Going Green in the Ocean Blue

Ahhh, summer. Long days, hot weather, high humidity.  When you live in the Lowcountry, it’s the time of year we fondly call “beach season.”

Let’s face it: there’s no better way to beat the heat than to escape to your favorite island and spend some time cooling off in the water. Of course, our four-legged friends—who carry around all that fur every day—feel the same way.

Did you know that you can be green, even while you’re spending time on the water with your dog? Today, we’re exploring fun toys that are not only water-safe, but eco-friendly as well.

One fabulous material to look out for when shopping for environmentally-friendly water toys is hemp. Hemp is a great material because it is all-natural, non-toxic, bio-degradable, and tough enough to withstand lots of chewing. As an added bonus, though, you can throw it in the water without damaging it.

Roped hemp toys float, and they tend to be a huge favorite among playful dogs. So next time you’re stocking up, try buying a hemp alternative. A few favorites include: (see images in slideshow above)

1) From the Field’s “Tug-a-Hemp” and the 2)“Tug-a-Hemp Loop”

3) Earthdog’s hemp rope toys

4) The Good Dog Company’s hemp dog toys

If you’re less in the mood for tug-of-war and more inclined to throw-and-catch, consider some eco-friendly, water-safe throw toys. Believe it or not, there are even green alternatives to your standard plastic or rubber ball.

5) Planet Dog’s “Orbee” is a water-safe ball made from recycled, non-toxic materials. It even floats!

6) The Orbee material comes in other forms as well, such as a football, perfect for in- or out-of-water games.

Another great material to look out for is latex rubber, made from naturally-secreted plant latex. Latex rubber is a durable and water-safe substance perfectly suited to a game of fetch on the beach. Rubber toys are often designed to float, as well.

7) Try checking out Ruff Wear’s SquareBall or the alternatively-shaped 8) TurnUp, both made from all-natural latex rubber.

These are just a few great examples of ways classic water toys have been redesigned in environmentally-friendly ways. Just about any toy you and your dog have enjoyed during a day at the beach can be found in a green version.

And of course, remember safety first. Always seek a place with some shade, and tote water when taking your dog out for a day in the heat. Instead of toting around plastic water bottles (non-biodegradable and terrible for the environment), pack your hydration in one of 9) Klean Kanteen’s stainless steel water bottles and serve it up in a 10) Squishy Collapsible Travel Pet Bowl by Guyot Design.

Enjoy your summer, and your sun-kissed pooch!

Sharon Harvey is owner of Charleston Naturally an eco-chic boutique specializing in natural, organic and sustainable products and gifts for home, pets, baby and beauty located online at www.CharlestonNaturally.com and 918 Lansing Drive Mt. Pleasant, SC.