in pet prod-
ucts. From eco-chic toys, bedding and scratchers, to
apparel, accessories, and naturally, earth-friendly litters
and pet waste cleanup, as well as healthy foods, treats,
and supplements that are organic, or otherwise naturally
raised and prepared locally or with sustainable practices
- what’s good for Mother Earth is also good for your
pets!
The Big Scoop - One of the biggest environmental chal-
lenges that our communities face with pet care is mount-
ing piles of pet waste. Our DTLA denizens and their dogs
have found themselves in the center of local debate on
responsible pet ownership due to our large concentra-
tions of dogs in an urban area and a minority of careless
pet owners that fail to pick up and properly dispose of
pet waste. The real truth of the matter is that dog waste
doesn't just "wash away" or disappear. Not scooping the
poop puts yourself, your dog, your neighbors, and our
water supply at risk.
There are over 83.3 million dogs in the U.S. and counting
(source: American Pet Products Association (APPA).
Now, consider the average dog generates about a half-
pound of excrement/day—you do the math! This amount
of waste can seriously damage our ecosystem if not
properly disposed of, contaminating our water supply
with harmful bacteria, and potentially contaminating hu-
mans and dogs alike, spreading harmful parasites and
other pathogens. You should know: the Environmental
Love Your City - DTLA dog runs, green spaces, and pri-
vate residential dog runs are premium amenities in our
local loft-dwellers and our canine companions. Let’s
keep them clean and our environment healthy. Do your
part and scoop –or flush the waste. Make your self a
dog-walking kit with cleanup essentials and keep it
handy for when nature calls.
Commit to good for Fido and Fluffy this month and Bark
& Meow for Green! Here’s 5 GREEN Do’s to remember:
1. Do | Pick-up your dog waste
2. Do | Use natural cat litter
3. Do | Buy USA-made pet products
4.
Do | Use chemical-, sulphate-, and paraban-free
grooming products
! Do | Feed organic, natural pet foods/treats
5.
Learn more ways to green your pet at Pussy & Pooch–
Ask our Pet Experts for product recommendations from
some of the best brands committed to reducing the im-
pact of pets and people on the environment. We take
pride in celebrating those that provide quality at a fair
value, are made domestically wherever can be, and
whose company’s purpose blend social and environment
consciousness with pet care.
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Pussy & Pooch
564 S Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213 438 0900
www.pussyandpooch.com