Go Green with your Pet on Earth Day!

April 22 is Earth Day! As much as we love our 4-legged friends, they do leave a (paw)print on the environment! It’s up to us pet parents to minimize our pet’s impact on the planet by “going green” as much as we can.  

Here are some simple ways you and your pet can cut down on waste and do your part for Mother Earth. 
​

How to start GOING GREEN with your pet this Earth Day:

1. Scoop up the poop. It’s not the most glamorous thing to do, but properly disposing of your pet’s waste has a huge impact on the environment. Feces from any animal can carry harmful bacteria that can contaminate water sources. Dog poop is an environmental pollutant and a health hazard for humans, dogs and other animals. 
2. Go digital!  Get a digital ID tag (or microchip) for your pet. Instead of tossing the old tag each time you move or get a new phone number or when the old one gets destroyed, get an ID that is permanent, never tarnishes and one that you can update with your info whenever you need to - a microchip! Here’s what we use for our MHC Adoptables: Smart Tag! ​ If you need more proof that microchips are the most  reliable form of ID, check out this story. 
3. Reuse, Recycle and Donate. Don’t throw out your old towels, blankets, bedding, bowls, coats, collars, harnesses, leashes, and toys you’ve amassed over the years. Contact your local shelter or rescue groups before you toss things out into the landfill. We could always use your pet’s gently-used items in order to make pets feel more at home at the Adoption Center!  
4. Go Natural. Opt for biodegradable doggie bags instead of the plastic ones (that take hundreds of years to decompose). Choose kitty litter made out of plant-based materials like wood chips or wheat. Look for pet products that use natural, eco-friendly materials. Hold the bleach and toxic chemicals found in cleaning supplies and use vinegar, baking soda or lemon to clean pet messes.  
5. Use less! Be more mindful of how much energy and commodities you are consuming in the name of your pet.  Here are some ideas: 
   • Buy less! Does your pet need that fifth bed, third collar, or Nth costume?  Probably not!
   • Use rags instead of papers towels when cleaning up.
   • Use less energy by air or towel drying your pet’s fur instead of using a hairdryer.  Walk instead of driving to the park.
   • Buy only what your pet truly needs from a local store to reduce shipping and transportation, not to mention limit packaging material!   
   • Instead of buying, create your own pet toys made of materials you already have at home. Check out these cool DIY Toys(please always supervise your pet while playing).
6. Recycle pets! Thinking of getting a pet? Get one second-hand and ADOPT a homeless pet. There are many deserving pets in shelters waiting for loving homes. Stop supporting puppy mills and irresponsible breeders just so you can get a “designer” dog. There are so many wonderful pets capable of giving you love who are being euthanized for no good reason other than overpopulation. 

There are many more ways to help your pets have less of an impact on the environment. Although these acts seem small and insignificant, if everyone made even one small change, together, we all could make a positive impact on our planet!