In an effort to go green, sometimes we forget that our pets can have an impact on the environment just like we do. Check out the helpful tips below to make sure that you and your pets are doing your part to care for the environment.
1. Go Biodegradable
Did you know that the plastic bags you use to pick up your dog’s waste can take up to 1,000 years to degrade in a landfill? Biodegradable bags on the other hand can break down in about a month. Try switching over to biodegradable waste bags to ensure that your pooch’s waste doesn’t have forever negative impact on the environment.
Many mass market cat litters contain harmful ingredients like silica dust, which has been linked to upper respiratory infections in cats as well as humans.
Cat litter is available in all-natural and biodegradable forms, including those made from recycled newspapers, wood chips and other biodegradable and compostable ingredients. Making the switch to biodegradable litter will not only help the environment, it will also protect your pet’s health and your family’s health as well.
2. Get Them Eco-Friendly Toys and Accessories
Several mass-produced pet toys and accessories contain phthalates, BPA and other harmful chemicals that can be released into your pet’s saliva and skin as they break down over time.
By switching to leashes, collars, toys and even pet beds made from recycled or sustainable materials, you can keep your pets safe from these chemicals. Hemp is a commonly used material for these types of products, but you can also use products made of organic cotton or recycled PET bottles to be even more eco-friendly.
3. Try Organic or Natural Pet Food
Many types of pet foods contain harmful ingredients like artificial colors, chemical preservatives and by-products. They also contain “filler” ingredients such as sugar and corn syrup, and some are exposed to herbicides and pesticides.
By purchasing pet food with natural or organic ingredients, you can help promote the health of your pet and help take care of the environment, too!
Another alternative is to make your own healthy meals and treats for your pets, so you can limit the ingredients they consume. If you decide to make meals for your animal friends, you’ll want to check with your veterinarian beforehand to make sure you’re providing your pets with the vitamins and nutrients their bodies require.
Got any other helpful tips to minimize your pet’s carbon paw print? Please feel free to share in the comment section below!
Resources:
19 Ways That People Who Have Pets Can Be Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly and Nontoxic Cat Litter
Our pets also come in contact with a lot of chemicals with grooming products and flea and tick products. It is also worth mentioning that if we clean our floors in an eco-friendly way that we can reduce chemicals that we expose our pets to, and also we need to think about what we are putting on our lawns that our dogs (and some other pets) come in contact with.
I would love to see some blogs that focus on a specific type of pet and how we more green with them… Birds, fish, rabbits (other small furry pets), and reptiles. Just some suggestions. Thanks!
I’m glad to find out that I am doing most of what is being suggested.
One thing we can do is make our pets recycle toys. Take an old T-shirt and instead of throwing it in the garbage, cut the shirt into strips, braid the strips together and you have a wonderful tug toy. You can also recycle your old sock who’s mate was eaten by the dryer and one of those plastic water bottles into a dog toy as well. Also scraps of fleece or from an old blanket or clothing can be cut into strips, and tied together to make a ball for cat or dog. I also recycle stuffed toys. Make sure if there are plastic eyes or noses that they are removed and let the pets have them.
great ideas amy! thanks!
Go to your local butcher and buy grass feed beef, bison or elk bones; have an organic smoke flavor a to the bone for a special treat for your dog/best friend….
I have recently changed to biodegradable pet baggies, but never even THOUGHT about the kitty liter! Gonna check the ingredients when I get home! Thanks for keeping me so on my toes!