Lower Waste Lifestyle

By Isadora Pennington

Our oceans are positively swimming in plastic, and we have found microplastics in the bellies of fish and birds. And it’s not just the animals, it’s in humans too. A 2019 study conducted by The University of Newcastle Australia suggests that the average person may ingest up to 5g of plastic every week, the equivalent of a credit card.

I looked around my house and saw that plastic was everywhere. Especially in our kitchens and bathrooms. I wanted to make a change for my daughter’s sake – every bottle, cup, bowl, and utensil we had for her was plastic. Even though I always checked to make sure they are BPA-free, I learned in my process that other plastic replacements such as BPS can be harmful and are currently under investigation.

I should mention that sustainability and privilege go hand-in-hand. I think it is important to note that choosing to avoid plastic is expensive. It’s difficult, it takes work, and it requires a financial position where you can afford to invest in products or shop at different stores.

Here are the steps I took to live a lower waste lifestyle:

1. I started by giving away the plastic items from our kitchen cupboards and replacing them with bamboo, silicone, stainless

steel, and glass. This was without a doubt the most expensive part of my process. I chose Elk & Friends (elkandfriends.com) for the cups and Grow Forward Kids (available via Amazon and other retailers) bamboo plates and bowls.

2. After doing some research, I settled on replacing my soaps, shampoo, and conditioner with

bar products. I really like Ethique (ethique.com) shampoo and conditioner bars, specifically the Pinkalicious scent. I have fine hair and I was pleasantly surprised to find that my hair feels and looks much better now. There are also deodorants that come in cardboard instead of plastic, I like the brand called ATTITUDE (attitudeliving.com).

3. I found some incredible local companies where I have been able to refill my hand soaps, laundry

detergent, lotions, and cleaners. I recommend checking out Fig & Flower (shopfigandflower.com) in Virginia Highland, a

Is your pup keeping you up all night brick-and-mortar location that offers refillable Common Good brand products as well as with their incessant scratching, a wide range of zero waste makeup and self-care items. Secondly, an innovative concept licking and biting? If you think you’re called Tap Refillery (taprefilleryandsustainablegoods.com), a mobile truck that sets up distraught, imagine how your dog at festivals, local shops, and can even be booked for private events to facilitate refills of feels! cleaning and self-care products. The medical term for scratching related to excessive itching is pruritus — and it is the second most common reason dog’s visit the vet. One of the first signs of a problem may be the development of acute moist dermatitis, better known as a "hot spot" — a red, irritated area caused by persistent chewing, licking, scratching, or rubbing. Once an area become irritated, dogs relentlessly scratch, lick, or bite, causing hot spots to pop up rather quickly.

UNCOVERING THE CAUSE

Dogs scratch, lick, or chew for a wide variety of reasons, ranging from allergies to boredom to parasite infestation: Allergies 4. I went out in search of non-plastic cleaning and kitchen tools. I had great luck at the Scratching is often the result of Ace Hardware (intownhardware.net) on Scott Boulevard. There, I was able to find silicone allergies to food or environmental and wood cooking utensils, reusable knitted scrubbing cloths, bamboo brushes, beeswax triggers. Your pup may develop a food wraps, and lots more. I ordered silicone reusable ziploc bags and silicone bowl lids skin irritation called contact derma- online. I invested in a pack of mini mason jars, and we use them for storing food in small titis when they encounter substanc- quantities, as well as the glass food storage containers I already had on hand. es like pesticides or soap. Boredom or Anxiety Just like people with anxiety might bite their nails, dogs can show physical responses when they’re upset too! 5. I started bringing my own bags to grocery shopping again. This is one area where I acknowledge I will likely not reach the zero-waste limit. It is incredibly difficult to buy many of the food items we consume Dry Skin in vessels that are not plastic. I A variety of factors, including winter bring reusable cloth produce bags weather and fatty acid deficiencies, to eliminate the need for plastic can cause dry skin in dogs. produce bags. I go to Sprouts (sprouts.com) and Sevananda Hormonal Imbalances sevananda.coop) to use their refill If your dog’s body is not producing stations for things like pasta, beans, enough thyroid hormone or putting nuts, and other dry goods. I try out too much cortisol, superficial to buy my meats and cheeses from the deli instead of pre-sliced and ask for them to be skin infections can occur. You may wrapped in wax paper instead of plastic. notice bald spots, and your dog may scratch or lick as if bothered by allergies.

Pain

Be sure to consider the possibility that something is causing pain or discomfort. For example, if you notice your pup biting their paw, it could be a thorn or rock stuck in his foot pad. Compulsive chewing or licking can also be a result of orthopedic problems, such as arthritis and hip dysplasia.

Parasites

Fleas, ticks, and mites are among the most common causes for licking, chewing, and scratching. Don’t assume your pup isn’t suffering from parasites just because you can’t see them — fleas often go unnoticed until there is a large infestation, and mites are microscopic! From changing food, eliminating parasites, topical medication, behavioral modification and more, there are many possible solutions to this "irritating" issue. As soon as you notice a problem, visit your local Scenthound for a Problem Skin Treatment! This service includes a medicated bath using Zymox shampoo and conditioner that supports skin and coat health, soothes skin and diminishes itching and irritation. If problems persist or worsen, it’s time for a visit to the vet to help you figure out the cause and determine the best treatment plan for your pup.

Dr. Jim MacLean

Chief Veterinarian, Scenthound Dr. MacLean’s rst job was working as a grooming assistant when he was 15 years old. Since then, he has worked in every aspect of small animal veterinary hospitals, has practiced in small animal medicine and surgery for 26 years, and has owned and started multi-doctor veterinary hospitals. With a mind for both medicine and business, Jim received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from VMRCVM at Virginia Tech in 1994 and his MBA from Georgetown University in 2011. Coming full circle, he joined the Scenthound pack to bring his expertise and experience to the grooming world. As chief veterinarian, Dr. MacLean guides Scenthound from a health and medicine perspective and helps achieve our mission to improve overall pet health on a broader scale.

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