Jumping on the green bandwagon is not just a fad, it’s a way to raise a healthy and happy pet while helping out the environment. From toys and treats to bedding, collars and leashes, there are more eco-friendly pet products on the market than ever before. There are also several ways you can add recycling and composting to your pet-friendly green routine. Check out some of these tips to go green with your dog.
Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk cuts down on packaging as well as gas used to get to the store. You can purchase bulk food, treats and grooming products. Use large storage containers to keep bulk quantities of dry food fresh.
Choose Organic
Look for foods made from naturally raised meat or poultry that don’t contain added hormones, unnecessary preservatives or antibiotics. Choose shampoo and other grooming products made from natural materials such as herbal cleansers, vegetable oils and naturally derived fragrances. Most pet foods on the market contain animal byproducts produced in facilities that contribute large amounts of pollution to the environment. These producers also use pesticides and hormones, and they produce genetically engineered crops. All of these factors have a negative impact on the environment.
You can make dog food and treats by growing your own produce or by visiting local markets and choosing fresh vegetables and other whole food items. By making homemade dog food, you will know that your dog is eating healthy ingredients. You will also eliminate packaging materials and gas to go to the store. By making your own shampoo and grooming products, you won’t have to worry about harsh chemicals irritating your dog’s skin, eyes, nose and ears. Oatmeal, lavender essential oil and coconut oil are just a few of the natural ingredients that can be used to make dog shampoo, conditioner and detangling spray.
Compost Waste
Believe it or not, you can compost your dog’s doo-doo. You have to pick it up anyway, why not put it to good use? It is not suitable for a vegetable garden, but it is perfectly acceptable to put it anywhere else. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service has tips on how to properly compost dog waste. Use compostable doo-doo bags for even more convenience and green initiative.
Purchase Recyclable Supplies
Recycle those pet food cans and plastic containers. Purchase collars, leashes and pet supplies that are made from recycled materials and natural fibers like hemp. Plastic bottles are even used to produce collars and leashes. When you are house-training a new puppy, use washable puppy pads instead of the disposable kind.
Walk to the Store
Take care of two chores at once by walking your dog with you to the store. You’ll save on gas, you’ll get exercise and your dog will love the extra quality time. If you’re headed to a non-pet friendly store, bring a friend along to wait outside with your dog.
By adding some of these green tips into your pet care routine, you’ll help reduce your dog’s carbon footprint, or pawprint as the case may be, on the environment.