Sustainable products and practices are much more than just a fad. It’s clear now more than ever how important it is to make the earth a better place to live, for us and for future generations! Did you know that you can care for your pet in an eco-friendly way? Here are some tips from your Wichita, KS veterinarian.
Purchase Sustainable Products
Just by purchasing sustainable pet products when you can, you can make a big difference in terms of your pet’s environmental footprint. Look for biodegradable waste baggies, which decompose rather than sitting in landfills for years to come, or eco-conscious grooming products like shampoos or bamboo combs. There are also eco-friendly pet cleaning products and stain removers, toys made from hemp or recycled materials, and much more.
Go DIY
Taking the do-it-yourself route is another good way to lessen the environmental impact your pet has on the world. Plus, it saves you money! You can make your own dog toys out of fabric, rope, or other materials that you have lying around the house—just make sure to check with your veterinarian to make sure it’s safe. You could also turn old pillows or a mattress into a dog bed, or an old plastic container into a litter box. There are all kinds of possibilities!
Choose Eco-Friendly Food
Research pet food brands to find companies that are committed to lowering their carbon footprint and environmental impact. Choose foods that comes packaged in biodegradable or recyclable bags. And consider choosing foods that contain higher levels of plant-based ingredients, rather than animal-based ingredients—producing food with animal products is worse for the environment, so choosing plant-based products when possible is a good way to go “green.”
Adopt, Don’t Shop!
Last but not least, consider adopting your next pet from a shelter or rescue facility rather than adopting them from a breeder or purchasing them directly from a pet store. The breeding cycle itself is very unsustainable, but adoption is extremely eco-friendly. When you adopt from a local shelter, you’re freeing up resources like food, medicine, toys, and even energy and space, meaning that another animal in need can take advantage of those resources. You’re helping the environment and saving two lives at once!
Would you like a recommendation on an eco-friendly pet food or environmentally conscious pet products? We can help. Contact your Wichita, KS veterinary clinic to learn more.