It’s time to “paws” for a minute. You may have started to go green at home, choosing to reuse items, recycle more, buy locally grown and organic produce — but where does your four-legged companion fit into this equation? Is your pet’s carbon pawprint larger than your carbon footprint? With these six tips, you can introduce a more eco-friendly lifestyle to your favorite furball in no time! In doing so, you’ll be pampering her while also being kind to the environment.
6 Tips for an eco-friendly pet
Viva vinegar!
Inexpensive and non-toxic, vinegar is found in almost every kitchen, and among other uses, can be used to gently clean your pet’s ears, get rid of cat litter odor and give your pet’s coat a gleaming shine – naturally! There is no need to buy expensive and chemical-laden shampoos, cleaning agents, and odor removers when just a little bit of this common household item will work wonders to green your pet
Repurpose for your pet’s comfort
Don’t toss mismatched throw pillows or baby blankets that your child has outgrown. Instead, give your furry friend a comfortable place to relax and sleep using old comforters, pillows, and even the special pregnancy pillow stuffed in the back of the closet! Rover will love the new nest you’ve created by reusing items that might have ended up in the trash or taken to a local charity center. It’s an easy (and inexpensive) makeover for an eco-friendly pet product.
Refresh naturally
On the go with your pet? Earth Friendly Products has created biodegradable pet wipes that help to clean dirty paws or freshen up your pet’s coat while traveling. The eco-friendly pet wipes also help to naturally control dander that contributes to allergies. To learn more, visit www.ecos.com/petwipes.html.
Go organic for your eco-friendly pet
Choose wholesome, nutritious foods for your pet’s meals. Yes, it’s convenient to buy the oversized bag of dry food on the cheap, but your best pal deserves a sound meal with no added hormones, artificial ingredients and animal by-products. Choose organic, natural foods when possible, or if you are so inclined, cook for your pet! Remember, before processed foods for Fifi or Fido, there were table scraps and other home-cooked culinary delights for your pet’s enjoyment.
Put pet waste in its eco-place
Rather than reaching for a plastic bag to clean up after Rover while out on a walk, choose biodegradable waste bags instead. If you have a large yard, you may even choose to compost your dog’s poop – responsibly, of course! Take care not to combine the poop with the composting pile for your vegetable garden – you will want to use a separate, designated compost system for this purpose to reduce the risk of infection such as E. coli. A pet waste disposal system that makes it easy for anyone to create this safely in their yard is the Doggie Dooley – it’s compact and affordable, and can be found online. Visit www.doggiedooley.com to learn more.
Give your pet an earth-friendly toy
Don’t throw out old tennis balls, ropes, and stuffed animals no longer loved by your child – they can be your pet’s new favorite toy!
More eco-friendly pet tips
Green pet pampering
Eco-friendly pet practices
Sustainable pets
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