Do you buy organic, sustainably grown food for yourself – but not give sustainability much thought when it comes to what you feed your pet? Annamaet Petfoods wants to change your thinking. They’ve launched “Annamaet Sustain” so your dog and cat can eat sustainable pet food without taking a toll on the planet.

We’re partnering with them on this post to suggest 3 ways you can incorporate sustainable pet food into your dog or cat’s daily diet. We also want to hear from you about what you already do!

Sustainable Pet Food Starts With …

Proteins

When it comes to food, choosing a healthy formula that provides all the nutrients your pet needs without including fattening or questionable ingredients is key. But if you’re also looking for food that meets sustainability goals, look for independent verification by third parties and the appearance of those labels on the products you buy.

Annamaet’s new Sustain formula includes fish from cod fisheries that have been certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

How do you know? Each bag of Annamaet Sustain carries the MSC blue ecolabel.

The ecolabel is important.

It signifies that the product manufacturer actually meets independent standards that verify its product claims.

In this case, the ecolabel indicates that the cod were caught responsibly by a certified sustainable fishery.

Words like “natural” or “pet-friendly” or “planet healthy” mean absolutely nothing in terms of what is actually in the food you feed your pet (or buy for yourself, for that matter).

Look for ecolabels that back up the marketing claims companies make about their products.

Organics

The organic label is another label that you can use to verify a company’s claims. The organic label is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture here. In order for any product manufacturer to claim to be organic or to use the organic label, the company must meet federal organic standards and have its product independently certified.

Claims that your pet’s food are “all natural” or “biodegradable” or “planet friendly” are simply marketing claims that have no actual meaning. The organic label does.

No GMOs or GMO Free

Many consumers want to avoid genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, in their own food and that of their pets as well. It’s not clear if the presence of GMOs in grains, sweeteners, dairy products and other foods actually causes adverse reactions like allergies or worse. But mounting scientific evidence suggests that GMO plants could be taking a toll on birds, bees, and other insects and wildlife.

Some products seek certification through the Non-GMO label. Annamaet has gone one step further by getting EU (European Union) certified to contain no GMOs, salmonella or anthrax.

“We like to tell people, not only are we feeding your dogs and cats, we are also feeding our own,” says the company. “We single source our ingredients, meaning they are bought from the same suppliers each time…All of our meats and fishes are certified as fit for human consumption.”

Buying food for your dog or cat can be an extension of the green lifestyle you have chosen for yourself. That has certainly been a driving principle for Rob Downey, Annamaet’s founder.

Downey, who lives in Pennsylvania, named his company Annamaet Petfoods after his late mother, Anna Mae, pictured above.

“Since its inception,” he says, “the focus has been on giving pets the best nutrition possible, focusing on sustainable ingredients that also take care of the environment.”

At Annamaet, “we believe that sustainability and innovation really go hand in hand.” He says the company is linking into “new and original protein sources such as cricket meal and pea protein, which are also very sustainable.”

You can find AnnaMaet Petfoods online here.

You can also plug in your zip code here and find the nearest retailer to you.

Note: Partners and sponsors enable us to provide you with the information you need to live the greener life you want. All editorial opinions remain our own.

The post 3 Ways to Include Sustainable Pet Food in Your Green Lifestyle appeared first on Big Green Purse.

Here are links to 13 of the best eco labels in the market. What makes them so good? They’ve been defined by independent institutions or nonprofit organizations that have set meaningful criteria that companies must prove they’ve met in order to use the ecolabel in question. When you shop, look for these “third party” certifications to back up the claims a company makes regarding the environmental and human health benefits of their products.

NOTE: These ecolabels are among the best you’ll see when you shop. That doesn’t mean they’re perfect. They sometimes allow “wiggle room” for manufacturers, and they don’t take every possible impact into consideration. But don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good! The labels listed below are making things better, and driving manufacturers to reduce pollution, limit or eliminate use of toxic chemicals, and save energy. When we use them, we put the power of our purse to work to create support for strengthening the labels while helping to protect ourselves and our families.

Best Eco Labels

Organic – The U.S. Department of Agriculture collaborated with scientists, consumer groups, environmentalists and the agriculture industry to set standards for the meaning of the word “organic.” Products labeled “100 percent organic” must contain only organically produced ingredients. Products labeled “organic” must consist of at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients. Products meeting either set of requirements may display the USDA Organic seal on their packaging. Processed products that contain at least 70% organic ingredients may use the phrase “made with organic ingredients,” but may not use the organic seal. Processed products that contain less than 70% organic ingredients may not use the term “organic” other than to identify the specific ingredients that are organically produced in the ingredients statement. Overall, when it comes to food, the organic label, while not perfect, is the best indicator that no or minimal toxic pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics were used for growing and processing.

Green Seal – For more than 25 years, this non-profit, science-based organization has developed certification standards to minimize the environmental and health impacts related to cleaning products, coffee, paint, windows, even sticky notes. To earn the Green Seal, a product must meet rigorous evaluation and testing objectives, as must the facility where it is manufactured.

