A lot of people feel that their pet is a part of their family. We want out pets to live a happy and healthy life. Caring for your pet in an environmentally friendly way is a great way to have a positive impact on the Earth. Green pet care can be easy and affordable, if you follow my six simple tips to reducing your pets environmental impact.
1- The Recycled Pet: Why buy a pet, when you can adopt one? There are over 70,000 puppies and kittens born in the United States every day. Give a pet from your local shelter, a second chance at a wonderful life. If you can't find your perfect match at your local shelter, choose a pet from one of more than 13,000 animal shelters across The United States at Petfinder. If you live a lifestyle that doesn't allow you the time, energy or finances to support a pet full time, consider renting a pet. That's right with services such as Flexpetz, people who are unable to have a pet full time can have local access to a variety of pets.
2- Remember to Spay or Neuter: Once you have selected and brought home your perfect pet, remember to schedule to have your pet spayed or neutered. With over 70,000 puppies and kittens being born each day, having your pet spayed or neutered is the responsible thing to do. The ASPCA has a searchable Spay/Neuter database, where you can find a low cost provider in your area.
3-Choose Sustainable Pet Goodies: When choosing toys for your pet, consider goodies made from recycled or upcycled materials and organic, sustainable fabrics and fibers. There are many fantastic pet collars, harnesses and leashes available in sustainable materials that will look adorable on your pet. You can find recycled ID tags to ensure that if your pet is ever lost, he will be quickly returned to you. There are even fantastic pet beds made using recycled plastic bottles or organic cotton. If you are crafty, you can make your own pet clothing and toys using scrap pieces of fabric or upcycling worn out pieces from your own wardrobe.
4- Dispose of Poop Properly: Pets create millions of tons of waste each year and most of that waste ends up in a landfill. The worst part, in most cases the waste is enclosed in a plastic bag first, making it virtually impossible for the waste to decompose. When you take your pup for a walk, remember to clean up the waste with biodegradable doggy bags and then dispose of it using a pet septic system.
5- Iron Pet Chef: If you want to know exactly what your pet is having for dinner, you can make your own pet food. However, if you don't want to become a pet chef, you can choose natural and organic pet food and snacks. Organic pet foods are made using meat and poultry that has been raised in a sustainable and humane way and that is natural and free from added ingredients that may be harmful to your pet and the environment.
6- Give Your Pet a Natural Bubble Bath: When caring for your pet, choosing pet care products that are free from harmful toxins is the best option. You wouldn't put chemical laden shampoos and body products on your body, so clean your pet with good, green products that are good for him and the Earth.
What steps do you take to green your pet? Leave your comments below.
Bunny Photo Via Flickr.
Wool Pet Toys Photo Via Flickr.
Gingerbread Dog Goodies Photo Via Flickr.
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