We all love our pets, and from the scaliest reptile to the fluffiest kitten, they are members of the family and deserve to be treated as such. But it’s also true that, just like children, they cost a lot both in financial terms and in terms of the environment. So what are we to do if we have equal concern for their well-being and the world around us? The answer inevitably lies in figuring out ways of creating a sustainable lifestyle that turns these seemingly competing issues into something we need not worry about. In this post, we’re exploring methods that all pet owners can utilize to square this circle and ensure that everyone and everything remains in a satisfactory state of equilibrium.
Choose High-Quality Products That Last The Course
Perhaps one of the best ways to ensure sustainability is not via the usual method of opting for items made from or with recycled materials (although that is certainly a part of the equation) but to purchase stuff that you don’t need to throw away and replace every year. Choosing this path saves the massive amount of energy required to process recycled materials and keeps less waste from entering our already overflowing landfills. But when discussing high-quality and long-lasting items, how does this manifest in tons of pet supplies? Well, it can mean premium large dog beds made from materials that are soft and comfortable for your pet while also being manufactured using durable materials, or it might be something like a toy that isn’t easily destroyed. Whatever you need for your pet, the key is searching for robust options that provide you with everything you need and will last for years and years.
Opt For Sustainable Pet Food Brands
You have pet food, and then you have pet food. If you’ve had a pet for some time, you’ll probably already be familiar with many of the major brands out there, but were you aware of how they create such food? Some companies pay zero heed to the environment and aim to make their offerings at the lowest cost possible, while others take a more measured approach. The brands you select will vary based on the type of pet you have, but if you want to make sure you‘re choosing a company that has a sustainable food production method, you can always check online.
Recycle Old Pet Toys Responsibly
Throughout your life as the owner of some kind of animal, you will probably be given various toys and items from well-wishers who believe that what they’re offering will provide joy to you and your pet. However, in most cases, these will be toys that have been manufactured using the cheapest and most robust materials on the market. Sometimes, the rubbers and plastics used will also be impossible to recycle purely because the materials and production techniques aren’t conducive to it. Just throwing it away will add more waste to the world, so you might as well get used to it while the goings are good and then ensure that you dispose of it possibly and in a way that won’t cause too much damage.
Use Biodegradable Waste Bags
Picking up the waste your pet leaves behind is arguably one of the least satisfying aspects of being a pet parent, but needs must, and seeing as they’re not capable of cleaning their environment themselves, the job inevitably lands on you! But grabbing any old plastic bag, you have lying around or purchasing rolls of those disposable bags designed for the job might be tempting; many aren’t biodegradable and will sit in a landfill, leeching out microplastics into the surrounding environment. To combat this, only choose biodegradable bags that are designed to dissolve into biological matter, leaving no trace of their existence. They usually have a similar price or are only slightly more expensive than regular bags, making it pretty inexcusable to opt for the other way.
Choose Natural Grooming Products
While we would love to leave our pets to roil around in their own stink, there sometimes comes a time when you need to grab them, throw them into a warm bath, and get scrubbing! When this time comes around, just make sure to use natural products and try to avoid harsh chemicals where possible. While the harsh chemicals won’t necessarily harm your pet (since they’ve been designed so), there is no guarantee that they haven’t already been tested on similar animals to ensure they’re safe. Moreover, some chemicals are simply terrible for the environment and, when washed away into the municipal water waste system or local water supplies, can cause issues.
Although you love your pet and would do almost anything to make them happy, you needn’t sacrifice the environment in the pursuit. Choosing to follow these tips should give you plenty of options to keep your pet happy without ruining the habitat we all need to survive.