LEED – The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) label represents a green building rating system for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. A program of the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

Forest Stewardship Council – FSC sets standards to ensure that forests are being managed in an environmentally responsible way, and that products like timber, paper and furniture are made sustainably. Look for it when you buy writing and copy paper, stationery, couches, chairs, dining room sets, flooring, framing timber, packaging and packing materials.

ENERGY STAR – This label, overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indicates homes and buildings, plus appliances, computers lightbulbs, copiers, printers, furnaces and many other products that meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines that help save energy and money and protect the environment.

Veriflora – This label is awarded to flower growers who do not use “extremely hazardous” or “highly hazardous” agrochemicals. The VeriFlora label also indicates that growers are converting to organic and sustainable crop production practices. The standard contains extensive water and ecosystem protection measures to ensure that farmers are not damaging surrounding wildlife or habitats. In addition, it requires growers to provide a fair, equitable, and safe workplace for their farmers.

Fair Trade Certified – This label (either version) demonstrates that the farmers and workers behind Fair Trade goods were paid fair wages and have opportunities for better health care, housing and education. The Fair Trade label is attached to coffee, chocolate, cocoa, tea, fruit, rice, sugar, spices and a variety of clothing and crafts produced in developing countries.

Certified Humane Raised & Handled – This label provides independent verification that the care and handling of livestock and poultry on farms enrolled in the program meet high-quality, humane animal care standards. These include access to clean and sufficient food and water; sufficient protection from inclement weather; and enough space to move about naturally.

Leaping Bunny is the certification program of the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics. The mark certifies that companies have not tested their products on animals during any stage of development. The company’s ingredient suppliers make the same pledge. Look for the Leaping Bunny label on cosmetics and personal care, household, and cleaning products.

Marine Stewardship Council – The Council’s eco-label indicates seafood that comes from fisheries that are striving to manage sustainably. Look for it on fish and shellfish, including fresh seafood sold at the counter, packaged and frozen seafood, and products like canned tuna, salmon, anchovies, sardines, and crab.

Demeter – This label represents the Demeter Farm Standard, which   indicates that a farm is organically farmed, GMO-free and also operated to promote soil fertility, animal welfare, conserve water, protect biodiversity, and managed to follow the cycles of nature. Look for it on wine, tea, juice, pasta, sauces, and many other foods.

NON-GMO Project Verified – This label indicates that products bearing it have been produced according to the best available practices for avoiding genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). It does not promise that a product is “GMO free” because there is always some risk that seeds, crops, ingredients and products have been exposed to GMOs somewhere along their growing or production cycle. It does, however, create a powerful incentive to seed breeders, farmers, processors and manufacturers to adopt practices that reduce use of GMOs while giving consumers a way to limit their exposure.

WaterSense – WaterSense is a label and program created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It’s designed to help consumers easily identify water-efficient products in the marketplace while ensuring product performance and encouraging manufacturers to create more products that help use water wisely. Look for it on indoor plumbing fixtures like faucets, toilets and shower heads, as well as outdoors in rain sensors, soil moisture sensors, and sprinkler systems.

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Green Shopping Guide Principles

Ten “Buy/Don’t Buy” Rules for Green Shopping

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1) Read the label. Look for meaningful claims, not words like “natural” or “planet friendly” that aren’t  backed up by standards or third-party verification (see below). When it comes to cleansers and other household goods, avoid products labeled “caution,” “warning,” “danger,” and “poison,” all of which indicate the item is hazardous to you and the environment. Ignore products that are inherently contradictory, like “organic cigarettes,” or “most energy-efficient Hummer.” Leave goods boasting irrelevant claims – like something is “CFC-free,” true but misleading since CFCs have been banned since the 1980s.

 2) Look for third-party verification. In the absence of universal sustainable standards, if a company says its product is good for the earth, your first question should be, “Who else says so?” Reliable eco claims are backed up by an independent institution or nonprofit organization that has investigated the manufacturer’s claim so you don’t have to. Look for labels from groups like Forest Stewardship Council, Energy Star and the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Organic.

3) Choose fewer ingredients. A long list of ingredients often indicates the presence of questionable chemicals that may be harmful to you or the environment. This is especially true for personal care products, food, and cleansers. Simplify what you buy. Needless to say, buying less is the greenest option of all.

4) Pick less packaging. Choose goods that come wrapped as simply as possible. For starters, buy in bulk, favor concentrates, and pick products in containers you can easily recycle (hint: glass, cans, paper and cardboard are more easily recycled than plastic). Carting home your packages in your own bags helps reduce packaging, too.

5) Buy local. Avoid the higher energy costs involved in transporting goods long distances. Supporting local farmers and businesses also increases the likelihood that U.S. environmental and health laws and regulations will be followed.

Bottom Line: Ignore boasts that a product is eco-chic, earth-safe, or planet-neutral. Follow the steps above to ensure that when you buy green it is green.

