Tips to Turn Your Pet Into an Eco-Conscious Companion
Attention All Pet Lovers!
Over 71 million households across America own at least one pet, and even in this economy, pet owners are still spending big bucks on them. Americans will drop an estimated $45.4 billion on their pets this year compared to the $43.2 billion spent in 2008, according to the American Pets Products Association National Pet Owners Survey. From food to toys and even clothes, owners will buy pretty much anything for their pets. And why wouldn’t they? Most pet lovers consider pets a part of their family, some even consider them children. They bring joy and unconditional love into our lives, so spending hundreds to thousands of dollars a year on our priceless friends is a sacrifice we are willing to make. Many of us aren’t afraid to point out similarities between ourselves and our pets, so as you are heading down the Green road, why don’t you take your pet along for the ride?
Green Tips for Pets
To keep your pets healthy and happy while helping the environment, follow these simple green tips:
· Dinnertime- According to the FDA,more than 100 brands of pet food were voluntarily recalled in 2007 due to reports that there were toxins in wheat gluten (an ingredient in pet food) from China. After this nationwide recall, many pet owners doubted the quality of commercial pet food and sought other options. Fortunately for pet owners, there are many pet food choices that can be found in your local pet store or in your kitchen.
1. Buy food free from by-products, meals, and artificial preservatives. Natural and certified organic pet food are choices that more and more pet owners are moving toward. According to the Organic Trade Association (OTA), organic pet food, the fastest growing non-food organic category, grew almost 36.7% in recent years. Certified organic pet foods are free of pesticides, artificial ingredients, unnecessary fillers, sewage, antibiotics, by-products and meal while helping the environment at the same time.See this chart for differences between commercial, natural, and organic pet food.
2. Make your own pet food. Homemade pet food, if done correctly, is another option to keep your pet healthy and safe. But before you begin cooking, make sure to consult your veterinarian to discuss your pet’s dietary needs. A combination of meat, vegetables, eggs, and starch (pasta, rice, oatmeal) provides dogs with a balanced diet full of the necessary vitamins and nutrients. A combination of meat, eggs, and vitamins is a balanced diet for your carnivorous cat.
3. Buy non-toxic pet bowls. Certain plastic bowls can emit toxins like BPA and phthalates into your pet’s food and water supply. According to SCGH’s “The Rubber Ducky Chemical” article, studies in humans and rats revealed that exposure to certain phthalates can increase the risk of cancer. Choose bowls made from ceramic, stainless steel, porcelain, or even sugarcane that are safer than plastic.
Playtime – It’s no surprise that pets love to play with toys. Toys spend a majority of their time in your pet’s mouth, so be careful when choosing a toy.
The FDA warns owners to beware of toys that could potentially be choking hazards. Always buy toys that are appropriately-sized and durable for your pet breed. A mini tennis ball suited for a Yorkshire Terrier is not meant for a Golden Retriever to play with.
Avoid buying colorful plastic toys. If a child’s toy is not safe from high levels of lead, why would your pet’s plastic toy be any safer? A study conducted by researchers for ConsumerAffairs.com found high levels of lead and other toxins including phthalates in some pet toys made in China.
Buy eco-friendly pet toys. Look for toys made from sustainable, recycled, organic, or natural materials that are non-toxic for your pets. The Earth will thank you for reducing your pet’s carbon “pawprint”.
· Clean up after your pet- After your pet goes to the bathroom, what do you do?
Don’t throw away your dog’s waste in plastic bags that do not biodegrade and pile up in landfills. Be green by sending your dog’s waste down the septic system. If you don’t want to handle the waste, buy water-soluble or biodegradable bags that are safe to flush down the toilet. Another green option when dealing with waste is to compost it with your own store-bought or homemade dog waste composter. However, if you choose this option, make sure you compost a good distance away from storm drains and plants to prevent toxins from seeping into your water supply.
