How to Be an Eco-Friendly Pet Parent
Being eco-minded is more than just using biodegradable poop bags (although they may help!). Learn about other things you can do every day to show Earth love.
Finding eco-friendly options when you shop, eat, clean, work, and play not only helps preserve the planet for future generations, it makes your environment safer and healthier
Eco-friendly cleaning for you and your pet:
Non-toxic Ingredients: Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are natural substances that are generally safe for humans, animals, and the environment. They don’t contain harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances that can be harmful when released into the environment.
Biodegradable: Unlike many commercial cleaning products that contain synthetic chemicals, these natural ingredients are biodegradable. This means they break down into harmless substances over time, reducing their impact on the environment.
Minimal Packaging: Often, these ingredients can be purchased in bulk or in minimal packaging, reducing waste compared to single-use plastic bottles or containers commonly used for commercial cleaning products.
Cost-effective: In addition to being eco-friendly, these ingredients are often more cost-effective than commercial cleaning products. This makes them a sustainable choice for both the environment and household budgets.
Hot Tip! Baking soda is an awesome odor eliminator for more than just those strange smells in the fridge. Tackle canine-created aromas in your carpet by sprinkling baking soda on the surface, waiting 15 minutes (or longer for strong smells), then vacuuming. You can do the same with your pet’s bedding. (By the way, running only full loads of pet towels and bedding can save up to 3,400 gallons of water a year.)
Protect the planet from your pet’s poop.
Choose local walks over those that require engine-fueled transport. While it’s great to explore new places with your dog, driving in your car or catching the train or bus will add to the release of carbon emissions, detrimentally affecting the environment.
Biodegradable poop bags: Traditional plastic dog poop bags can take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to plastic pollution in landfills and waterways. Biodegradable bags, on the other hand, break down much faster, reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the environment.
Community Health: Proper disposal of dog waste is not only important for the environment but also for public health. Dog poop can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can contaminate soil and water if not disposed of properly. Using biodegradable bags encourages responsible pet ownership and helps keep communities clean and healthy.
Don’t forget about our feline friends!
Using recycled newspaper litter for your cat offers several benefits:
Environmentally Friendly: Recycled newspaper litter is made from post-consumer recycled materials, typically old newspapers. By using this type of litter, you are helping to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and conserving natural resources.
Biodegradable: Unlike clay or silica-based litter, which can take hundreds of years to decompose, recycled newspaper litter is biodegradable. It breaks down naturally over time, reducing the environmental impact associated with disposal.
Overall, using recycled newspaper litter for your cat provides an eco-friendly, safe, and effective option for managing your cat’s litter box. It’s a sustainable choice that benefits both your pet and the environment.
Choose products safe for your pet and the planet.
Consider feeding your pet organic, natural, locally sourced food in ceramic or stainless steel bowls. Avoid plastic, which can leach chemicals.
Hygiene: Stainless steel is non-porous, which means it doesn’t harbor bacteria and is easy to clean. Plastic bowls, on the other hand, can develop scratches and crevices where bacteria can accumulate, even after washing. This makes stainless steel bowls a more hygienic option for feeding your pet.
Longevity: Stainless steel bowls have a longer lifespan than plastic bowls. They are less prone to wear and tear, discoloration, and degradation over time, ensuring that you won’t need to replace them as frequently.
Safety: Some pets may have allergic reactions to certain plastics or may chew on plastic bowls, leading to the ingestion of plastic particles. Stainless steel bowls are non-toxic and safe for pets to use, providing peace of mind for pet owners.
You can also reduce your pet’s environmental impact by swapping out plastic-based toys for those made from other materials. Seek out safe, planet-friendly toys without preservatives, toxic metals, chemicals, or latex that cats or dogs can absorb when they lick and chew. For example, sustainably sourced rope, jute, and hemp are brilliant, as they are not only kind to the planet and biodegradable, but they’re also durable materials, saving you money in the long run.