Dog owners, did you know that your furry friend could be harming the environment? It’s true—just like humans, dogs can have carbon footprints, too. If you have a dog, follow these tips to go green:
Buy all natural or organic foods.
Before you buy dog food, carefully read the product label to determine if it’s all natural or organic. Dog food that is not all natural or organic may have harmful pesticides, antibiotics, or hormones, which is not good for your pet or the environment.
Buy in bulk.
When buying supplies for your dog such as potty training pads, food, or treats, buy in bulk. Items that are sold together in bulk are not packaged with as much plastic and cardboard, which means you will produce less waste. In addition, you won’t have to take as many trips to the store to buy more supplies, so you will be able to reduce carbon emissions by saving yourself that extra trip.
Use biodegradable bags.
If you’re not already doing so, make sure that you scoop your dog’s poop using biodegradable bags. Many people assume that any plastic baggie will do, but that’s not the case. Most plastic bags are not biodegradable, so eventually they will end up sitting in a landfill for years after you’ve thrown them away. Choose a biodegradable bag so you don’t contribute more waste to landfills across the country.
Donate.
If you have any pet supplies that you no longer need, donate them to a local shelter instead of tossing them in the trash. Shelters constantly have to buy new toys, beds, and other supplies to care for their dogs. By donating items to local shelters, you are ensuring that your dog’s old toys and supplies will be reused instead of thrown into a landfill.
Look for recycled materials.
Do you need a new collar for your dog? Are you trying to surprise your dog by bringing him a new toy to play with? Every time you buy something for your pet, make sure that you are looking for items made with recycled materials. There are a number of pet items that are made with recycled goods, so these shouldn’t be hard to find. But, if it’s too difficult to locate dog items made from recycled materials, choose items made out of sustainable fibers such as hemp instead.
Make your own cleaning products.
Cleaning products typically contain harmful chemicals that could affect the environment and your pet, so it’s not a good idea to use these products when cleaning up accidents. Instead of choosing harsh cleaners with bleach, ammonia, and chlorine, look for products that are all natural. You can even make your own chemical-free cleaner at home by using simple ingredients such as baking soda, lemon, and vinegar. Do a quick search on Google to look for instructions on how to make all natural cleaning products that you can use around your home.
Follow these tips to ensure that you and your four-legged friend are reducing your carbon footprint and doing your part to protect the environment!
