We all love our pets and want the best for them, but did you know that what’s better for our pets is also better for our planet? Just like humans, animals have an impact on our environment. Luckily, there are a few sustainable changes you can make to reduce your pets’ carbon pawprint.
Choose eco-friendly toys
When looking for new toys for your furry family members, choose ones that are made from natural fibers or recycled content. It’s important to select high-quality toys that will last, saving you money and reducing waste. You can also look for toys that come in plastic-free or minimal packaging.
Switch to pet-safe cleaners
Many cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can be toxic to pets. Avoid products with ammonia, chlorine (bleach), formaldehyde, phenol, and isopropyl alcohol. Instead, try making your own nontoxic cleaners made from everyday household items like baking soda and vinegar.
If using essential oils to add scent to your cleaners, avoid oils that can be toxic to your pets if ingested or inhaled, such as citrus, eucalyptus, lavender, mint, and others.
Make homemade treats
Making treats at home cuts down on waste and packaging from store-bought treats. Check out this recipe for homemade dog treats!
Donate your gently used pet items
Animal shelters typically accept used items like blankets, beds, crates, towels, and toys that are still in good condition. Contact your local shelter to find out their specific donation rules.
Buy food in bulk
Larger bags of food use less packaging than multiple smaller bags. You can also look for pet food that comes in plastic-free packaging. To cut down on waste even more, you can try making pet food from scratch!
Toxin-free flea and tick medications
Avoid medications containing tetrachlorvinphos, propoxur, amitraz, and permethrin as they can be harmful to pets, according to the American Kennel Club. Try these natural flea and tick remedies and repellants instead. Always consult your veterinarian before changing your pets’ medication.
Choose digital copies when possible
When visiting your veterinarian, ask for bills and treatment plans to be emailed instead of printed to cut down on paper waste.
Thrift what you need
Shop secondhand for collars, leashes, crates, cages, and other pet necessities. Buying secondhand helps reduce the demand and production of new items, ultimately reducing waste and preventing perfectly good items from ending up in landfills.
Always pick up your pup's poo
Pet waste is listed as a nonpoint source pollutant by the Environmental Protection Agency as it can contaminate waterways with excess nutrients and bacteria. Whether in your backyard or out on a walk, it’s important to pick up your dog’s waste and dispose of it in the garbage. When walking your pup, always carry baggies with you and opt for ones that are compostable or made from recycled content.
Upcycle your old jeans into toys for Fido
Have a tattered old pair of jeans lying around? Try these no-sew denim dog toy crafts. These toys are durable and give your clothes a second life!
Choose collars and leashes made from natural materials
Many collars and leashes are made from materials like nylon and polyester (plastic). Collars made from hemp, cotton, bamboo, or cork are more sustainable and safer for your pet.
Help your dog to Leave No Trace
If you love taking your dog on hikes with you, make sure you follow the Leave No Trace guidelines. This includes staying on pathways, leaving sticks where you find them, and disposing of waste properly.
Ditch clay litter
Traditional litter is made from clay, a nonbiodegradable material that is extracted through strip mining. Strip mining destroys habitat, causes soil erosion, and contributes to water pollution. Instead, swap your clay litter for litter made from walnut, wheat, wood, or other natural materials.
Purchase recycled content litter box
If you’re welcoming a new feline family member into your home or replacing an old litter box, choose a litter box made from recycled plastic or stainless steel to reduce the need for new plastic production.
Grow catnip at home
Is your cat obsessed with catnip? Instead of buying catnip in a plastic bottle from the store, grow your own at home! This reduces waste and emissions from transportation. You can even dry the catnip and sew homemade catnip toys!
There are so many small changes we can make in our everyday lives that reduce waste and limit the impact our pets have on our environment. Show your love for your pet and the planet by making a few of these simple changes today.
