March/April 08

4.29.08

An annual event that’s good for everyone

I love spring-cleaning. Not that I do any -- it’s what sometimes turns up that makes me happy. For example, I have already found my green froggie toy (made out of recycled soda bottles from West Paw Design) under the couch cushion, two chew bones behind the television and my favorite tennis ball behind the computer desk. Now that I think about it, I do remember hiding froggie from the cats, but without this spring-cleaning ritual I might never have found him again. For everyone who likes spring-cleaning as much as I do, here are some tips to make it easy and safe for everyone in your house.

All of my treasured items that I carefully placed around the house got collected and put in one big pile. Now I have to put them all back where they belong.

• Use all-natural, non-toxic cleaning agents that are safe for pets, kids and eco-friendly.
• Instead of using chlorine bleach (a lung and eye irritant) try a non-chlorine dry bleach or a hydrogen peroxide-based liquid bleach.
• Instead of using furniture polish (which may contain toxic ingredients), try polishing varnished wood with a mild vegetable soap, or to remove watermarks from wood, try rubbing toothpaste on the spot and polishing with a soft cloth.
• Instead of using oven cleaners (which are among some of the most dangerous cleaning products, as they are corrosive and can cause chemical burns) try mixing one part vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle. Spray onto a cool oven and use some elbow grease!

Or, if you’d prefer products made specifically for cleaning, a company called Seventh Generation makes a number of them that are effective, safe and ready to use.

Sixteen candles

This April, the senior cat of the house, Princess Leilani, turned sixteen! Her favorite present was a flower toy from West Paw Design, which is made from 85% recycled fibers and filled with organic catnip. Now, while catnip doesn’t do anything for me, Leilani sure likes it. She’s also taken a liking to the eco-nap bed I got for my birthday, and since she outranks me in the royalty department, I let her curl up in it whenever she wants. Maybe she’s been on her good behavior since getting so many presents, but she hasn’t smacked me on the head when I walk by for a while now!

I could tell you more, but I think I’d better hide my froggie toy again. Talk later.

Posted by Bumby at 11:36 a.m.

3.28.08

Spring, a time to be green all over

With a hint of warmth in the air and sunbeam shining over my nap bed for a longer time these days, I’ve started watching the ground for signs of green popping up. I, Bumby, am an expert when it comes to observing changes in the landscape. Being low to the ground, I notice things that people might not see, such as the first ant on the sidewalk or the first dandelion poking its head up. For me, spring is not only a time to see green, but to be green too, and I think I’m doing a pretty good job.

I'm "dancing" with the daffodils blooming in my yard.

With Earth Day just around the corner, my person took the Pets for the Planet Green Pet Report Card quiz, and I’m proud to say we both got a perfect score! I don’t think everyone will do as well as I did (take it yourself by clicking here), since I’ve been a ‘green dog’ for a while now. Even if your score isn’t as high as mine, there are some really good suggestions for how to do better at the Pets for the Planet page. While you’re there, don’t forget to enter the Pets for the Planet Sweepstakes for a chance to win a green pet gift basket or a year’s supply of Pet Promise pet food (my personal favorite).

Back on the road again!

Another fun sign of a really green spring is the start of another “Veggie Bus” tour by the Conscious Goods Alliance. This year Pet Promise is back on board, taking part in its year-long coast-to-coast road trip showing just how eco-friendly transportation can be. This is not just any bus but one that runs on vegetable oil, uses solar energy to power its computers, lights and television, and is furnished inside with recycled and renewable materials. So be sure to come out for a visit if the Veggie Bus should make a stop in your neighborhood.

I could tell you more, but I think my person needs help in checking out the garden. Talk later.

Posted by Bumby at 5:45 p.m.