Pet ownership is surging across the globe, with millions of households embracing the companionship of furry, feathered, and even scaly friends. With their unwavering loyalty and comforting presence, pets have become a crucial part of our lives.
From playful pups to cuddly cats, our love for these animals enriches our lives in countless ways. In the US alone, over 66% of the total population includes pet owners. Moreover, 51% of them consider their pets as much a part of their families as any human family member.
While the bond between humans and their pets is heartwarming, it also brings to light a crucial issue. We’re talking about the environmental impact of the pet care industry. The industry leaves a massive carbon pawprint – be it through pet food production, waste management, or toy manufacturing.
Keeping the alarming environmental consequences in mind, it has become a necessity for pet parents to embrace sustainability. This guide focuses on the practical steps you can take to make pet care more planet-friendly.
Pet Food – Aiming For Sustainability
Did you know that the choices we make for our pets’ diets can have a huge impact on the environment? It’s true. As pet parents, it’s obvious for you to give your little friends only the best. But is this desire blinding you from the broader implications of your choices?
In the US alone, pet food production crosses 9.8 million metric tons annually, releasing up to 64 million tons of greenhouse gases.
The prominence of meat in their foods plays a role in soil erosion, and the usage of fertilizers, pesticides, and fossil fuels. If these are the statistics of just one country, imagine how the numbers will blow up in the global context.
Choosing sustainable pet food is the only way to start making a positive change. But what does that mean exactly? Sustainable pet food focuses on reducing the environmental impact through responsible sourcing, minimizing waste, and using eco-friendly packaging.
For instance, some brands are making a shift from meat-based pet food by introducing insect protein in the industry. Because the processing of the latter involves less land, water, and feed with similar protein outcomes, it’s a move toward sustainability.
And don’t forget about packaging! Opt for brands that use recyclable or compostable packaging to reduce waste.
Pet Waste – Proper Disposal Is A Must
Even the most loving pet parents are reluctant to handle their waste. Because let’s face it, it’s not exactly the most glamorous of jobs. However, proper disposal of pet waste is crucial not just for hygiene but also for environmental health. Shockingly, around 40% of dog owners admit to not picking up their dog’s poop, which has disastrous consequences for our communities and ecosystems.
Any pet waste that hasn’t been taken care of doesn’t just disappear. Rain washes it into storm drains, leading it directly to our waterways. This introduces harmful bacteria and parasites into rivers, lakes, and oceans, posing risks to both wildlife and humans.
Furthermore, the nutrient-rich quality of pet waste contributes to the overgrowth of algae in water bodies, creating “dead zones” where aquatic life cannot survive.
So, what can responsible pet parents do to mitigate this issue? Always pick up after your pet. We understand that this might seem like a drag for some pet parents, especially in households with multiple pets. Scoop Soldiers notes that in a multi-dog household, the influx of dog waste can feel like an incoming barrage.
But you don’t have to do it all alone. For those pet parents who lack the time, there is a solution. Whether you want residential and commercial pet waste removal services, you can explore many out there to choose from. Commercial services are a savior for those managing properties like parks, apartments, and condos.
Just get in touch with those nearby to understand how they work, and purchase their services in a few clicks.
Pet Toys – Going Eco-Friendly
Our pets love their toys, and watching them play can bring endless joy. But toys made from non-biodegradable plastics and synthetic materials are causing more damage to the planet at the end of the day.
The good news is that making the switch to eco-friendly pet toys is possible. It can also help create a more sustainable future while still keeping our pets entertained and happy. Eco-friendly pet toys are designed with sustainability in mind, often made from natural, recycled, or upcycled materials.
For instance, several pet brands are now using organic cotton, hemp, or even recycled plastics to manufacture pet toys. Besides being environment-friendly, these toys also contain fewer toxins and harmful chemicals, making them a safer choice for your furry friends.
One popular option is toys made from natural rubber, which is durable, non-toxic, and biodegradable. These toys can withstand even the most vigorous play sessions, making them a long-lasting choice for active pets.
Another great alternative is to make toys for your fur buddies at home. You’d be surprised to learn how just many items around your house can be repurposed into pet toys.
Be it cardboard box mazes or fetch toys made with tennis balls and socks – they’re all fun toys for your four-legged friends. Even your old, tattered t-shirt can be used to make a rope toy if you’re willing to put in a couple of hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does dog poop take to decompose?
The environmental conditions of a dog poop determine the duration in which it decomposes. In warm climates, it takes 9 weeks to decompose, while in colder regions, the process can take over a year. Even if it decomposes naturally, the bacteria produced during the process can be a wildlife hazard.
What is the Pet Sustainability Coalition?
The Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing sustainability in the pet industry. Founded in 2013, PSC provides resources, tools, and support to help companies reduce their ecological footprint, enhance product transparency, and promote responsible sourcing. They work with pet businesses to implement sustainable practices.
Are cat litter biodegradable?
Yes. The material used in cat litter makes them biodegradable. Litter made of corn cobs or kernels, grass seeds, walnut shells, sawdust, recycled paper, or wood shavings is biodegradable. This is because they can break down easily in the environment due to their organic composition.
If our pets teach us anything, it’s that love can come in any form and shape. But being blind to the environmental impact of our indulgences on our pets is certainly not okay.
We must be mindful in choosing what we feed our pets, how we manage their waste, and the toys we buy for them. After all, our love for our furry companions shouldn’t come at the expense of our planet.
