The Eco Pet Owner

HAPPY EARTH DAY
As a pet owner, there are multiple ways to be eco-friendly and earth conscious on a daily basis in your pet routine. Here are some different ideas on being eco-friendly and up-cycling

Go Biodegradable
Waste Bags:
There are many doggie waste bags on the market that are biodegradable. These products are made of corn starch and plant matter instead of plastic that break down from live organisms over time. You can also flush! Check packaging to see if its eco-friendly.

Want a creative and even more earth friendly way to dispose of dog poo? Try these instructions for making an environmentally friendly dog waste composter/septic in your yard. Not meant to be placed near your garden, best for someone with the room or near a wood.

Cat Litter
Clay litter is the most commonly used cat litter on the market and widely available. However, it is not environmentally friendly. Clay is strip mined and never biodegrades - meaning it always stays in the landfill. Considering there are approx. 74-96 million cats owned in the USA, that’s a lot of clay sitting in land fills! Although a little more expensive, earth friendly cat litter alternatives are out there. Litters made from corn, wheat, and pine are available on the market. Plant based litters are much lighter than clay but last just as long, if not longer.

Corn Litters:
World’s Best -  I have found this one to be the easiest to scoop out of the plant based litters, but it has the highest price point.
Arm & Hammer: Essentials - Momo is currently using this, I prefer the scent and is a mid price point. Its also decent on the clumping, although like most plant litters does tend to stick to the box.
Pestle Easy Clean Cat Litter

Wheat Litters:
Swheat Scoop - Comes in regular and multicat. This is a less expensive plant option but I found the scent not so much to my liking.

Pine Litters:
Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats
Feline Pine Clumping - Used this litter for many years, it tracks easy but easy to scoop and good with odor, also moderatly priced.
Feline Pine Non-Clumping - A pine pellet litter that is harder to track but because its a chunky litter your cat might not care for it.
Oko Cat Litter Simply Pine - A pine pellet litter that comes in different options.

Walnut:
Blue Buffalo Naturally Fresh - Comes in different varieties. I've use it when its on sale - not bad but for the price, probably not my favorite either. I prefer the scent over the Swheat Scoop though.

There are many other types of mixes on the market of plant based litters.

Don’t Flush Cat Poo
Plant based cat litters are considered flushable, but you really shouldn't flush them. Toxoplasma can be present in the feces and it can contaminate wildlife. Dispose of cat waste in the trash in a sealed biodegradable bag or recycle a grocery bag from your kitchen draw that is full of them....I know you have them, we all do.

Recycle
Pet Food Cans - Cans should always be recycled, in addition to any other appropriate packaging that you may have from grooming products or toys.

Up-Cycle
Make Toys - There are many ways you can up-cycle items to make pet toys! Check out some of these idea:

8 Ways to Make DIY Cat Toys Out of Household Objects 
Dog Toys You Can Make From Things Around the House

Bedding - Use old blankets, old pillows, clothes, or towels as filling for a pet duvet or make your own duvet cover from used sheets or blankets.

Bed Furniture - Old coffee tables, drawers and cabinets can be repurposed for pet beds!
Here's 15 Ideas to get started on!

Not crafty? Check out the local NJ pet bed company, All Natural Dog, they use organic fabric, non-toxic and environmentally friendly materials to make beautiful and comfortable pet beds for dogs and cats!

Cleaning
Use eco-friendly and non toxic cleaners in your house. You can also use home made cleaners such as diluted vinegar or baking soda. Here’s a listing of non-toxic cleaners. 

Eco-Friendly Pet Food
This is a harder one, but there are companies out there that use either regional, free range, not over harvested or organic ingredients. Look at company websites to see if they have transparency in their sourcing. Two good examples of companies include Champion Pet Foods & Primal.

What are some of the things you do to be an eco-friendly pet owner?