From Guest Blogger Diana Smith: Four Ways to Green Your Pet

Research has shown that positive interactions with animals can raise levels of the hormone oxytocin, which helps encourage healing and new cell growth. Therefore, having a pet isn’t good just because you can cuddle and play with them all day long, but also because they can actually improve your health. However, owning a dog or a cat means having additional obligations. Aside from feeding them and cleaning after them, you should also consider supporting the green economy with pet-related purchases or simply contribute to the planet’s well-being by developing some eco-friendly habits.

Waste disposal

Pet waste can significantly impact the environment. If you’re a conscious owner, you know that you should never take your dog for a walk without a plastic bag to pick up what they left behind. Also, plastic bags are one of the greatest pollutants. There are those marked as biodegradable and, while you may think that they’re safe for the environment just because the label inscription says so, the truth is quite the opposite. After they end up in the landfill, they can’t degrade aerobically, even if they’re compostable. Therefore, don’t spend your money on special bags, but repurpose those you use for packing your junk mail, food or clothes.

However, the best solution would be to compost your pet’s waste, instead of throwing it away in a bag. If you prefer not to add cat or dog waste to your garden compost pile, an amazing alternative allows you to compost pet waste in a separate waste composting system. Namely, all you need to do is drill holes in a small, lidded garbage can, and bury it with the lid sticking out. You can drop pet waste inside, add water and a packet of nontoxic enzymatic septic starter. You won’t have to empty the can for at least two years.

Opt for other kind of litter

Cat litter is made of bentonite clay that, according to the WHO, contains carcinogenic substances. Clay litter won’t be able to degrade if you compost it with waste. Therefore, consider shifting to natural clay-free litter, made from 100 percent corn, or the one made of wheat. Both of these ingredients are odour controlling. A good alternative for litter made of food crop is the one made from guar bean gum and reclaimed pine shavings.

Introduce a new diet to your pet

Poultry-based food that contains no animal by-products should be the number one choice for your pet. What’s more, going for organic, vegetarian and chicken-based pet food guarantees that no pesticides were sprayed over the food. Furthermore, save the planet from pollution as much as possible and opt for online food shopping. Instead of going to the store, you can just visit the Net to Pet website and find all the delicious treats for your dog from the comfort of your home.

Keep fleas at bay

The majority of flea collars and repellents are considered to be carcinogenic and neurotoxic, so consider alternative repellents. The best way to naturally repel fleas away is by using a flea comb weekly, as well as organic shampoos and natural soaps. A food grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE) will help with a full out flea infestation, in case you weren’t able to prevent fleas early on. All you have to do is rub it on your pet’s fur, and the fleas should die within 24-72 hours.

Keeping the planet pollutant-free has never been more important. If you’ve already installed solar panels, transferred to eco-friendly cars and started using biodegradable supplies, there’s still so much you can do to make the planet a cleaner place to live. With the previous suggestions, green your pet as well and create a safe environment for you and your family.