While we do our best to reduce our own carbon footprint, do we stop to think about the effect our pets and their products have on the environment? Being eco-responsible pet owners we pick up after our dogs and purchase biodegradable products, but there are other ways to make that extra effort without taking too much time out of our busy day. Here are 11 ways to reduce our ecological pawprint on Earth Day and every day!
Get with the program and go digital! Ditch plastic disposable name tags for a digital ID. It’s reusable and doesn’t need replacing every time you move or change your phone number (or pet, for that matter).
Feed your pet proper portions – overfeeding your pet puts a strain on their health, but also affects the environment. Check labels and with your vet for the correct portions for your pet.
Recycle – Did you know that your local shelter would be happy to accept donations of toys, bowls, blankets, and towels that are still in good condition? They might even take your newspapers! This reduces the use of new materials and keeps plastics out of landfills.
Buy local – Reduce shipping materials and transportation waste by buying from your local pet store. Many pet stores even have free delivery to your door, just like mail order!
Buy in larger quantities – Buying in bulk reduces the amount of packaging that is being discarded, reduces transportation waste which saves the environment, and reduces costs for you. Everybody wins!
Consider feeding your pet plant-based proteins – Recent studies show that feeding your pet a vegan diet might actually be good for them. More safe meat alternative selections are becoming available to help give your pet variety and help save the environment.
Choose more eco-friendly toys and furniture for your pets – Sustainable products are becoming more available within the pet industry as the demand grows. HOUSE DOGGE offers sustainable pet toys and other products.
Clay-based vs other litters – While clay-based are the most common among cat litters, they are not the most eco-friendly. Check out the 6 best eco-friendly cat litters for 2022 here.
Adopt, Don’t Shop – Buying from a breeder exacerbates the problem of overpopulation which in turn impacts the environment adversely (more waste and more production). You can find pure-bred animals at shelters, contrary to what may be believed.
Why so many grooming products? – Unless your pet has problematic skin or fur, anything beyond shampoo is extraneous. Think about all those chemicals that could be eliminated from going down the drain or into the air.
Try Composting Pet Poop...? This might be more trouble than it’s worth. The best solution is recyclable poop bags and using those. If you decide to compost at home, check out the USDA’s guide on how to do it here.
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