The ACF Animal Rescue recently unveiled its eco-friendly dog leashes at The Humane Society’s Animal Care Expo in Florida. Made in collaboration with Trio, ACF’s sister foundation, these leashes are a lesson in sustainability and collaboration.
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Ayesha Chundrigar founded Trio as an initiative that aims to serve the environment as well as the people and animals that inhabit it. To this end, Trio is making dog leashes that are made by braiding ghost nets, which are then covered with denim.
Ghost nets are fishing nets that have been discarded or lost in the sea. They trap and suffocate marine animals and smother coral reefs. By removing these nets from our waters, Trio protects animals that may otherwise be killed by them. Similarly, denim cutoffs constitute a large part of the textile industry’s waste, using valuable resources to produce and contributing to landfills when discarded.
Local communities also benefit in this production process. Fishermen are financially compensated for retrieving ghost nets from the sea. The leashes are then made by women who are part of the Raana Liaquat Craftsmen’s Colony. Married off as young girls, many of them before they were teenagers, these women are now fighting for the right to generate their own income and gain financial independence.
Lastly, half of the profits generated from this endeavor go to ACF. Founded almost a decade ago by Ayesha, ACF has become the standard in animal rescue and welfare in Pakistan. The organization gives shelter and safety to hundreds of animals.
The leashes are not only sustainable, but also beautiful. They come in a range of bright and fun colors. Currently being exhibited at the expo in Florida, they will soon be available in Pakistan. Visit www.madebytrio.com for more information.
