Pets eat, travel and have things bought for them exactly the same as us. If you try to be green through recycling, buying organic products and biodegradable materials, why don’t you do the same for your pet? As much carbon can be reduced through pets as it can by humans, so have a think about what you can do to have a green pet! Here are some ideas:
Cleaning up after your pet
We all know that it’s a hazard to not clear up after you pet, that’s why there are fines in place. But have you thought about what you pick their waste up with? Make sure you use a biodegradable bag and place it in a dog bin. If you have a cat, try to avoid clumping clay litter and use plant based litter instead. If you’re really keen, you can compost the waste in your back garden in a separate area to your vegetable compost. Pathogens will not be killed in the waste, so it’s important you don’t use it on your vegetable patches, but your flowers will be grateful.
Play sustainably
You can find a huge variety of pet products made from organic or sustainable materials, such as hemp or even recycled PET bottles. Have a look round your house, there may be items you can recycle and use as toys for your pet. Rope is always a winner, as are blankets and pillows for a nice comfy bed!
Natural pet-care
It’s always a pain if your pet catches something you wish it wouldn’t, but you can make removing ticks and fleas easier on the environment, even if you can’t for yourself or your pet. Control products often contain toxic chemicals, so try to find some with natural ingredients. The same goes for shampoo and beauty products.
Feed your pet as you would yourself
The majority of traditional pet- food brands use low quality meat products that are often not considered fit for human consumption. Nutrition is very important in keeping your pet healthy and alert, so look for natural and organic pet foods. These are often certified and the meats used come from sustainable resources, with no added chemicals. If you have the time, you could even make up your own pet food.
Prevent unwanted babies!
A staggering number of unwanted pet babies are born every year, filling rescue centres or ending up homeless. Get your pet spayed or neutered to avoid this. If you’re looking for a new pet, why not see about adopting, rather than buying an energy-intensive pedigree breed.
Pets are not just for Christmas
Or Easter, or Summer for that matter. Make sure you actually want, and are prepared to look after, your new pet properly. Impulse buying often leads to unwanted pets being left to already stretched rescue centres, or being given cheaper, energy intensive pet products.
Offset that pet!
Regardless of how environmentally aware you are, your pet will still produce carbon. Consider using a carbon offset scheme to neutralise their emissions (not literally)!
There are numerous environmentally friendly pet products around, so next time you go shopping for your pet, check them out!
