We love our pets so much, and why wouldn’t we? The amount of love they give us every day is without comparison, and they are just so cute, it’s hard to resist. The benefits of having a pet continue from there, sometimes even changing how we think about climate change and protecting our planet.
The proof is in the numbers. According to PennLive, nearly 81% of pet parents acknowledged that taking care of their pets in an environmentally friendly way is important to them. If you feel the same, then try the tips below and make the world a better place with your furry friend.
A Healthy Environment Makes A Healthy Pet
In addition to providing constant companionship, our pets also make us feel better physically and mentally. Even the act of petting a dog can calm our heartbeat, ease potential anxiety, and help us to avoid the dangers of depression. Since pets are so good to us, shouldn’t we do the same for them? To be part of the solution, start with the environment around you.
For instance, when you are caring for your yard, do so with sustainable agriculture in mind. Basically, this is gardening and landscaping while thinking about how what we are doing affects the environment. Many pesticides that we use in our yards and gardens are dangerous for pets, especially those that include methoxychlor and pyrethroids, so opt for more natural pesticides, like those made from vegetable oils and garlic, so you can protect your plants and your pets.
Smart chemical usage is important indoors as well. Many common floor and multi-surface cleaning products contain harmful ingredients, including ammonia and bleach, that can irritate pets and burn their noses and throats if they lick the surface immediately after cleaning. Again, going with green cleaning products can avoid this issue and help the planet, and they are sold at most stores.
Conserving Food and Water
When you bring a pet into your home, you will inevitably use more water and spend more on food and pet products, but you can also conserve in this regard and provide the fluids they need without negatively impacting the environment.
When it comes to water usage, proper nourishment is key, but try to waste as little water as possible. You can do that by using a dry dog shampoo for their baths and by pouring unfinished water bowls onto the plants outside instead of pouring it down the drain. Also, many pets love to play in the water, so instead of pouring gallons of water into a kiddy pool, bring them to the local lake to play.
Your pet should also be fed properly without wasting excess food. A good start is investing in a smart feeder that always provides exactly the right portions. When we buy new products, including pet food, the manufacturer needs to make it, and that production process can create pollution. To avoid that scenario, consider making your own pet food, which you can do with ground chicken, spinach, and peas, among other delicious ingredients.
Sustainability When Out and About
Almost anything that you do with your pet can be done sustainably, so keep these tips in mind when you are out and about playing and caring for your dog.
When your pet makes a mess in the house or out at the park, skip the one-time-use bags that will be thrown out after each use and instead try reusable wipes or even a single reusable cloth that you can wash and use time and time again. If you want to be as eco-friendly as possible, you could avoid pre-packed solutions altogether and instead wrap up their messes in a large leaf and dispose of them.
Pet playtime can be just as sustainable when you invest in clean toys. There are many companies that you can turn to for these environmentally conscious toys, including West Paw, which constructs its products out of zogoflex, a non-toxic and fully recyclable material. Before you buy new toys, do your homework and avoid those that contain polyvinyl chloride and lead, which are harmful to our planet and your pets.
As you can see, there is a strong connection between pet ownership and sustainability, so if you never thought much about the environment, buying a cat or dog could change your perspective. Consider adopting a pet today and see how your life changes for the better.
