With spring’s blossoms inspiring us, April is a wonderful time to make a positive change in how we treat the environment. Celebrate Earth Day (April 22) with some green products that can make our world better for our pets and Planet Earth.
1. Pet Beds Made of Plastic Bottles
Look for pet beds made out of repurposed materials, such as plastic bottles. Think a pet bed stuffed with plastic bottles would be uncomfortable? Well, not when those plastic bottles have been cleaned, cut, spun and fluffed, as is several brands of re-engineered polymer material. Just as snuggly, but twice as earth-friendly!
2. Natural Toys
No more plastic porkchops. Today you can find a wide variety of natural and toxic-free pet toys made of materials such as repurposed fire hoses, recycled fleece, hemp, wool, bamboo, undyed or naturally-dyed cotton, and other natural fibers. Using recycled material helps, because it diverts such products from landfills.
3. Organic Pet Food and Treats
Quality pet food is not only healthy for Princess and Fluffy, but healthy for the environment as well. Look for food that is natural, human-grade, and made without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Yummy ingredients may include free range poultry, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, apple, blueberries, and organic grains.
4. Better Bedding and Litter
Did you know that 1.5 million tons of clay is strip-mined every year to make cat litter? Instead of clay, look for litter made of sustainable sources such as wheat, corn, mill wastes (such as pine and cedar) and recycled newspaper. Also, for your little friends such as ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice, gerbils, hedgehogs, select bedding made of renewable substances, such as corn cob bits.
5. Biodegradable Pet Waste Bags
Picking up after your dog is a good start, but just half the battle. Instead of using plastic bags that will add to the landfills, select new biodegradable bags. They will break down in the landfills or your compost, without releasing harmful toxins.
Thanks to Green Dog Pet Supply for their clear and useful definitions of green pet supplies.
