ELIMINATING WATER BOTTLES (AN IDEA TO SHARE):
First, as a member of the Puget Sound Lab Club and a Committee Member of their June 2008 trial I was allowed the opportunity to try a new concept to eliminate water bottles at Agility trials. As I'm sure you know, water bottles are a huge problem in our landfills, they're often wasted, there's a big clean-up issue as they're strewn all over the trial grounds and of course they lead to full garbage cans which go straight to the landfills.
That's where the "Go Green" water concept came in. At the trial, the only water bottles purchased were for the judges. For everyone else (workers and exhibitors), we provided 2 huge water coolers (picture the kind that get dumped on coaches after a big game) filled with ice and water (store bought) from filtered, fresh water in 5 gallon jugs. We did provided paper cups, but ultimately, the idea is to encourage everyone to bring their own reusable water bottle to each trial.
I'm sharing this idea because I'm hoping you'll each go back to your clubs and encourage them to do the same. All that is needed is:
* 1 or 2 - 10 gallon water coolers (on sale at Home Depot)
* 4 - 5 gallon plastic/refillable water jugs ($11 each)
* Water to fill the jugs was a mere $1.75 to fill each 5 gallon water jug (found at the grocery store entry)
* Ice was less than $15 for a 3 day show
The Lab Club received an overwhelming positive response to this idea and it has already been adopted for other other Agility Trials. Additionally, the Lab Club Board liked the idea so much, they're going to be using this concept for future events.
NON PLASTIC, 100% BIODEGRADABLE POOP BAGS
The next idea I've been looking into is biodegradable poop bags. Like most of us, I'm currently using plastic, but with 5 dogs, plus caring for client dogs, it's time to change my ways to be more earth friendly.
Now keep in mind that just like you, I don't want "stuff" on my hands or leaky bags so this concept has to meet the reality test. That's where PoopBags.com comes into play (no, I'm not receiving any kickback for this product <g>), there is a link on the front of my webpage (bottom right). They're biodegradable and I'm told will meet my cleanliness expectations. So I've taken the plunge and ordered a mass amount of the product so when you next see me, ask to see a bag and inquire how it's going. I suspect all will be fine and so I'm encouraging you to make the "green" change as well. (Note: I LOVE the product!)
I've shared a few ideas on how to "Go Green" in the dog world, please share your ideas by e-mailing me at Info@PremierK9Club.com so that we can spread the word and together, be more earth-friendly.
July 2008 - GOING PAPERLESS
Currently Premier K9 Club is actively moving toward becoming a paperless business.
Our latest project is to move all of our Information Sheets to an electronic form that can be completed on-line and sent with a click of a button. Our goal is to eliminate printing, scanning and faxing, which will save you time, money and of course be earth-friendly by saving those trees!
This is a big undertaking, but we expect to have this project completed by the Fall of 2008.
May 2008 - REDUCING EMISSIONS & POLLUTANTS FROM VEHICLES
Premier K9 Club is working to reduce emissions and pollutants from vehicles by biking to local clients versus driving. We've invested in a wonderful bicycle (thanks to the help of the knowledgeable staff at Cycle Therapy in Kent, WA) and not only is it a great way to get some solid exercise for our Staff, we've bought a Springer bike attachment so that we can jog our dogs while we bike!
GOING GREEN IN THE DOG WORLD
Overall, they say that the United States is doing the least to "go green", although we're apparently the biggest offender when it comes to destructive behavior toward Mother Nature. Keeping that in mind, I've been on a personal mission to make my dog life/business as green as it can be!
So far I've made several large changes and I thought I'd share them since it's something that everyone can easily do to have a positive impact.
What Premier K9 Club Is Doing
