Embrace Sustainability With Pelcor’s Cork Bark Collars and LeashesThese fashionable pet products come from the cork oak tree, which regenerates its bark. Cork has found an entirely new — and fashionable — purpose in Pelcor’s new collection of collars and leashes. The Portugal-based brand is known for its organic yet sophisticated handbags, belts, and umbrellas. Now, dogs and cats can also don chic, eco-conscious accessories made with bark from the cork oak tree. The bark regenerates every nine years, making these European-crafted designs not only stylish but environmentally responsible as well. The products are naturally lightweight and waterproof, and they are surprisingly durable, stain resistant, and hypoallergenic. Collars come in various sizes and colors — cork, berry, sunset, and peony — for a reasonable $29 to $32. Color-coordinated leashes are 46 inches, cost $38, and should only be used with dogs no more than 66 pounds. Silvertone hardware gives the environmentally responsible gear a polished look.Inspired by Pelcor founder and president Sandra Correia’s Portuguese Water Dog, Corky, the pet products are unique by virtue of the material itself. “It’s functional with an artisanal quality — a natural and sustainable alternative to animal leather and synthetics,” Correia says.Buckle these accessories onto your best bud before your next hike and take some extra moments to appreciate those towering trees — cork or otherwise! Whitney C. HarrisWhitney is a New York-based writer for websites including Dogster, StrollerTraffic, Brides.com, and WhattoExpect.com. A former book and magazine editor, she enjoys running (with her dog, Finley), watching movies (also with Finley), and cooking meatless meals (usually with Finley watching close by). She and her husband (and Finley, too) welcomed a baby girl named Rowan in August.
