Well, you read my little diatribe on meds/supps. Here's another little issue with supplements.
As a barn worker and horse owner, I like Smartpaks. They're easy to feed, easy to track, and easy to keep fresh. But I have to admit I used to feel bad about all that plastic. My horses already consume a lot of the planet's resources -- the shavings, the manure, the long horse baths, the fly spray, and the list goes on. I have used Smartpaks for some time, but not without "green guilt." It turns out, though, that this guilt is misplaced.
Last week I added another supplement to Riley's Smartpak -- and in talking with the Smartpak rep I confessed my green guilt. Well, God bless the rep. She referred me to Smartpak's green policies and practices (and a statement they published for Earth Day 2008)...
- Smartpak uses recycled plastic (PET #1) that customers can re-recycled in virtually every community in the US. It's the easiest plastic to recycle, it's impermeable, and it's light. Many standard supplement buckets are PET 5 or another type of plastic that is not easily recycled.
- Smartpak recently made it's plastic "blister packs" thinner so that even less plastic is used.
- Supplement products are delivered to Smartpak in bulk, in reusable containers.
- Most of the Smartpak processing and production is tracked electronically (no paper).
- Their shrinkwrap is biodegradable.
- Smartpak uses certified recycled cardboard and they reuse it.
- They don't use styrofoam in shipping.
- They're extremely efficient in their shipping and delivery (Barn Buddies is the tip of the iceberg), plus you save gas from trips to the tack shop.
It's amazing and wonderful that something that's actually convenient is also green. It doesn't usually work that way...
Photo credit: taliesin from morguefile.com
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That's good to know! I haven't used smart paks for the same reason! Now I'll need to look into them!!
ReplyDeleteI've been looking at Smartpaks for awhile...but my problem is I am SO indecisive that I can't settle on what I want. Ugh!
ReplyDeleteAs much as anything I like having a lot of info at my fingertips in one place, including cost/month That helps figure out what products have what I want. Makes it easier to whittle things down. The comparison chart now lets you sort and select your top contenders for final comparisons. Think that's new...
ReplyDeleteI knew that from their website, and that's one reasons I think Smartpaks are, well, smart! Their charts rock. Plus, they have a consultation service that is free, even if you aren't a customer. And their shipping fee can't be beat...
ReplyDeleteHmm, can you tell I love them?
Don't need SmartPaks here in my own barn, but they are a good idea and it's nice to know the company is so green. Their prices stay competitive too, so that's another plus.
ReplyDeleteI love how you review green equine products. Good to know about Smartpaks - I often wondered.
ReplyDeleteThanks for spreading that information. I have been considering SmartPaks cause the table in my feed room is running out of space. It sure would make life easier and its GREAT to know they are conscious of their environmental effect.
ReplyDeleteI have two horses here with me. One is on a digestive aid (a Fresian/Arab eventer) and the other is on MSM (my Tb diva mare). In looking for a pelleted MSM, I realized that SmartPak was probably the way to go. They're sending me a 3 day supply to test it out with the mare. Even with just two supps, I think it's going to be way easier. Hopefully, Bella will decide that pelleted MSM is okay. :)
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