Emphasis is on living “green” to protect the environment. According to the 2007-2008 survey conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacurers Association (APPMA), there are approximately 74.8 million dogs and 88.3 million cats owned in the US. With these statistics, it makes it important to look for ways to live a greener lifestyle as a pet owner.
Following are ways pet owners can live the eco-life:
- Disposing of pet waste. It’s estimated dogs in the US produce 10 million tons of waste, cats 2 million. For dog waste, plastic bags do not decompose in landfills. Using biodegradable bags, which are often flushable, is an ecologically sound alternative. For cat waste, choosing a biodegradable litter is a good choice. Biodegradable litter is made of ingredients like wheat, corn, wheat or old newspapers. Odor control and absorption is often equal to the traditional clumping clay-based litter. Introduce the new litter gradually to minimize litter box avoidance issues.
- Spay/Neuter. Pet reproduction rates for dogs and cats account for 12-20 offspring per year, contributing to the 6-8 million homeless pets in the US. Many area animal shelters provide low cost spay/neuter services. If adopting a shelter pet, spay/neuter has already happened if the pet is of age.
- Sustainable Pet Supplies. A growing number of collars, leashes and pet toys are made with products such as cork, bamboo and hemp. Hemp is anti-fungal and breathable, making it a good choice for pets prone to allergies. It is also very sturdy, resistance to the elements is much higher than cotton. Hemp, cork and bamboo are highly renewable, making them a good ecological choice. Due to governmental regulations, hemp farming is not legal in the US. The majority of hemp used for products is imported from Canada, making the cost of hemp products higher.
Material for this post from “Pets Gone Green” by Eve Adamson and Dog Fancy Natural Dog Magazine, Winter 2010 issue
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TAGGED AS: Joy of Living Overland Park, pet care, Pet supplies, sustainable pet supplies
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Sunday, February 21st, 2010 at
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