Going Green
With growing concern about the environmental health of our planet, we wanted to learn more about the “Green” in Green Dog Pet Supply in Beaumont Village. Founder and co-owner Christine Mallar responded to our questions.
How did Green Dog get started?
Christine was a zookeeper for 12 years, then 10 years in orangutan conservation. When she and her partner, Mike, moved to Portland, they wanted to do something fun together, so decided to open a pet supply store that gravitates towards “green” products.
What inspires you?
Our amazing customers and their relationships with their cats and dogs—they strive to make pet lives healthier, happier, and longer.
In your quest for sustainability, what makes you most proud?
When we opened in 2004, we were the first pet supply store in the nation to base its mission on environmental sustainability. Also, Green Dog earned a Gold-level certification from the City of Portland’s “Sustainability at Work” program because we use and sell items that are locally made with recycled and sustainable materials, and we sell meat from animals that have been raised humanely.
What else do you want pet owners in the neighborhood to know?
If you’re a cat owner, please do not flush the litter clumps, even if the bag says you can. This waste has serious toxins, and our water pipes don’t need the stress.
Visit greendogpetsupply.com for blogs and articles offering advice on many topics.
Liz Erickson has lived in the neighborhood with her husband and two children since 2009. Growing up in Beaverton, she remembers visiting grandparents on NE 42nd and walking to Rose’s Ice Cream for a scoop of butter brickle. Fun facts: she’s visited 46 states, 46 countries, is a Master Recycler volunteer with the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, and served in Peace Corps Morocco.