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8 Ways to Reduce Your Pet’s Environmental Footprint

8 Ways to Reduce Your Pet’s Environmental Footprint

8 Ways to Lower Your Pets Environmental Pawprint

Were a country for pet lovers. Ninety-eight million familiesAccording to the American Pet Products Association, 70% of American households have a pet. One hundred thirty-five million cats, dogs, and other amphibians, birds, rodents, rodents, and reptiles live in our homes. They bring joy to our daily lives.

We love our furry friends and family. But, just like us, they have needs. Environmental impact. Here are some ways to reduce the environmental pawprintYour animal companions.

1. Chow Down Sustainably

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Many of us look to our diets as a way of reducing our carbon footprint. We can make the most of our lifestyle choices to help the environment, as 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions are due to meat production. But What about our pets, though? 

About 15% of all meat-derived calories are found in the U.S. A quarter of these are consumed by cats or dogsThey would rank fifth in terms of meat consumption (and first in cuteness) if they were to be considered a country. It is responsible for a large portion of the deaths from pet food made from meat. 64 million tonnes of greenhouse gases every yearAccording to Gregory Okin, a UCLA geographer, this is equivalent to 13 million cars’ annual emissions. It is possible to bring our pets along on a plant-based journey. 

Dogs are naturally scavengers. They can easily transition to a well-balanced, planned vegetarian (or vegan) lifestyle. You might think about introducing a pet nutritionist to your dog’s diet after researching their needs. Switching to plant-based pet foodYou can gradually incorporate them into your existing eating habits, eventually replacing all meat-based meals. 

A common reason to reject a plant-based diet is concern about how much protein your dog will ingest. Dr. Jennifer Coates found that dogs need to eat a proper vegan or vegetarian diet. Ample protein and adequate levels of amino acids(The building blocks that allow the body to make its own proteins). Pet owners can choose foods with lower levels of animal proteins and more. plant-based protein alternativesIt is also worth noting, that all of the protein humans need can be obtained from plant-based sources.

These companies are some of the ones that are looking into these. Alternative plant-based sources for protein, Wild EarthTheir products are made with marine algae, yeast, and a umami-flavored mushroom called Koji. Chippin is trying a different approach. Chippin is taking a different approach to protein. The company uses crickets as a protein source, which millions of people, many of them from East Asian countries, rely on. 

If your pooch is not able or willing to eat vegan- or vegetarianism, you can opt for lower-impact meats like chicken. Some pet food also uses animal products that would otherwise be thrown away, like organ meat and bone meal.

Cats are obligate meat-eaters, which means they cannot produce certain proteins such as taurine. It is not healthy to change their diet to exclude meat. Cat owners can opt to feed their cats pet food brands with higher animal welfare standards, or only use cat food. MSC-certified fish

All pets, not just dogs and cats.To reduce plastic waste, choose food that is recyclable or bulk-purchase. Terracycle non-recyclable packaging. If you are really dedicated, then try Simple meals and treats can be prepared for your pet.At home

2. Non-Toxic Grooming & Pest Prevention

Unnatural dyes, sulfates and phthalates that we avoid in our personal products are also common in pets. Many of these unnatural ingredients end up in waterways and can cause damage to wildlife. 

Greenwashing can be a problem with pet products. We are careful about choosing shampoos and deodorants that are not organic. Do your research to find the best products for your pet. For dogs, try Castle Baths, or EthiqueShampoo, conditioner, soap bars to minimize waste Both cats and dogs will love this recipe. WysongBath time, and products Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve CompanyFor all types of furry pets, ferrets and guinea-pigs.

Start with non-toxic measures to prevent pests. This includes frequent hot water baths, regular grooming, and vacuuming your house regularly. Flea collars containing the pesticides tetrachlorvinphos (propoxur), permethrin, and amitraz should be avoided unless you need to take more serious measures. Nontoxic products such asPest Peeve Flea PreventionThese products are safer for the environment, your pet and your children. Check out the Directory of better tick and flea products from the NRDC.

3. Take care of your business 

It is estimated that Pet poopMaryland’s total waste is equal to Maryland’s annual average, but it can be reduced if you take the time to properly dispose of it.

