Have you considered adding a new furry friend to your family this year? In the U.S. alone, the number of owned pets is estimated to be 70-80 million dogs and 74-96 million cats. In addition to being sweet, cuddly companions, your pets can also be hard on the environment.
If you love your pets and the
environment, here are some resources to help you be good to both.
Don't Shop…Adopt!
The concept of recycling doesn't only
apply to cans or newspaper. Just like going to the thrift store to get a good
deal on a used item, consider rescuing and rehoming an adoptable dog or cat
from your local shelter. Give them a second chance by "recycling" them.
Each year 3 million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters. An estimated 80%
of these animals are healthy or treatable so why not give the cats and dogs
already available a home instead of buying from a breeder? For more facts about
pet ownership in the U.S. go to the Humane Society's website.
Are you hesitant to adopt because
you prefer a certain breed? There are so many breed rescues out there that you
may have options other than getting puppy from a breeder.
The next step to being a
“green” pet owner is to spay or neuter your pet. Take an active role in helping
to control the pet population and reducing the number of pets needing a home.
Green Pet Gear
Pest Control
Toxic chemicals may kill fleas
and ticks but they also harm your beloved pet and the environment. Mother Earth News has a
great article about natural flea control and why those chemicals are so harmful
to your pets.
Shampoo
Natural pet-care and shampoo
products are the way to go. Brands like Earthbath are totally natural,
non-toxic, paraben and sulfate free. If your fluffy companion makes a mess,
use environemntal
friendly household cleaners.
Toys
Get creative! Grow your own
catnip, make cat toys out of yarn and fabric or use recycled plastic bottles as
a chew toy for your dog. Repurpose that old cardboard box as a cat toy or check
out these 33 Dog Toys You Can
Make From Things Around the House. Invest into toys made from
recycled or sustainable materials. These six dog toy
companies put their emphasis on durability and the environment. Also, hemp
products such as collars, leashes and pet beds are eco-friendly and
durable.
Food
According to Treehugger, most
conventional pet-food brands you find at the supermarket consist of
reconstituted animal by-products, otherwise known as low-grade wastes from the
beef and poultry industries. Make sure your pets eat healthy by making your own
treats - here are 4 DIY easy dog treat
recipes to also help you save on packaging and processing. Provide them
with healthy, environmental conscious brands. The Honest Kitchen is good
for pets and the planet with green ingredients, production and packaging and
business standards.
Pet Waste
Bringing biodegradable bags
with you when you walk your dog so you can pick up its waste is important to
keep the waste from being washed into the sewer, rivers and beaches where it
can contaminate the water and the ground. Looking for a way to take waste management
to the next level? Try composting your dog's waste with innovative systems such
as Doggie Dooley pet
waste disposal.
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| Image courtesy of Earth Rated® |
But it’s not just your dog's
waste that can be a dangerous contaminant if not properly disposed of. Your
cat's litter can be just as harmful. Cat owners should avoid clumping clay
litter no matter what. Scientific American states
that when cats (and especially small kittens) ingest this material it can cause
gastrointestinal distress that in some cases can lead to death. Also, the clay
commonly used can be derived from environmentally destructive strip mining. Be
sure to choose cat litter from biodegradable materials will not sit in the landfill for years. Some
litters can be flushed or used in yard mulch.
Dog Sitting at Home
Planning on traveling without
your pet? Hire an in-home sitter who will use all your environmentally friendly
pet supplies. If you do decide to use a pet boarding service, make sure you ask the boarding facility about their environmental policy or steps they have taken to be more sustainable. San Francisco's Pet Camp is the only pet boarding place in the country to go green - they have solar panels, a greenhouse, a tankless water heater and many other innovative, green initiatives.
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