Living a Green Life with Your Dog Jan 08, 2010
We go green at work.
We go green in our car.
We go green at home.
But, do we go green when it comes to our dogs?
I recently sat down to look at what were my green options when it came to owning a pet and how I could be a more eco-friendly pet owner. On a happy note, it isn't that tough to be an eco-conscious pet owner. How green you are basically depends on your choices. So, with no further ado, here are a few eco-choices you can make.
1. Adopt - this is the perfect example of reuse! Thousands of homeless dogs and cats are euthanized every year. As many of you know, I adopted Toby from the SPCA and I couldn't be happier. It was cheaper than going to a breeder or pet store, I got a tax write off and I saved an animals life.I get a green point for this one.
If you don't know where to adopt a pet in your area there are some great organizations and sites that can help you out.The below is just a few options out there.
ASPCA.org
PetFinder.com
AnimalShelter.org
AdoptAPet.com
2. Purchase eco-friendly products for your dog and don't by more than your dog needs. This helps put reduce into practice. The great news is that there are a number of pet product manufacturers that make green products. From dog beds made from 85% recycled plastic soda bottles to organic cotton blankets to completely recyclable Zogoflex toys, if you can buy it for a dog they can make it eco-friendly.
Here are a few of the companies/blogs that I love: (these are personal recommendations and not Merrick Pet Care endorsements)
West Paw Designs
I get mixed reviews for this one. I use eco-friendly products, but I definitely buy way too many. I'll have to work on this... I doubt Toby will even notice. Take him for a trail run and he could care less about toys and other such frivolities. There are sites and smells to be had.
3. Use green cleaning products - As a dog owner, I know you know the messes they can create. I get a point for this one. I have been using green cleaning products for a very long time and can vouch that my home is just as clean as the next! There are a number of great green cleaning products available. In fact, this change benefits your over all eco-friendly rating. Green cleaning products are available at your local big box grocery stores and are not much more expensive than your regular products. Here are a few brand names to keep your eyes open for.
4. Recycle, Recycle, Recycle - most dog products come in packaging that can be recycled. This seems like a no duh, but if you feed your dog canned food rinse out the can and add it to your city approved recycling bin. I get another point.
5. Have a backyard? Compost your dog's waste. This one I'm not doing yet.... but think it is a great idea. I found a great article about how the city of Vancouver is doing this and how you can do it in your own backyard. Check it out! I think I'll dig a hole this weekend and start!
6. Feed your pet high quality foods and treats - I get two points for this. Whole Earth Farms is full of wonderful proteins, grains and fruits and vegetables. Toby loves it and I love the cost. I'm willing to spend $80 for a 35 lb. bag of dog food, but why would I when I can get a great quality food for about $40 per 35 lb. bag. My second point comes from the fact that I reward Toby with Merrick Pet Care all-natural treats. His favorites are the flossies. He disappears for a few hours to some unknown location to savor this tasty morsel.
All in all, Toby and I are doing pretty well on the green pet scale, but there is always more we can do. If you have any helpful green tips or tricks for me and other dedicated dog owners pass them on!
