How to minimize your pets impact on Mother Nature
Author
Joshua McCarty
August 01, 2023
Welcome back and thanks for joining us for another week! Let’s dive right in.
A furry beast excited to get its paws wet
Recycling Pet Food Containers
We can all do something today for a better tomorrow
It probably won’t come as any surprise, but as pet owners, reducing waste associated with pet ownership can be one of the biggest impacts we can make as eco-friendly pet owners. Consider purchasing pet food containers that are recyclable, such as metal cans from wet food instead of the smaller plastic pouches that are not recyclable. And for dry food, when at all possible, consider purchasing the large bags and aim to purchase from brands that use recyclable packaging. This equates to bulk purchasing rather than smaller purchases when you are able to do so.
Biodegradable Poo Bags and Cat Litter
A garbage can which is inviting pet owners to clean up after their pets
Biodegradable poop bags and cat litter are conscientious ways pet owners can dig into the sustainable pet ownership party. And, going in tandem with the previous paragraph, overfeeding pets has a negative impact on not only your pets health, but the environment as well. Consider weighing your pets meals and following the feeding guidelines provided on the food packaging to help control your pets waistlines. If you are unsure of this, your vet would be more than happy to give you diet recommendations for your specific pet.
Ready for a no bull dog poop fun fact? Dogs generate literally millions of tons of poo each year, in the ballpark (and this is a very big ballpark) but somewhere in the ballpark of 10 million tons each year by US pups alone! Two disposal options of this less than glamorous reality of being dog parents are composting in an appropriate manner yourself or via an industrial composting facility that accepts this “material.”
DIY and Sustainable Pet Toys
Happy dog playing with its favorite toy
From an article written by The Kind Pet, over 40,000 tons of dog toys make their way into US landfills each year (see link at bottom of page). So, you ask, “How about DIY pet toys?” Well, we’ve got you covered….A simple suggestion is that old shirt which has been lying around could be made into a pull toy. Twist the shirt into a knot or two, and let the fun begin. Or, simply cut the shirt (or shirts to make a patterned design!) into three or four equally thin scraps of fabric, braid them, and tie a knot at both ends. If you choose to buy toys, consider purchasing toys that are made from sustainable resources, such as hemp or bamboo.
Check out the awesome dog chew toy below if you are interested in one for your pooch. It is eco-friendly and hypoallergenic!
BetterBone CLASSIC | All Natural, Food-Grade, Eco-Friendly Softer Than Nylon Chew Toy
BetterBone CLASSIC, the ultimate chew toy for your dog’s enjoyment, health, and safety. Crafted from all-natural, food-grade ingredients, designed to promote health and dental hygiene with a softer and natural composition compared to nylon and other petroleum-based products. Our unique teeth-cleaning ends reach tricky
thebetterbone.com/collections/shop-all/products/betterbone-classic-all-natural-dental-cleaning-ecofriendly-dog-puppy-chew?variant=43159758078137
Other Sustainable Actions to Take
We want to encourage ways to keep beaches open for pets
If your pup is a social butterfly and gets along well with other people and “things,” check out the pet friendly local community cleanups that you and your four-legged besties can partake in. This can be an excellent way for you to give back to your community with your pooch in tow, and a great way to share your own thoughts and ideas on being conscientious pet owners.
Interested in eco-friendly pet exercise? Think about a little stroll through the neighborhood the next time you are considering that drive across town to the dog park. Or, combine your outings with your pooch. Go for the drive and a walk at the dog park and hit up the grocery store afterwards. Essentially, you can turn two separate trips into one and reduce your carbon footprint (or paw print, as it were).
Here’s a Great Video on Sustainable Pet Ownership
Be sure to stay with us for upcoming editions of Sustainable Tails, where we’ll continue to provide informative articles, expert advice, and bring eco-friendly pet products to your radar.
Remember, by embracing an eco-friendly approach to pet ownership, we can pave the way for a greener future and healthier communities.
Keep your fur babies smiling while keeping Mother Earth happy!
Joshua McCarty
P.S. Help us spread the word about sustainable pet ownership. Share this newsletter with fellow pet lovers who are passionate about caring for their furry friends and the environment. Together, we can make a difference, one paw at a time!
P.P.S. Please be sure to check out our partner site Pet Zone Store for other pet product options.
Welcome To The Store Where Pets Are Family – Pet Zone Store
Welcome to Pet Zone Store. We are pet lovers of all shapes and sizes. We strive to provide you with the best products, advice and tips for your beloved pets!
petzonestore.com
You May Also Be Interested In These Articles
The Environmental Impact of Pets: Working Towards Sustainable Pet Ownership | Earth.Org
Pet ownership is a staple in many families worldwide, and estimates suggest that over half of the global population have a pet at home. However, owning a dog, cat, or any other pet might not be as sustainable as many think. We take a look at the environmental impact of pets and explore solutions to make pet ownership a more sustainable practice.
earth.org/environmental-impact-of-pets
If you are in the Huntington Beach, CA area and are interested in dog friendly beach cleanups
2023 Dog Beach Cleanups
Beach cleanups are scheduled for the following dates (weather permitting): 2023 dates are: April 30th. May 13, 21. June 4, 17. July 14, 30. August 13, 26. We have added some Saturdays. Sign-up is required ahead of time, walk-ups will not be accepted. Please sign up for the cleanup on the website at dog beach.org. For minors attending without parents, you will need a signed consent form that we will provide when registering. For more information including what to wear and what to expect during cleanup day, you can call 714-841-8644 or visit the website under volunteering.
www.surfcityusa.com/event/2023-dog-beach-cleanups/20430
https://thekindpet.com/collections/toys#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20an%20estimated%20634,and%20can%20withstand%20rough%20play!
https://www.superscoopers.com/the-serious-dangers-of-dog-poop/#:~:text=They%20even%20suggest%20flushing%20it,a%20whole%20lot%20of%20poo.
