You probably know all about how to green up your home and even your school, but do you know how to make your pet an environmentalist? Check out these ideas:
When your parents make you clean out your house, call your local shelters and ask if they need old towels, bedding, leashes, litter boxes and pet toys. They may even be looking for unused printers and computer monitors.
Give your pet filtered tap water instead of bottled to drink. And if you have to use bottled, be sure to recycle.
Scoop dog poop into biodegradable bags instead of the plastic ones from the grocery store. If you have a lawn, learn about doggie septic systems—they help keep your lawn free of smelly surprises and break waste down into a liquid the ground can absorb. Have a cat? Go for eco-friendly cat litters and avoid brands with mined minerals.
Use earth-friendly pet shampoos and grooming products whenever you can.
If you have space, grow your own garden for your reptiles and small mammals. Before using insecticides, take a look at mulching and other gardening practices that can help reduce the amount of chemicals that you’ll need.
If your pet leaves a little dribble (or more) on the carpeting or floor, don’t reach for the bleach – use vinegar instead. Its eco-friendly, acts as a great odor remover, and can kill mold and bacteria. Remember, vinegar must be diluted correctly with water.
There are plenty of small ways to cut back on energy and materials.
Make your own healthy dog biscuits and store them in reusable containers. If you purchase store-bought treats, buy them in cardboard packaging and be sure to recycle.
Buy pet supplies in bulk or the largest available size. You’ll make fewer trips to the store and cut down on packaging to put in landfills.
Source: ASPCA