To avoid sodium bentonite clay (which is often extracted by strip mining, which can cause soil erosion and groundwater pollution), when you buy cat litter, make sure to read the ingredient labels. You can also substitute regular litter with shredded newspaper, sawdust or other compostable materials. However, Do not flush cat poo down your toiletThe NRDC warns that they should not be kept indoors unless they have been tested negative for toxoplasmosis. It may seem better to throw your cat’s waste in the trash, but sewage systems can’t handle parasites specific to cat waste. 

Dog poop is not only unwelcome on the sidewalk but also contains pathogens and nutrients that can get into waterways and cause rapid growth of smelly algae. Always bring bags when you go on walks. Properly dispose of all waste. Biodegradable toilet paper bags are similar to compostable dishware. However, they will not decompose in sealed landfills without oxygen. Instead of buying those little green bags, recycle plastic bags from newspapers and produce. Or, look for bags made out of other materials, such as vegetable starches. 

The EPA says that pet waste from meat-eating animals cannot be put in the compost in the same way as meat scraps from your kitchen. Dog poop should not be left in the yard. According to the EPA, pet owners can allow their pets to eat. Unbagged dog poop can be flushed down the toiletPlace it in a yard far away from your home and garden, at least 12 inches below its surface. If you live in a place that organizes trash pickup, you can throw it away. Programs for composting pet waste, like San Francisco.

Small herbivorous pets such as rabbits, birds, and guineas pigs have harmless poo. This poo can be added to your compost heap without any worries, provided that their bedding is compostable.

4. CrafToys for ty

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It is possible that your cat will be more interested in the cardboard box it came with than the cat tree you bought. It is important to Keep your pets entertained and activeThey won’t, but they will notice the difference. You can even make your own toys! You can make a pull toy for your dog out of old tee-shirts or a chew toy out of an old water bottle. Or you can get creative and sew your own toys from fabric from old clothing and blankets. 

Look for toys that are made from recycled or recyclable materials when shopping for new toys. fun ballsFor small rabbits, chinchillas and guinea-pigs to chew on. 

5. Buy Used

Pets require all types of gear: clothes and shoes, tanks, cages and cages, lights, complex indoor habitats, lights, and so forth. You may be able to save money and time by buying used items instead of buying new. You can search yard sales, thrift shops, and online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace, Mercari and eBay for what you need. 

6. Be aware of wildlife

To avoid any unfortunate encounters with wildlife, keep your dog on a leash if they are known to chase squirrels or rabbits. 

Cats are the main culprit for animal attacks. Although they may be cuddly and cute inside, they are designed to hunt. This is evident when they use the red lasers at playtime to practice their hunting skills. 

Cats kill approximately Every year, 12.3 billion mammals and 2.4 billion birds are killed.According to the American Bird Conservancy and are directly responsible of the extinction 33 bird species. These numbers are compared to the Wind turbines are responsible for 700,000 bird deaths annuallyIt is clear why the International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed cats as one of its endangered species. World’s most dangerous non-native invasive species.

It is best to keep cats indoors in order to prevent the deaths and disruption of global ecosystems. Our companions might have come from wild outdoor cats, but domestication has drastically increased their numbers making their presence outdoors unsafe and unnatural. You can give your cat access outdoors by creating a screened-in area. catio,Leash them up and take them on a walk (or more likely, a snooze) 

If you decide to let your cat out in the wild, don’t let them out at night when wildlife is most active. Tie a bell to their collar to alert wildlife of their approach. A 2013 experiment by avian ecologist Susan Willson found that Cats killed 19x as many birds as they did with birdsIn the spring, with a bell-laden neck. 

7. Adopt, Don’t Shop

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You are thinking about adding a companion animal to your family. There are many animals that need loving and caring owners. According to the Humane Society of America, 6-8 million cats and dogs are placed in shelters every year in the U.S., but only half of them are adopted. A breeder can only sell pets to people, which will lead to pet overpopulation. Many animals come from Breeding facilitiesAlso, they may have health problems or are forced to live in unhealthy conditions for the sake of profit. 

8. Spay and Neuter

Spaying and neutering pets can help reduce pet overpopulation. Many animals live longer. According to the Humane Society, male dogs who have been altered live between 18% to 23% longer and cats between 39% and 62%. They are less likely to develop cancer and have aggressive behavior.

Linnea graduated in 2019 from Skidmore College with a Bachelors in English and Environmental Studies. She now lives in Brooklyn, New York. In addition to her current position at Hunger Free America, Linnea has also interned at Saratoga Living Magazine, the Sierra Club in Washington, DC, and Philadelphia’s NPR Member Station, WHYY.

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