Action Tips: Green Up With Your Pet

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:

Spring Cleaning

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.

Water Works

Give your pet filtered tap water instead of bottled to drink. If you must use bottled, be sure to recycle.

The Power of Poop

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. And cat people, go for eco-friendly cat litters, avoiding brands with mined minerals.

Green Grooming

Use earth-friendly pet shampoos and grooming products whenever you can.

Garden of Delights

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.

Spot On

If your pet leaves a little dribble (or more) on the carpeting or floor, don’t reach for the bleach – use vinegar instead. It’s environmentally-friendly, acts as a great odor-remover, and can kill mold and bacteria. Remember, vinegar must be diluted correctly with water.

Cutting Back is Going Green

There are plenty of small ways to cut back on energy and materials.

1. Instead of using a blow dryer to dry your freshly bathed pet, towel- or air- dry her.
2. Walk your dog to the doggie park rather than driving there.
3. Cut down on paper products— clean up with rags or recycled paper towels.
4. Put the light and heating bulbs in your reptile and fish habitats on timers.

Green Goodies

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.

Bulk Up

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