Did you know that Americans will spend approximately $51 BILLION dollars on pets this year? Most of this money will contribute to immense amounts of waste going into our environment. Earth Day is right around the corner, so now is a great time for pet owners to start making small, convenient, inexpensive changes that greatly benefit the environment. It is easier than you think to reduce your dog’s carbon paw print.
Heidi Ganahl, CEO and Founder of Camp Bow Wow, North America’s largest and fastest growing pet care franchise, has compiled a list of several ways that can help you eliminate some burdens that dogs naturally impose on the environment.
Make Waste More Eco Friendly: A well-known fact is that it takes 1,000 years for a plastic bag to decompose. There are more eco-friendly options available at the grocery store, such as biodegradable bags made of corn husk that are made specifically for picking up after your dog.
Premium Puppy Chow: When buying dog food and dog treats, always look for organic and/or natural products, which are easier on your dog’s stomach, and helps reduce waste overall. Be sure you recycle the packaging that is used for dog food, such as cans and food bags. To go the extra step, make your own dog food.
Break out the Fine China: For your doggie dishes, purchase stainless steel or ceramic bowls instead of plastic. These materials last longer and don’t have to be replaced as often, eliminating waste.
Groom Green: Use grooming products that are made with natural ingredients instead of chemicals that are harmful to the environment. You should also support groomers that use natural products or ask that your groomer switch to more eco-friendly products. Consider donating some green products so the groomer can see how much better they are than the toxic ones. These organic products are safer for the planet AND Fido. At Camp Bow Wow, dogs are bathed with all natural shampoo and conditioners. In fact, most locations also use “The Bathmaster Animal Bathing System”, which cuts bath time and product usage amount in half.
Help Reduce the Population of Homeless Pets: You’ve heard Bob Barker say it before but here it is again: Spay or neuter your dog. This is not only beneficial for your dog’s health but the planet’s health as well. Humanely reducing the pet population helps to reduce the stress that dogs place on the environment. Instead of purchasing a dog from a breeder, you should strongly consider adoption. Sadly, there are a lot of homeless dogs out there. Camp Bow Wow’s charity, The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation, works with Camp Bow Wow franchisees throughout the county to provide foster care and facilitate adoptions for homeless pets.
Dogs are not a trend. It’s important to understand that when you commit to buying a dog, you commit to Fido for the rest of his life – much like deciding to have a child. People who are not fully committed and purchase a dog on a whim, often give up the animal to a shelter, increasing the population of homeless dogs. Also, a high demand for a breed causes breeders to create a high supply, which leads to the same problem.
Make Fido hippie chic. Purchase products for your pup that are made from sustainable, organic and/or recycled materials. There are many dog toys and beds that are made with organic cotton available. For example, you can find collars and leashes that are made from au natural hemp.
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Rosie says
Wow! I never gave it a thought before – about carbon footprints for dogs or any pet!!! Great suggestions, thank you for posting!
ANN*H says
When we think of being green we usually forget the pet thing. These are great tips for reducing your dogs carbon footprint. Lots of people use plastic bags to pick up after their pets which should be changed – you gave them a tip what to use instead.
Denise Taylor-Dennis says
These are all very great ideas on reducing your pet’s carbon footprint. I am not sure if everyone is concerned about their carbon footprint but I know I am.
Tammy S says
Great tips! Another reason not to use plastic bowls for your pet is that they grow bacteria which can lead to gum disease in your pet. didn’t know that until our vet informed us when we found out our dog had major problems with his teeth. thanks for sharing.
Ari says
I don’t have a pet, but these are all things that I would take into consideration if I ever decided to get one. They also could apply to all different kinds of pet species. This is a great article that reminds me of not only my own carbon foot print but also the effect of those around me.
Julie Wood says
These are such great tips on Reducing you dog’s carbon print. I like using dog bowls that are not plastic, but I need to find a better way to clean up after my dog when taking him for a walk. I do not want to use plastic. And it is so important to spay or neuter our animals!