Although Earth Day is officially “scheduled” for April 22, I believe that we should celebrate and appreciate our beautiful planet everyday. Our Earth is overpopulated and we’re running out of resources.
Everyone can help the desperate state of this place we call home, including pet parents. The way we care for our pets and the activities we participate in can be more sustainable. Since we are blessed to be seeing yet another Earth Day, here are some ways you can celebrate it, and play your part in its preservation.
Celebrate Earth Day with your Dog
Start by reducing your plastic use.
As pet parents there are several ways that we can contribute to the overall well being of our planet. We can start by reusing plastic grocery bags as waste bags. If you’re traveling or out on a hike, use a reusable water bottle instead of a plastic one. Using Ziploc bags to store treats or food? Wash them out to use them again. Not only will reducing your plastic use save the environment, but it’ll also save you some money!
Pick up poop.
No one should have to tell you to pick up your dog’s poop, but I suppose for some people it’s necessary. When you’re out on an Earth Day walk, pick your dog’s poo and toss it in an appropriate waste receptacle. Consider it an Earth Day celebration!
Visit a National Park.
Get out an enjoy this beautiful planet by visiting a National park or forest. Choose one that you and your pup have never visited before. New adventures are always fun! While you’re there, pick up trash you see or make a donation to the conservation of the park. You can even make your dog an honorary Bark Ranger!
Donate to animal conservation.
In honor of Earth Day, make a donation to an animal conservation organization. Every contribution helps.
Plant flowers or trees.
If the weather is nice where you live, spend some time outside planting flowers or a tree, and allow your dog to help! Your pup will love spending time with you outdoors while you work to add a piece of beauty to our world. Remember to take photos! (P.S. Home Depot is dog-friendly!)
Go to the dog beach and clean up.
What better way to celebrate Earth Day than to head to the dog beach? Enjoy the fresh sea breeze and the sound of those peaceful waves. While you’re walking down the shore line with your canine companion, pick up any trash you see. We need to be kinder to our oceans, and the living beings which call it home.
Drive less, walk more.
If you have the chance to walk somewhere rather than drive, do it! Maybe there’s a dog friendly coffee shop or cafe near you. Take a walk there to enjoy Earth Day.
Buy from companies that make sustainable products.
I love supporting pet brands that make sustainable products. Some of those include Earth Rated, Plant Dog, and World’s Best Cat Litter. Next time you need to purchase something, considering supporting a company which specializes in Earth-friendly merchandise. You can also support brands who used recycled materials and eco-friendly manufacturing plants. Many large companies pride themselves in a more sustainable way of manufacturing goods. A perfect example is Purina. Their factories are more environmentally conscious than most others.
Donate unused items to an animal shelter (or rescue).
Next time you go to throw something away, be mindful of it it can be recycled. But when I say recycled in this context, I mean reused. Instead of throwing out old dog collars, leashes, clothes and beds, donate them to your local animal shelter or favorite rescue. Recycling unused pet items by means of donating them is much better than clogging landfills.
Play outside.
Perhaps the most fun, simple way of celebrating Earth Day with your dog is getting outside to play! Go to the dog park, play some fetch in your yard or set up a play date with friends! Enjoy this incredible planet we live on by embracing everything it has to offer.
Happy Earth Day! How will you be celebrating this year?
moktar says
Participation in the animal corps