Top Tips for Going Green With Your Pet

Happy Earth Day! Do you have plans to celebrate with your pet? If we're all sharing this planet together, then we should work to make the Earth a better place for all of us - furry friends included. “Going green” and reducing your carbon footprint may seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. We've gone ahead and done some of the work for you by putting together a list of ways you can go green with your pet.

The Three R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

• Reduce unnecessary waste by purchasing certain pet items, such as kitty litter, in bulk. You'll drastically cut down on the amount of packaging that will end up in a landfill. Plus, less frequent car trips to the pet store means less harmful air pollution!
• Do you have an extra towel lying around? What about an old tennis ball? You'd be surprised what fun you can create when you reuse common household items. Get creative and repurpose ordinary objects into extraordinary new toys that your pet will love. Note: As with any toy, remember to supervise your pet while they play to ensure that the toys don’t fall apart and become a hazard.
• Many pet brands are coming around to the idea of green and natural products. You'll find that a lot of product packaging is now made from biodegradable and recycled materials too. Choosing these items over others on the store shelf is a small decision that can have a big impact on the environment.

Going Green Starts at Home

• Potty accidents happen, especially with a brand new puppy in the house. Instead of reaching for a store-bought toxic cleaner, try swapping out your usual cleaning products for safer and environmentally friendly alternatives. If you missed out on our last DIY article, you can find our recipes for concocting your own pet-friendly cleaners here. 
• The same goes for bath time. Switch up your pet's beauty routine with natural shampoos, conditioners, and soaps. They'll be much gentler than the chemical-laced products and less likely to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. You'll also avoid causing water pollution.
• Going out for a walk? Don't forget to pack biodegradable bags! They're a better solution for picking up dog waste than plastic bags since they will break down and allow for natural decomposition.  
• If you're a cat owner, try looking for eco-friendly kitty litter the next time you need to stock up.

Greener Giving

• Why let your pet's unused toys and supplies end up in a landfill when you can donate them? If your adult pet has outgrown their toys, consider giving them to a new pet owner or donate them to your local animal shelter.
• Do you have a bunch of old newspapers lying around? Before tossing them, you may consider donating them to a local pet shelter. They'll be used to line the crates and rooms that their furry residents stay in. Shelters are always in need of supplies and will be incredibly grateful for your generosity.

Going green with your pet doesn't have to be complicated or require a great deal of skill. We hope we've opened your eyes to the many ways you can reduce, reuse, and recycle your pet-related items.