Want To Start Out Slow?
Here Are Some Tips and Tricks!
As we have learned throughout the informaiton provided on this site, pets have a negative impact on our environment. There are various things that you as a pet owner can do to decrease their footprint. Bellow are some steps to get you started as an eco pet parent
Avoid Overbuying Pet Products
As a pet parent it is completly normal to want your pet to have the best products. Although you may want to spoil your furry friend with lots of toys, food, and beds, it is not the best for the environment. Buying more and more pet products produces more waste.
Even when buying eco-friendly pet products you should keep in mind what your pet really needs. Instead of buying one by one you can order products in bulk. This in turn will decrease packaging and carbon emissions of you driving to the store and save money in the long run.
If you are someone that is an impulsive buyer when it comes to your pets, a best practice is going into the store with a list. This is a way to stop overbuying and overspending, reducing waste.
Get Rid of Waste Properly
Our pets waste contribute to a negative environmental impact. Because our pets can't clean up after themselves it is our responsibility. Even if you believe that leaving your pets potty behind, it has many chemicals.
If you have a cat it is important to look at the ingredients in their litter. Many litters have chemicals in them that can be bad for your kitty or yourself. An alternative for both cats and dogs is compostable products.
Choose Eco-Friendly Pet Food
Your pets diets are also another big problem for sustianability. Not only do our pets release a lot of carbon emissions while eating meat, the supply chain is an even bigger problem. There is also the possibility of unethical sourcing of pet food.
To stray from these unsustainable ways it is best to become more knowledgable about the sourcing of your pet foods. Many premium pet foods are likely to transparently display information of their sustainability.
Don't Overfeed Your Pet
As simple as this may sound, this is relevant for taking care of your pets sustainability. There are clear health challenges that overfeeding can lead to including obesity which can turn into diabetes and more. So rather than feeding your pets more than their bodies need, serve them what they do need. In the long run this will also save you money.
Whether that money be spent on food or vet bills you are saving money in the future. You can also consult your vet to figure out the right diet requirements and proportions for your pet.
Use Natural Cleaning Supplies
We can't necessarily control the messes our animals make. However, we can choose what we use to clean up after them. Instead of using the normal chemical filled cleaners, try out natural zero-waste cleaning supplies. Toxic ingredients in cleaning supplies can seep into carpets, sofas, and other furniture, which when breathed in can cause health problems.
Get Creative with Toys and Accessories
Many of your pets toys, accessories, and beds are made out of synthetic materials. A lot of the time your pets, dogs in particular, will have toys that they will chew on till they are just scraps. When this happens we just throw away those plastics, but they do not decompose.
To start a sustainable lifestyle with your pet you can DIY their toys. One example is just a basic cardboard box for your pets to play with. You can also purchase toys and accessories that are made of recycled or repurposed items.
Groom Your Pets Regularly
Regularly grooming your pets will help to prevent fleas and ticks as part of your sustainable pet care routine. This also includes washing their beds to ensure their spaces are clean. Using non-toxic shampoos and soaps is also an important key to sustainable grooming. This prevents chemicals from seeping into your pets skin and our water ways.
