Maia Welbel
Maia is a freelance writer focused on using storytelling to help people treat our planet with more compassion. She lives in Chicago with her perfect pets, Maxx the dog and Rubie the cat. Find her on maiawelbel.comopens in new tab and @mwelbelopens in new tab.
Recent Kinship articles by Maia Welbel
![a brown dog sleeps on a gray couch, surrounded by white pillows]()
Catnip for Dogs: Is it Safe?
In fact, it chills them out.
![Black dog laying on its back on the floor with a world map formed out of his fur next to him]()
Wait, Before You Toss All That Pet Hair—Donate It
The eco-enthusiasts at Matter of Trust want to use it to clean up oil spills.
![a dog waiting to eat Maev food]()
How a Former MIT Engineer Became a Human-Grade Dog Food Mastermind
Katie Spies tells Kinship how she’s changing the nutrition game with her human-grade raw pet food company.
![A dog in the desert modeling in a dog carrier bag.]()
10 Pet Brands Pledging to Save the Planet
A few of our favorite brands participating in Patagonia’s 1% for the Planet global movement — makers of kibble to catnip to carriers.
![Doug the Pug with Nonipup products]()
Doug the Pug Wants You to Meet His New Product Line
Nonipup features all-natural, sustainably sourced products, two shampoos and two body salves, using ingredients that helped make Doug’s life better.
![Bundle x Joy food bag and supplements]()
This Pet Superfood Brand Will Spark Joy in Your Life
Bundle x Joy is all about bringing cheer to pet parenthood — and your dog’s balanced diet.
![an orange dog in a kitchen beside Pulp Habits eco bites]()
Score Nutritious Treats For Your Environmentalist Pup From Pulp Habits
Eco Bites has upcycled vegetable pulp, sustainable insect protein, and is packed with vitamins. Your vet is already thrilled.
![Arya Sit! Freeze dried quail egg dog food]()
Your Pet Can Go Gourmet With These Quail-Egg Treats
A bonus: They’re a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
![A white Persian cat with blue eyes looking up at a Boba & Vespa cat toy frozen mid-motion on top of her nose with a solid black background]()
Boba&Vespa Is On a Zero-Waste Journey That Revolves Around Your Pet
Inspired by two very happy cats, this brand aims to turn your pet into an eco-conscious consumer.
![Leah Singh, dressed in all black, sitting cross-legged on a cushion decorated with brightly colored triangles with a vibrant assortment of textiles on the floor and the walls around her, also decorated with bold, geometric designs]()
Leah Singh’s Signature Dog Beds Mix Design With Tradition
Handcrafted by artisans in India, the designer’s colorful floor pillows are the perfect addition to the stylish pet lover’s household.
![camamu ichy dog cleaner]()
You Have an Itchy Schnauzer to Thank For Camamu’s Calming Dog Rinse
The sustainable dog shampoo is made of diluted vinegar, herbs, and 100 percent compostable materials.
![A black dog sitting in a sink with soap bubbles on his head posing with grooming products from the brand, "Skout's Honor."]()
Skout’s Honor Is Taking the Itch Factor Out of Your Dog’s Life
The sustainable brand’s science-backed grooming products boast an unexpected ingredient: probiotics.
![Two pet parents feeding Botanical Bones dog treats to their two dogs outside]()
How a Skittish Pandemic Puppy Inspired a Superfood Treat Brand
Botanical Bones founder Rachel Meyer believes food is medicine. Here, we chat about everything from sourcing adaptogens to sustainable packaging.
![Woman with curly hair on her computer sitting next to her Boxer mixed breed dog]()
8 Creative Ways to Donate to Shelters (Without Spending a Dime)
From upcycling linens to handing down used toys, you can help animals in need and prevent waste.
![Two cats drinking from a KittySpring Combo water fountain on the floor]()
The Best Cat Water Fountains
Fresh, flowing water will keep your pet hydrated, ward off UTIs, and reduce water waste.
![A dog sniffing for something in the grass.]()
Bug Bites: Cricket Treats Your Pet and the Planet Will Love
The future of dog food is looking a little less beefy and a little more buggy.
