Pet Industry Insight

Eco-friendly tips for you and your pets

As the world commemorates this week in honor of our Earth, don’t forget to include your pets in the celebration. Earth Day should serve as a reminder to pet owners the need to learn more about eco-friendly pet products and environmentally favorable practices.

The “Going Green” idea has seemingly infiltrated a new market, raising awareness about eco-friendly practices that affect some very special members in our lives - our pets! The green’ lifestyle decisions we make, should carry over to our pet's lifestyle as well. Here are some tips to make your pet more environmentally friendly:

• Does the pollution from our pet’s waste bags have you down in the dumps? Scoop your doggie doo in biodegradable poop bags. Biodegradable bags help cut greenhouse gas emissions, using materials from renewable, sustainable sources of agricultural origin.

• Reduce. Re-use. Recycle. This timeless practice reduces pollution and preserves our environment. Utilize cat litter made of recycled materials produced nearby. Strips of newspaper or shredded paper works for many cats. Otherwise, make sure the brand of litter you buy isn’t hauled from across the country.

• Your furry friends will have a lot of fun with toys made from recycled materials or sustainable fibers such as hemp. Hemp fibers are one of the most durable in nature and are environmentally friendly. Who knew this stuff would make such a strong comeback from the 70s!

• Ditch the junk food for a healthier pet and environment. Natural and organic pet foods use meats that are raised in sustainable, humane ways without the hormones or drugs. Certified-organic pet foods must meet strict USDA standards that specify how the ingredients are produced and processed.

So there you have it, a few eco-friendly tips that will help you and your pets lead a sustainable life that supports the well being of our planet.