What does your dog have in common with a gas-guzzling SUV driven more than 6,000 miles a year? Both are to blame for high-level greenhouse gas emissions. The shocker? Research suggests that your four-legged friend leaves behind a carbon footprint twice as big as the 4.6-liter Toyota Land Cruiser parked in your neighbor’s driveway. A cat fares only slightly better. Owning one is environmentally equal to driving a Volkswagen Golf.
But because cats and dogs offer companionship, unconditional love and countless hours of entertainment (cars can’t do that), it’s hard to get mad at a pet owner for indirectly contributing to global warming. Still, that doesn’t mean we should ignore the problem altogether.
As a pet owner, you are responsible for your furry friend’s eco-effect. Keep in mind that Buddy can’t shop for organic dog food by himself and Muffin isn’t going to raise her paw when it’s time to be spayed. Keeping green pets means being proactive. Start by calculating your cat or dog’s carbon paw print then follow these tips on how to live a greener lifestyle with your small menagerie.
1. Opt for vegan vittles
Pet food is the main contributor to a cat or dog’s carbon paw print. Your fur ball could be consuming hundreds of pounds of meat each year if he’s chowing down on a conventional brand packed with animal byproducts and chemical preservatives. As you probably know, raising poultry and livestock puts a huge strain on the environment.
A greener way to feed your pet is to offer a plant-based diet like the dog food that vegan Alicia Silverstone whips up for her three pups. She uses oats, grains, dried veggies, beans and tofu and prepares the food herself. Not only do her dogs absolutely love it, a vegan pet diet alleviates skin and digestive problems, too.
2. Get the scoop on eco-friendly cat litter
Most inexpensive cat litters are made of clay, which is extracted from the ground via strip mining. Need we explain the environmental impact of that purchase? Create a greener place for your kitty to do her business by trying silica gel pearls, highly absorbent particles made from corn, wheat, pine and other plant materials. Or, if you’re feeling extra patient, give cat toilet training a whirl. Yes, it can be done.
3. Try a quick fix for population control
It’s common sense, but an easy way to cut back on the environmental impact that pets have on the planet is to control the sheer number of cats and dogs trotting the globe. The quick fix? Spaying or neutering. Don’t assume that because you have an obedient pup or an indoor cat that he or she won’t sneak away for stud service or come home will a belly full of kittens. Exercise caution and have your pet altered at 6-8 months. Bonus: you’ll have a happier, healthier pet with a longer life expectancy.
4. Get Rover to recycle
Does he really need another squeaky, chewy pet store novelty that he’ll grow tired of in a matter of days? Probably not. Dogs enjoy playing with junk (your lawn mowing sneakers ring a bell?) just as much—if not more—than items you spend money on. Get green and thrifty by crafting DIY dog toys from items you probably have sitting in your recycling bin.
5. Strive for a greener clean
Think there’s no point in trying to green something as dirty and messy as animal waste? Guess again. Cleaning up after your pet at the park is important. Cat and dog waste contains harmful bacteria that could end up in the water supply if not scooped. Stuff a few biodegradable or flushable waste bags into your pocket before your next stroll.
And since we know your furry pal’s bound to knock over a houseplant or cough up a hairball at some point, use organic, plant-based products to clean up after him. Also keep an eye out for eco-friendly grooming products, like pet shampoos and flea powders.
