Environmentally friendly pet supplies are a great way for pet owners to reduce their ecological footprints and pawprints
Conscious of it or not, we are constantly purchasing and replacing supplies for our beloved four legged-friends.
The waste generated from all these products can add up and put unneeded pressure on the environment.
Eco friendly pet supplies help keep your pet happier and healthier while improving the overall health of your household. Here are several tips to help you become a greener pet owner.
Use Biodegradable Products
Biodegradable pet products are becoming increasing popular and easier to find in pet stores across the country.
Doggie Litter Bags
If you are a dog owner looking for environmentally friendly pet supplies consider purchasing biodegradable doggie litter bags.
If you clean up after our dogs using a plastic bag it will take decades for the plastic to breakdown. However, there are new biodegradable products available in the marketplace that are better for the environment and help keep plastic out of landfills.
Pet Shampoo
Synthetic detergents can take years to decompose once washed down the drain.
However, you can reduce the amount of unwanted chemicals entering nearby surface water by making a change as simple as choosing a natural organic pet shampoo.
Cat Litter
Concern with clay litter is that it is taken from the earth using strip mining which creates problematic erosion in the regions where it is extracted from.
Sodium bentonite is the clumping agent in cat litter.
Concern has been raised that cats may ingest this chemical when grooming causing health problems.
There are many different biodegradable litter products available in the market today
Environmentally friendly pet supply options for litter can be made from recycled newspapers, wheat, wood chips or shredded corn cobs.
Natural litters can also be used for your rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters.
A good resource when looking for the product that is best for you and your cat is www.cat-litter-critic.com/kitty-litter.html .
This site has information on a long list of products and includes consumer reviews.
Buy Products Made from Organic or Recycled Materials
There is now a wide variety of environmentally friendly pet supplies in the market made from organic or recycled materials.
It is important to remember that recycling is a cyclical process and for it to work consumers must purchase products made from recycled materials.
There are a growing number of eco friendly pet supplies which are made from 100% recycled products.
Animal Beds
You can by your dog or cat an eco friendly bed without sacrificing comfort.
The bed shown on the right is the Organic Bumper Bed available by www.westpawdesign.com .
It is made from 100% organic and recycled material. The outer cover is organic cotton while the soft inner stuffing is a fleece made from recycled plastic bottles.
Look for similar environmentally friendly pet supplies when at your local pet store such as animal beds, pillows and sleeping blankets made from natural materials such as hemp.
Pet Toys
Toys for our beloved four-legged friends can also be made from a variety of recycled materials.
There are countless numbers of options so the best advice we can give is simply – the next time you buy your pet something to play with check out label of prospect toys and pick one that is made from recycled materials.
Eco friendly toy options for your pet include hemp dog bone shaped chew toys and plush toys made from post consumer recycled water bottles.
Organic Catnip
Not all catnips are created equal. Organically grown catnips avoid the use of dangerous chemicals and pesticides helping protect our environment and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. Your cat and the environment will appreciate organic catnip.
Collars and Leashes
There are a number of eco friendly options for collars and leashes that are stylish and durable.
Recycled rubber collars are one example of an eco friendly option. They come in a variety of collars, have a look similar to leather, are waterproof and can stand up to your animal chewing at them.
Collars and leashes made from hemp is another environmentally friendly option for your pet.
Hemp is a sustainable crop that does not require chemicals or pesticides to grow. Hemp collars and leashes come in a variety of styles and collars and are extremely durable.
Use Durable Products to Reduce Waste
If we are replacing our pet products less often we therefore consume less which reduces our impact on the environment. When buying pet supplies consider more durable options.
Durable Toys
Dogs definitely have a way of chewing right through toys sending the old toy straight to the trash.
Consider a flying disc, which is a favourite object to chase for many dogs.
A cheap plastic disc will end up with teeth holes covering it no time.
However, if you use a puncture resistant flying disc designed to withstand a game of retch you will find yourself buying and throwing out less non-biodegradable plastic.
Bowls
Consider using stainless steel bowls rather than plastic ones which may need replacing more often.
Eco Friendly Pet Directory
PETCO (Varioud locations in USA & Online Retailer)
Petco.com is a leading retailer of pet supplies and products. Petco has over 1,000 retail locations in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Petco.com offers thousands of products and ship internationally along with the continental USA. Eco friendly pet supplies Petco carries include dog houses, recycled yarn collars and leashes, plush toys, dog beds and bowls for your cat and dog.
Some interesting “green facts” about Petco include they offer reusable shopping bags at all Petco stores. Their pet carriers are made with post consumer recycled paper products and they recycle all of their company cell phones.
