We’re all becoming more aware of the environment and the amount of waste we produce. Reusable coffee cups are flying off the shelves, cafes are offering lower prices for people using them and we’re hearing more and more people turn down plastic straws. Research suggests that one medium sized dog has the same sized carbon footprint as a large SUV so maybe it’s time to start considering how we can become more sustainable pet owners too!
Poop!
Pets produce a lot of it. It’s arguably the worst thing about being a pet owner; the constant cycle of picking up your pet’s poop. It’s estimated that between 500 billion and 1 trillion plastic bags are discarded every year worldwide. If you’re a dog owner, switch to biodegradable bags to stop contributing to that alarming number. Bags such as Biome poo bags break down within 45 days, rather than the hundreds of years it can take for traditional bags to degrade. If you want to go one step further, install a DIY pet poo composter in your garden for less than $30! Just make sure you plant it away from your veggies to avoid any contamination of food. Scoop up the poop in your garden and deposit it in the composter where it will be broken down and will feed your plants! If you’re a cat owner, you could also consider trying an environmentally friendly litter such as recycled paper, pine or grain based litter.
Food
Pet food comes in bags, cans and boxes; all of which are thrown away afterwards. It is possible to make your pet’s food at home and reduce the packaging you use by 100%. Dogs and cats both need a carefully balanced diet and this can be a daunting prospect for many owners. Instead, let’s try something more realistic. Why not commit to only feeding your pet homemade treats? Make your own doggy biscuits, feed your dog veggies as a treat and try out frozen treats on warm days and cut out packaging from treats completely.
Adopt Don’t Shop
When you adopt a pet, it’s no exaggeration to say that you are likely saving a life, or even more than one. You’re not only saving your new family member by giving them a home but also freeing up a space in the shelter to allow them to save another animal. Adopting is the gift that keeps on giving! Rescue animals can often have an unfair reputation. Not all rescue animals are damaged and aggressive – some have just had an unlucky start to life but you could be their lucky break! Shelter animals have been thoroughly vet checked, treated and had behavioural assessments to make sure they can be perfectly matched with the right family for them – that’s way more than your average pet shop does! If you’re looking to add a new furry member to your family, take a look at your local shelter – the perfect pet may be waiting for you!
