Earth Day: How You Can Be a Sustainable Pet Parent

Matt and I consider ourselves to be sustainable people.  We definitely care about the environment, especially since we live in a generation where we are experiencing the risk of running out of precious resources, such as water.  To honor this Earth Day, here are some ways that you can be a more sustainable pet parent!

Purchase from sustainable companies:  Many large pet companies are moving toward being more eco-friendly and energy efficient.  This doesn’t just have to do with the products a company sells – it stems all the way from how the company runs their factories or production plants.  One major company that has great sustainable practices in place is Nestle-Purina.  On their website, you can view graphs and statistics on how the company helps the environment by way of numerous sustainable practices.  I suggest researching companies before you choose to endorse them!

Recycle, reduce, reuse:  It’s crazy how easy it is to recycle, but it’s also crazy to think about how many people don’t recycle.  It’s as simple as creating a separate bin for soda cans or reusing plastic bags from the grocery store as poop bags!  Pet stores such as PetSmart and Petco even offer reusable bags so you can shop each time without wasting plastic bags.

Pick up dog poop with a bag from an eco-friendly company:  We recently had the privilege of trying out Earth Rated waste bags!  I prefer to put waste bags in my pocket or fanny pack for hiking, so I like the bags with handles.  They are also easy to tie.   Earth Rated also has super cute dispensers, if you prefer that, which you can fill with rolls of waste bags and clip on to your leash.

What makes Earth Rated such a great company:

• The roll cores and packaging are made from recycled materials.
• When there are bags that don’t make the cut in terms of quality control, they are donated to animal shelters.
• Excess production material is recycled or re-used.
• They offer a variety of bags options, including standard, handle bags and rolls for dispensers.  They also have scented and unscented options!

Support local preserves and national parks: Our favorite place to go walking is the Riparian Preserve, located in Gilbert, AZ.  While most dog-friendly national parks and preserves are free to enter, it’s important that we clean up after ourselves while we are there.  Pick up poop, don’t leave waste around and stay on trails to protect the wildlife and landscapes.   It’s important to preserve these beautiful places because they allow local wild animals and plants to continue thriving in their natural habitat.  You can also consider making a donation to your favorite preserve or park!

What do you and your animals do to help protect the environment?