We all want what’s best for our pets, but what about what’s best for the planet? Some pet products are guilty of using unsustainable materials, ingredients from irresponsible sources or just unnecessary additions that add to their carbon footprint. Here, we run through some ideas that will help you stay pet friendly and planet friendly.
Ditch plastic poop bags and litter
Cleaning up after your pet is one of the most important roles an owner takes on when they commit to an animal. It’s not pleasant but it’s a daily task that we all have to endure – naturally, this builds up a large amount of rubbish. Common plastic poop bags and certain types of litter are not biodegradable and so have a negative effect on the environment. Buying compostable bags and litter is a brilliant option to make your animal’s waste more sustainable.
For example, you can purchase litter made from corn, grass or wood, and bags made from paper, and then put these in your compost bin (just make sure you check the regulations in your area on what can be mixed in compost) or the trash, knowing they will biodegrade. You could even go for an easier and simpler option and use your own newspaper to pick up dog poop. Whatever you choose, ditching plastic will benefit the planet at little cost to you.
Go natural with food and treats
You wouldn’t want to eat the same processed meal every day – so why subject your pets to it? As well as being unhealthy with unnatural additives, processed pet food adds significantly to global warming thanks to unsustainable farming, factory and transport emissions, and overuse of plastic. You can easily make the switch to organic thanks to a number of environmentally responsible pet food companies.
For instance, why not try some organic dog treats from Wild Thought? Your dog will love the flavour and the health benefits with plenty of choices to fit their preference. This responsible change doesn’t have to be expensive and will make your pet happier and healthier.
Give bamboo a try
Bamboo is one of the most sustainable and versatile materials out there. It can be hardened or woven into soft webbing, making it suitable for a variety of pet products, from collars, leads and harnesses, to bowls, toys, beds and brushes. What’s truly brilliant about bamboo is that it requires very little water to grow, removes lots of CO2 from the atmosphere and can yield a great amount from a few plants, making it highly eco-friendly. To learn more about the benefits of bamboo, have a read of this article: https://www.greenmatters.com/p/why-is-bamboo-sustainable
There are plenty of quick changes you can make to your pet’s routine that will keep both them and the planet happy. It doesn’t have to be drastic – it’s the little things that make a difference and everything we can do to contribute to a better environment is surely worth a shot.
