Combine your love for your furry friends and the environment by investing in and practicing eco-friendly pet items and habits! Every pet parent knows how tempting it is to shower your pets with treats and toys, but some pet products cause harm to the environment. Non-biodegradable pet items end up in landfills when they are thrown away and will remain there for years. Pet owners can help promote sustainability by buying eco-friendly items and cleaning up after their pets in natural areas.

Shop Local

By buying pet products and food from local businesses and brands, you can help reduce travel distance and the amount of fuel needed to transport merchandise. This, along with purchasing second-hand pet products reduces your carbon “pawprint!”

Sustainable Bedding

Next time you’re buying your furry friend a new bed, look for one that is made with recycled, biodegradable, or biobased materials. Opt for beds with removable, washable covers as these tend to last longer.

DIY Pet Toys

Using recycled items in your household to make toys for your pets has several benefits! You save money, reduce waste, and your pet will be delighted to have a familiar item to play with.

DIY pet toys can be made from a variety of house items like old towels, dish rags, t-shirts, and boxes. A simple cat toy can be made by attaching a scrunched-up piece of old fabric to a stick with a piece of string.

Kitty Litter

Most cat litter brands use clay as their primary material, but these products contain sodium bentonite, a non-biodegradable material.

Luckily for cat owners, there are other options. Look for litter made with biodegradable products like sawdust shavings, walnut shells, or wheat.

Clean Up After Your Pet

Always carry biodegradable waste bags when you’re out with your pet in case they have to go to the bathroom. Be mindful of where you allow your pet to forage, and limit the amount of sticks and rocks your pet takes home.

Info from: https://www.rover.com/blog/eco-friendly-pet-parenthood/