Innovations for Our Feline Friends from Yesterday’s News

In the past here at GLR we have discussed ways we can provide more environmentally friendly experiences for our pets. There are dog collars made from recycled materials, hand made organic catnip pouches and even toys created from found materials but what about that most important thing of all -- cat litter**.

Since training a cat to use and flush a toilet is fantasy better left to the movies, most indoor cat owners will still be using a littler box of some variety. There are self cleaning boxes that offer the ultimate in hands off convenience to a cat owner. The cat does their business, the box senses when a cat has vacated the box, an electronic arm scoops up the clump and deposits it into a container which has a cover and can be removed to throw away without ever coming near the litter. Sounds great and all but they do utilize electricity and the throw away containers are made from none other than PET based plastic.

Another option for the majority of cat lovers is the standard litter box. Literally this is a big plastic tub that the litter is placed into where the cat can do its thing. Later the owner comes back with a little shovel to scoop out the clumps and toss them away. The majority of litter on the market today is made from clay, this is why it clumps when exposed to liquid and allowed to dry. (Other styles include wood, paper or even sometimes straw)

Clay is definitely a natural based material but new clay must be sourced for each box of litter. Well Purina thought this seemed wasteful and they have created a litter called Yesterday’s News. The litter is created from 100% recycled newspapers and the Softer Texture version (recommended for cats) is purported to feel more like the standard clay type!

Some of the cool features of this litter include -- 99.7% dust free, up to 3 times more absorbent than clay, non-toxic, low tracking and Veterinarian recommended. Not to mention the obvious benefit of using a recycled paper product instead of a newly created material.

It is said to absorb liquid from the bottom and the pellets will expand once all of the liquid has been retained. It is recommended to wait a few minutes for the paper to fully expand before scooping. The product is said to be tough on odor as well as it should absorb most if not all associated smelliness.

I don’t have a cat so I haven’t been able to try this yet but if any of you awesome readers do have a cat and check it out, please report back and let us know your first hand experience on its functional and financial viability as compared to the standard clay types on the market. Before you shop, be sure to go online and claim the $1.50 coupon.

** Yesterday’s News also comes in brands specifically designed for rabbits, ferrets and small bedding animals (gerbils, hamsters, mice, etc)

Unconventional and Eco Friendly -- Animals

From art to clothing more and more people are surfing the environmental wave and locating products that are a benefit to the planet. My research on all things Green always leads me down some truly fun paths with amazing discoveries that I love to share with everyone here. In the past couple days I have come across some truly wild finds as related to animals in both the art and clothing categories. Prepare to be amazed!


Yes the gal in the photo above is indeed wearing a fur coat. Yes it is an environmentally viable solution. How is that you might ask? The fur is reclaimed hair from the pet standing next to her. Oh yes, I am quite serious.

I came across an old article on the blog If Its Hip, Its Here with regard to owners saving the hair that their pets shed and then sending it out to be cleaned and spun into yarn then turned into all sorts of clothing items. A couple of the ladies featured on the blog make hats, scarves, wraps, jumpers, sweaters, coats, anything conceivable that can be worn.

I would ask my Vegan friends and readers to please let me know if this is something that would be within the realm of possible for your lifestyle. Please feel free to discuss in the comments.

Known as Buck Jr., these laser cut deer heads are created from cardboard. But not just any cardboard; 100% recycled material for the added environmental benefit. The item is extremely lightweight and a fun, kitchy alternative to actually going out and knocking off a real deer.

Cardboard Safari does not just carry flat packed, ready for assembly deer heads however. The shop is chock full of moose, bison, trees, wreaths, full rhinos and a myriad of other funky recycled trophies for your wall or desktop. Talk about a conversation piece! The prices are extremely reasonable but just remember this is a do it yourself kit which they ship to you with all cut pieces included.

Eco Options for Our Pets

So many of us have pets. They are part of the family. As such why would we consider doing things for our pets that will not be a sound decision for the planet? Well now we do not have to!

There are a bunch of fun items available through Etsy that are eco-friendly for the dogs in our life. Here are six of the fun finds I discovered.

1. Biscuits
2. Reversible coat
3. Pet bed (cool for cats too!)
4. Dog leash
5. Tug ‘o war toy
6. Dog collar




Cats should not be left out of the environmental movement either. The pet bed above, possibly the collar for larger felines and even some harnesses would work for these pets. Of course nothing is more “cat” than a huge fabric square loaded with organic catnip (also includes bamboo fiber & reused fleece scraps for filler). Click the photo to be taken directly to the shop.


Wild Wings carries certified organic bird seed so we do not potentially harm the lovely winged animals that come to visit our yards by feeding them seed which could include pesticides. Click to go right to the website.

Dogs, cats and birds are the most popular domestic pets but I am sure there are so many more options out there and other furry creatures inhabiting our homes. What interesting animals do you live with? How do you ensure they live an eco friendly lifestyle along side you?