With recent studies showing that our pets can produce a larger carbon footprint than our SUVs, eco- minded pet owners have been searching for ways for taking care of the family pet, while offsetting their pets’ “carbon pawprints.” There is a wide array of eco friendly pet products available on the market today. That is great news and makes the choice to raise eco friendly pets much easier. A general rule of thumb is that the ways in which humans can act responsibly toward the environment, can also be shared by the four-legged members of our household. Making the choice to “go green” for your pets has many benefits. In addition to reducing the impact of our pet on the environment, we also have to consider greening our routine for their health.
In a world where it’s difficult to avoid toxins and pollutants, a lot of us make green choices for our families. But did you ever stop to think about green choices your pets? The upsetting truth is that your pets are as susceptible to irritation and illness from environmental toxins as you are. In fact, the Environmental Working Group recently discovered that household pets are displaying higher levels of toxic contamination than people. Their study investigated the extent of exposure that pets face with contaminants in our homes and the outdoors, and the results were alarming. All of these toxins can leave you with one sick puppy. The pollutants that are finding their way into our homes can cause cancer, allergies, and other illnesses. But don’t despair! Here are some easy earth friendly pet care tips and products to protect your pets from the chemicals that are all around us.
10 Tips On Earth Friendly Products For Pet Owners
There is a growing demand for eco-friendly pet products as more people become environmentally conscious. Here are some eco-friendly options for various pet products:
1. Eco Friendly Pet Beds
Wonderful eco pet beds can be found that utilize recyclable or sustainable products. For example, they might have covers made out of eco-friendly woven hemp and filling made from shredded plastic soda bottles. Companies will often volunteer to recycle these pet beds for you once they are ready to be thrown away.
2. Eco Friendly Poop Bags And Pet Accessories
Most commercial leashes and collars on the market are primarily made out of nylon, which is a petroleum-based product. Eco-friendly alternatives can be found which are made of woven hemp, recycled plastic, and bamboo. With morning and afternoon walks a necessary part of your dog’s day, it is nice to know that companies also offer a range of biodegradable waste bags for the inevitable walk time clean-up.
3. Eco Friendly Pet Food
With dogs averaging almost a pound of meat per day in consumption, any eco-friendly alternatives can go a long way toward helping the environment. Many manufacturers offer organic, sustainably- sourced dog food and organic dog treats. With the demand for such products rising, more mainstream companies are beginning to produce better alternatives to traditional pet foods. Many of these more eco-freindly, healthier choices can be found conveniently in the local supermarket.
If you’ve ever read the label of your dog’s favorite food, it’s likely you were surprised by the number of ingredients used. You might not even have recognized some of them. To protect your pets, brush up on the basics of natural pet foods. Try to choose foods without chemical preservatives. Certified organic and free-range pet food is guaranteed to be free from hormones, chemicals, genetically-modified ingredients and artificial flavors and colorings. Organic pet food also tends to be sustainably sourced. Therefore, you will be helping the environment too with this green pet care choice.
4. Organic Pet Shampoos
Nobody likes pooches that smell, but some of the shampoos and treatments that we use on our pets can do more harm than good. Grooming products and flea repellents are often a source of toxic exposure for your pet and your family, causing allergies and illness. There are plenty of natural options available for both bathing and getting rid of fleas that will do the job just as well. Sites like Native Remedies offer pet products that won’t bring more toxins into your home. Pets can also benefit from the wide range of organic shampoos and cleaning products available. Herbal blends can be quite effective in washing away everyday grime and in discouraging fleas, ticks, and other pests.
5. Eco Friendly Pet Toys
There is also a wide range of eco-friendly dog toys available. Made from recycled tires, plastic, and rubber, as well as from sustainably sourced hemp and wool, your dog will have a choice of dog toy products that are both fun and environmentally-responsible.
6. Green Your Pet’s Environment
Detoxifying your home is great for pet health. Replacing older foam pet bedding (which can contain harmful flame retardants) and vacuuming often can minimize your pet’s exposure to toxins. Try not to use stain-proofing treatments on couches and carpets – they’re loaded with toxic chemicals. Also, avoid using insecticides when you’re caring for your lawn. These contain chemicals that can cause nervous system damage in pets.
7. Adopt A Pet From Your Local Shelter
Perhaps the most impactful choice pet owners can make in raising “green” pets is to adopt a rescue pet from the local shelter. While this choice may not be for everyone, shelter pets can make wonderful additions to your family. Shelters do a great job at ensuring that all the dogs and cats are “fixed”, AKA neutered or spayed. This also helps to reduce the number of homeless animals.
8. Recycled and Sustainable Toys
Opt for pet toys made from recycled materials or sustainable resources. There are toys made from recycled rubber, hemp, and other environmentally friendly materials.
9. Bamboo or Hemp Collars and Leashes
Consider collars and leashes made from bamboo or hemp instead of traditional nylon. These materials are more sustainable and biodegradable.
10. Eco-Friendly Packaging
Pay attention to the packaging of pet products. Choose items that use minimal packaging or packaging made from recycled materials.
Conclusion
By making conscious choices in the products you purchase for your pets, you can contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. Wherever you find your pet supplies, look for the earth friendly products. The range of eco friendly pet items that help you responsibly raise and care for your pet will continue to expand as consumer demand rises. Whether you have made the choice to go green a long time ago, or are just starting out now, it is a great thing to do! Ensuring your pet is part of your eco-friendly lifestyle is becoming much easier as time goes by. What are your best eco friendly pet tips?
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