You may have started to wonder how your pet’s daily routine is affecting the environment. Luckily, becoming a more sustainable pet owner is simple, accessible, and effective. We’re uncovering 5 environmentally-friendly tips that you can try in your daily routine as a pet owner.
Make Your Own Sustainable Pet Food
It turns out that most store-bought pet foods have additives that are primarily added to foods to help maintain freshness, smell, shape, and flavor. This isn’t necessarily needed for your pet’s food to be considered healthy, safe, or nutritious. As an alternative, making your pet’s food at home with fresh ingredients can help cut down on costs and be better for your pet’s overall health.
Consult with your veterinarian for tips and tricks they recommend when starting a raw or homemade diet for your pet.
Properly Dispose of Pet Waste
Whether you own a cat, dog, or another pet that frequently leaves waste behind, it’s standard practice to properly dispose of your pet’s waste. Pet waste can be harmful to the environment due to the disease-causing bacteria, which can spread if not disposed of properly. With new innovations constantly popping up, there are many stores that carry biodegradable cat litter and compostable waste bags, among other earth-friendly recyclable and compostable products.
Buy Eco-Friendly Pet Toys and Products
Every pet owner will grow accustomed to having several dozen toys and a few cozy pet beds for their furry companion. Nowadays, it’s best to avoid plastic, vinyl, and cheap toy bundles, as most of them contain harmful chemicals that are not only bad for the environment but bad for your pet’s health.
Donate Old Pet Toys and Products
Our first instinct to help clean up around the house that has a pet is to throw away unplayed-with toys, toys that are destroyed, collars or pet clothes, items your pet never took an interest in, or even get rid of food/treats your pet doesn’t like. Before you head to the garbage can, consider donating any old toys, pet products, or unexpired food/treats to a local animal shelter or animal organization. These types of items can always be repurposed and put to good use outside of your household.
Adopt a Pet Instead of Going to a Breeder
If you are not yet a pet owner but have been entertaining the idea of getting a pet, or you’re looking to welcome a new furry member, consider an animal shelter or rescue adoption instead of a breeder. While breeders are a great choice for those looking for a specific animal breed, it can increase the overpopulation of unadopted and homeless animals.
