As a loving pet owner, there’s a good chance that you’re also eager to do everyday things that have a positive impact on the planet. And the good news is that there are several easy things you can in caring for your pet that can also be good for the environment.
1. Take Care of Business
First off, it should go without saying that you should always pick up after your dog. Leaving it on the grass in your yard or neighborhood is not just disrespectful to your neighbors – it can also attract rodents. Furthermore, rain can cause the pathogens in dog waste to end up in streams, thereby causing harm to marine life and people.
Cat owners should never flush waste as our sewage treatment systems are not made to treat the parasites that are in cat waste. It’s best to also choose an eco-friendly litter.
And when you think about how many waste bags you throw in the trash every year, you’ll understand how important it is for both cat and dog owners to always choose biodegradable waste bags.
2. Adopt, Don’t Shop
This may not make sense as an eco-friendly tip at first glance, but just think about the longterm effects of people adopting from pet shelters instead of buying from breeders or puppy mills.
Reduced demand means fewer animals bred for profit and more space in shelters. And more room in shelters means that fewer animals will be euthanized. Overall, this would help cut down on resources needed to care for animals without homes.
3. Green Toys
Over the course of your pet’s life, you end up buying a lot of items like toys, beds, leashes, collars and more. You can do your part for the planet by making sure that the ones you choose are made from recycled or plant-based materials and include minimal or recyclable packaging.
Furthermore, when you support businesses that prioritize sustainability, you show your support with your wallet.
4. Reuse & Recycle
Whenever possible, choose pet items that can be reused. For example, avoid disposable food bowls and on-the-go water bottles. Invest in things that can be washed and used again and again instead of thrown away. Bring reusable bags with you to the pet store, and find pet products that come in recyclable packaging.
5. DIY Treats
If your household goes through lots of bags of pet treats, consider making the change to homemade treats. There are many simple recipes out there that are healthy and tasty and will help cut down the pet-related garbage you toss out.
6. Keep It Simple
Ultimately, one of the best tips we can offer is to try not to go overboard in buying stuff for your pets. Your pet’s needs are actually pretty simple – they require food, water, shelter, medical care, and affection.
The multi-billion dollar pet industry is good at making us feel like we need a lot of other stuff too. But the fact is, the more stuff you buy (fancy toys, outfits, collars and beds) adds up to a lot of resources used. The less you buy, the smaller your footprint.
There are dozens of other small choices you can make every day in order to reduce your and your pet’s impact on the planet. As the threat to the environment intensifies, it’s important to remember that we can all play a small part in making a difference.