Want more greenwashing tips? Visit Green Home Huddle.

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Simply what Kat does at her company, Portland Store Fixtures, could qualify her for star status in the Big Green Purse “One in a Million” campaign, our effort to engage a million women in shifting $1,000 of their household budget to more eco-friendly options. Portland Store Fixtures sells new and used fixtures for anyone interested in running a retail establishment. The company’s mantra is:

“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Give those “experienced” fixtures a chance to shine.”

Kat and her partner Penney are always on the look-out for gently worn display cases, fabrics, and even mannequins that another proprietor can put to good re-use. Since 1998, they’ve helped hundreds of stores get up and running, often by using recycled materials.

To keep her staff of seven fueled, Kat has organized a weekly organic food delivery to the office. “We signed on with a company called SPUD that efficiently delivers food and allows us to pick what foods we will receive every week.  We pick organic, locally grown fruit and vegetables because it keeps the dollar local and out of the gas tank.”

Plus, says Kat, “We shop organically and have done so for the last two years.  We also buy (personally and for the business) non-toxic cleaners, recycled products and reuse everything!  We sell used store fixtures so we really take the “reuse” part seriously.  Our invoices, letters and faxes are all on already printed on one side paper.  And then we will use them for scrap paper!”

Kat estimates she’s shifted $28 per week for the local organic food delivery, and $200 per week for more eco-friendly grocery and cleaning products.

But the purchase that really propelled her into the “One in a Million” pantheon?

She recently bought a $22,000 Prius, the gas-saving hybrid car that can get as much as 50 miles out of every gallon of gas.

Thumbs up, Kat! You’re really One in a Million!

The post Organic Food, Prius Help Businesswoman Become “One in a Million” appeared first on Big Green Purse.

With climate change on the upswing and even dogs needing to worry about exposure to toxic chemicals, I’ve come up with five things I’d ask Mother Nature for this Earth Day 2008 if I believed wishes really came true.

* President Bush signs a bill that will cut U.S. greenhouse gases 50% – starting tomorrow. Such bold action would help the U.S. meet recommendations issued by the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and many world leaders that America, one of the globe’s largest carbon polluters, reduce its energy emissions significantly in order to avert drastic global warming. In reality, of course, last week, the President once again called only for voluntary actions that have virtually no chance of reducing the country’s carbon footprint even by 2025 – the President’s own date.

• Wal-Mart Urges Shoppers To Buy 20% Less. As the world’s largest retailer, Wal-Mart is the scene of more shopping – and consequently the engine behind  more resource consumption — than any other emporium on the planet. The company does a great job offering consumers organic produce, organic cotton clothes, and concentrated packages that reduce waste. But what if Wal-Mart actually encouraged customers to ask “Do I need it?” before saying “I’m going to buy it”?  The impact on the environment could be world changing; consumer pocketbooks would benefit; and Wal-Mart’s own image would improve. In reality, the company intends to open more stores, not fewer, and there are no plans to tell consumers to cut back.

• Coal-fired power planets convert to solar energy. Burning coal not only contributes to climate change; power plants fueled by coal also emit the mercury that is polluting lakes and oceans, rendering fish unsafe to eat and endangering the well-being of pregnant women who eat those fish . We could solve a whole host of environmental problems if we stopped burning coal and switched to solar, wind, biomass, and other renewable fuels. The reality, of course, is that utilities are trying to build new coal operations in many parts of the U.S. and a new coal plant is coming on line in China every week. Though solar technology is expanding, it’s not happening at nearly the pace needed to displace significant coal generation any time soon.

• Congress earmarks $1 billion to help farmers go organic. Talk to any farmer and the major obstacle to transitioning to pesticide-free agriculture is the cost of the certification required to meet Department of Agriculture organic standards. Representatives and Senators never seem to find any funds to help farmers take this important step – even though they fork over billions so conventional agribusiness can continue plying the fields with toxic pesticides and herbicides. How about a few bucks to help farmers really go green?

• Companies ban the use of all phthalates in everything. Phthalates are chemicals called “endocrine disruptors,” compounds that affect the hormones our endocrine glands release into our body to control reproduction, growth and fertility. Phthalates show up in all kinds of personal care products: perfume, air freshener, hair spray, and more. Most companies justify including these toxins by saying that the amount in their product alone doesn’t cause the problem. But because so many companies use phthalates, our cumulative exposure can actually be quite substantial. And when they wash into our water system, phthalates can affect animals, too – you’ve heard of male frogs and fish born with female sex organs? That’s the effect phthalates are having.

Actually, this wish may not be so far-fetched.  Thanks to consumer demand for alternatives, Orly, OPI, and Sally Hansen, the country’s largest nail polish manufacturers, have promised to remove phthalates from their polish. That’s a good start. Now what about the other personal care products we use?

What’s your Earth Day wish? Let us know.

The post Earth Day 2008 Wish List appeared first on Big Green Purse.