How To Reduce Your Pet’s Impact On The Environment

Having originated in the States in 1970, Earth Day has become a global movement for environmental protection that can be celebrated by all of Earth’s residents, including the furry ones.

Most pet owners are by their very nature, somewhat environmentally aware. However, it may come as a shock to many pet owners just how much of a carbon pawprint our furry friends make on a daily basis, resulting in a surprisingly negative impact on the earth. We have already highlighted the ways in which you can become an eco-friendly pet owner in 2020, but here is a Earth Day recap to keep us all in check. 

Reduce, reuse, recycle

The good news is that we can all work to reduce this by making small changes to our everyday habits. Making informed choices when it comes to selecting your pet products is a great way to start. Reading labels and understanding exactly what you are buying, considering the packaging choices of your suppliers and generally consuming less. Does your dog really need that tenth outfit or new plastic toy? Choose pet products that are made to last, and better still, choose suppliers that are making pet products from recycled plastic itself, when you can.

Donating all your used pet supplies, such as bedding, blankets, bowls, toys and coats to a rescue shelter (if in a reasonable condition to do so), will reduce the need for new materials and help reduce landfill. 

Reusing plastic household bags and packaging as poop bags will reduce your weekly plastic bag usage significantly over time. 

Opt for natural pet health

Pets are much loved members of the family, so it’s not often you see pet owners scrimping on nutrition at the risk of a pet’s health. Overfeeding your pet a meat diet, in particular beef, can take its toll on the environment and result in your pet being fed more than they actually need. 

Look for sustainable and ethical pet food brands, such as Lily’s Kitchen as alternatives. These brands put animal welfare and the environment at the heart of what they offer, and their ingredients are often organic too. Their packaging is well considered and many items can be delivered directly to your door. 

Spay and neuter

A staggering 8million pets are euthanised annually due to overpopulation. By spaying and neutering your pet, you eliminate the unwanted ones and reduce the carbon footprint of additional animals. 

There are so many small tasks that we can do at home to help protect our earthly resources. What are you doing to help restore the balance?