Given the role of our pets in our family, it's no surprise that they can have a big impact on the environment. Fortunately, we can make smarter choices about how we care for our pets and reduce their carbon pawprints. Below are a few tips to consider:
  1. Use biodegradeable bags for pet waste. They cost a bit more, but they will disintegrate in landfills and the waste will be absorbed back into the earth.

  2. Reuse all the bags you would otherwise throw away, such as bags from fast food, newspapers, cereal, chips, bread, etc. You'll be surprised how many bags are reusable for pet waste!

  3. Recycle the bags and boxes in which your pet supplies are packaged.

  4. Use flushable or organic kitty litter. Clay-based kitty litters do not biodegrade in landfills. Litters made of recycled newspaper or flushable kitty litter made from organic materials, such as wheat, disintegrate naturally into the earth. (When in doubt, check the label!)

  5. Choose bedding made from recycled materials. Several brands use a material spun from recycled plastic beverage bottles as their stuffing.

  6. Purchase all-natural pet foods. Select pet foods that do not contain animal byproducts, chicken meal, rendered meat, or protein sources that contain growth hormones or antibiotics.

  7. Recycle your gently used pet supplies by donating them to your local shelter.

  8. Neuter your pet and choose adoption. Nothing does more to protect the environment than reducing the number of homeless animals that need care and consume resources.
Don't be overwhelmed! Every little bit helps, so just pick one thing that's easy for you and it will add up!

Visit the experts!

ASPCA
Planet Green


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