Celebrating Earth Day can be the perfect time to reflect on our impact on the earth for future generations, including our furry and four-legged companions! Here are some things to consider and how to get your pets involved in making the Earth more sustainable for them!
Reduce and Reuse
Being eco-friendly means reducing our consumption and creating less waste overall. As much as our pets deserve all the toys and new collars for every day of the week, we should be conscious of the long-term effects of the high rate of consumption and packaging involved with all the items. For example, with toys, having a set of base toys and cycling through them to make them interesting again for your pet can help mental enrichment. If you have bedding, towels/blankets, litter boxes, collars, and leashes you are not using, you can always donate them to local rescues! You are saving the Earth and helping a pet in need at the same time.
Cleaning
Not every mess requires bleach and other toxic chemicals. Other alternatives that can remove odors and kill mold and bacteria might already be in your home! Vinegar, baking soda, or lemon can all help clean up messes and don’t require the harsh chemicals that other cleaning products might have.
Natural Products
When you are purchasing items, consider using plant-based items such as biodegradable poop bags, hemp leashes and collars, or kitty litter made from natural resources. When looking for natural or sustainably sourced options, you can look out for B-Corp Registered companies. These companies have met high social and environmental performance standards and demonstrate accountability and transparency.
Getting Outside!
Another part of Earth Day is getting outside and enjoying nature! Take your dog for a stroll through your local park or with you to get your favorite coffee instead of driving. Or you could plant a tree in your backyard with your pet. If you don’t have a backyard or cannot plant a tree, you can donate to the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of your pet!
Starting these small steps can create a more significant impact than you might think throughout your and your pet’s life. Whenever possible, try a few of these strategies or even rotate them to make caring for your pet a little more sustainable.