Unlike dog waste, cat waste should not be flushed down the toilet. Researchers at the University of Glamorgan, located in the U.K, found cat feces to host a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii that when flushed down the toilet seeps into water sources and oceans where they infect marine life such as dolphins, sea otters, and whales. Also, when choosing kitty litter avoid clumping clay litter. Clay kitty litter is usually made from strip-mined clay which involves heavy machinery stripping away the top layer of the Earth to collect clay below. Another problem with clay litter is the presence of sodium bentonite.According to Oregon Toxics Alliance (OTA), sodium bentonite, a clay chemical known for its absorbing power,can expand in your cat’s body if ingested. Choose kitty litter made from natural ingredients like pine shavings, sawdust, plant or straw pellets, ground corn cobs, and even recycled newspaper which are reasonably priced at your local grocery or pet store. You can also compost your kitty litter with or without a biodegradable bag which will prevent harmful bacteria from seeping into water sources and landfills. Before you compost your cat’s waste, make sure you use kitty litter that is compost-friendly which can be determined by reading the label or by using natural products like pine shavings.
· Create a healthy environment for your pets- Most pets can’t tell you to vacuum everyday, to stop cooking with non-stick pans or to stop using harmful cleaning sprays in the house. Their environment is what you make for them.
In 2008, the Environmental Working Group released a study conducted by scientists that found pets to have higher levels of toxins in their bodies than humans. They found 48 different toxins in pets, including chemicals released from non-stick pans and metal, phthalates from plastic bowls and toys, and toxins from fire retardants in bedding, furniture, house dust, and food. The same study found that dogs have a higher risk of getting cancer, cats can now get thyroid disease, and behavioral and reproductive problems can occur from the increased level of toxins in their bodies.
By green cleaning your house regularly, washing your pet’s bedding and dishes, following the advice in this article, and ultimately creating a green home environment Sierra Club Green Home would be proud of, you and your pet will be healthier and happier.
For more information:
September 23rd, 2009 at 12:42 pm
I absolutely adore my pets like they are my children, and I really enjoy this article because people should do what they can to keep their pets healthy and happy.
October 16th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
How green is dog food?
October 21st, 2009 at 5:42 pm
I agree Sarah, great post
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Lorne,
You would be shocked if you knew what went in to pet food. It’s so gross. Anything imaginable ends up in there. That’s why it’s important to give your pets eco-friendly, organic, all natural options.
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:02 pm
I’ll definitely check that out. Thanks!
November 3rd, 2009 at 5:40 pm
This is a really great article. I think that just because most pets will eat anything doesn’t mean you should give them just anything! I mean, you could imagine what would happen to us if we ate tasty fast food everyday (if you saw “Supersize Me” you don’t have to imagine). That’s what will happen to pets if we feed them all the tasty – yet unhealthy – food they love. It’s important to treat them with things other than an unhealthy lifestyle.
November 6th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
What a nice article. I have two dogs in my home and i consider them family, although i feel bad for those who have to give away their pets due to this economy, i am lucky enough to be able to take care of my furry friends. I try to give them the best, so i make food for them from scratch. they seem happier which makes me happier as well.
November 6th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
After the whole pet food recall, I was worried about what my pets were eating. I went online and researched a little and found some of the grossest things you could think of in pet food. That’s why i buy all natural, organic food.
November 11th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
In these hard times, it’s hard just to feed your own self. How can some people manage to afford good quality food for their dogs as well? Pet food companies should offer good quality food always, instead of making crap.
December 9th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
I’m pretty sure that these pictures are the cutest I’ve ever seen.
December 9th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
I really like this article. I’m so interested in living a green lifestyle, and that goes with the way I take care of my pets as well. Thanks for all the advice.
December 15th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
how cute! but the greenest thing you an do for your pet is having them fixed!
January 11th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Is it really beneficial to feed your pets organic pet food or is it worth it to just supplement regular pet food with organic leftovers like veggies, etc.?
January 11th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
too bad many people don’t give a crap for animals and mistreat them! but, i guess many are becoming more aware of animal rights and care taking. idk….
January 11th, 2010 at 6:00 pm
you are what you eat… and that goes for pets too. when my pets live a healthy lifestyle i can see it on their fur and teeth, etc.
January 11th, 2010 at 6:01 pm
My dad was a sustainable hippie way before it was cool! And he always cared so much for his pets and his two cats, Izzy & Fay, lived to be 10 and 16!
November 3rd, 2010 at 8:55 am
Devils advocate here: Pets and children make up the biggest carbon footprints. Am I saying to just not have them? No way! But if you’re going to and are concerned about your environmental impact, then think ahead and start making changes right away! (And I have a dog) lol
March 26th, 2013 at 4:16 pm
[...] Buy non-toxic pet toys, bedding, and supplies for your pet to use and enjoy. [...]