Green Living Tips: The Animal Lover

Get in a groove for going green with this month’s post for The Animal Lover — the first in a series made for all kinds of people with all kinds of passions. From foodies to fashionistas, we’ll share posts with sustainability tips to help you live a green lifestyle while pursuing your passion.

Being a pet parent comes with a lot of responsibility, but how do you make sure you're caring for your pet and your planet? We have eco-friendly tips to care for your precious pal in greener ways.

Prevent overpopulation

According to the ASPCA, about 6.5 million companion animals enter shelters every year. Spaying or neutering your pet can help. More strays on the streets disrupt the surrounding ecosystems and promote the spread of diseases, such as rabies.

Make planet-friendly pet purchases

For toys, supplies and everything in between, be sure you’re choosing sustainable products that are good for your pet and good for the planet.

Bedding, carriers and leashes can be wise for the planet, so try to buy products made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials.

You can find cat litter made with biodegradable materials or natural ingredients like corn, grass and recycled newspaper.

Fabulous food for the future

Make mealtime worry-free by including nutrient-rich foods from natural or organic ingredients. And the less meat the better, so you don’t contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Groom the green way

To make your furball fluffy and clean, say no to chemical ingredients. Grooming products made from sustainably sourced ingredients are the way to go. Check out shops like Wondercide. It offers safe, naturally derived pet-care products with no harsh chemicals.

Pick up the poo

Dog waste can pollute water sources and carry disease, so it’s important to pick up after your pooch. Just be sure to use biodegradable bags.

Donate

When that spring-cleaning itch comes along, don’t trash unwanted or unused pet supplies. Instead, get in touch with a shelter, rescue group or veterinary clinic so that your furry mate can help another pet in need.

Ready for the next blog in our sustainability series? If you love to be one with the planet, you’ll want to come back to see next month’s post on how The Outdoor Enthusiast can take caring for the environment to higher levels. From geologists to backpacking junkies, we can help you set your compass in an eco-friendly direction.