Every year in April, Earth Day reminds us to take a closer look at how we treat our planet. Since 1970, this environment-focused global event serves as a reminder that we can make a dramatic change in the quality of our world and our lives. If you want to celebrate Earth Day with your pet, even better.
There are a bunch of fun and clever ways that you can make your furry friend a part of your Earth Day celebrations.
Celebrate Earth Day with Your Pet Around the House
You don't even have to leave home to do a few positive things for the planet.
Recycle Pet Food Cans and Belongings
Don't just toss cans in the trash — recycle them. Plus, buy larger cans and a can lid instead of twice or three times as many smaller cans to help reduce the overall amount of waste. Also, ensure you don't overfeed your pet; it keeps waste low, and it's easier on your budget and your pet's health. When you replace your pet's belongings, donate old, gently-used items to shelters, rescues, and other animals in need instead of throwing them in the garbage can.
Use a Rain Barrel for Extra Water
When you have pets, you use extra water for things like bath time. To help offset this additional water consumption, utilize rain barrels near your downspouts to collect rainwater for use in your garden and lawn. Plus, it will keep your yard looking beautiful (despite your pup using it as their personal bathroom) for outdoor playtime.
Get a Digital ID Tag
Instead of tossing that metal ID tag on your pet’s collar every time you need to update your contact information, try a digital ID tag instead. These tags feature a scannable QR code or similar feature that links to an online database. When you need to update your info, you just need to change it online without tossing the tag. It might seem like a small act, but even seemingly small actions can make a big difference when many people do them.
Celebrate Earth Day with Your Pet When You Go Out
If you want to take your Earth Day activities outside the house, give these ideas a try.
Volunteer at a Park
Take your pal with you to a local park and help with cleanup, plant a tree, or engage in other environmentally-friendly activities. You can check with your local parks and recreation department to see if there are any planned activities or even volunteer to set something up yourself. You could beautify a park you frequent with your pal for walks or playtime or even freshen up your favorite local dog park.
Pick Up Trash During a Dog Walk
Go for a walk with your pup (or your cat if they’re willing) and arm yourself with gloves, trash bags, and a grabber. As you enjoy some exercise with your dog or frisky feline, pick up trash along the way. If your pet's up for the challenge, do a few trash-collecting walks before you call it a day.
Advocate for Spaying and Neutering Pets
Just like humans, animals leave a carbon footprint on the earth. After all, the more animals, the more products and resources you need to take care of them. Therefore, for the good of the planet and for the good of the animals, advocate for spaying and neutering pets. It also helps keep the pet population down in shelters and rescues, giving the pets that are there a better chance of being adopted and finding loving forever homes.
Check Out These Eco-Friendly Products
Of course, you can significantly impact the planet through the products you choose to use with your pet. Check out these eco-friendly pet products that can help you take care of your furry friend without harming the earth. Plus, they’re healthier and safer for you and your fur babies, too.
Spunky Pet Clean Earth Collection
This dog toy collection features an amazing environmentally-friendly benefit. It consists of 100% recycled plastic water bottles, which means that’s fewer plastic bottles ending up in landfills. This single toy keeps six bottles from ending up in a dump or our planet’s lakes and oceans. Thanks to its eco-friendly material, it’s also recyclable. Plus, it’s super fun, providing tons of enjoyment for your pup.
Stainless Steel Bowls
Stainless steel bowls are easy to clean and long-lasting, so you won’t need to replace them as often as other types of bowls. Plus, stainless steel is one of the safest and best materials around for pet bowls.
Yesterday's News Unscented Paper Cat Litter
This eco-friendly kitty litter is super absorbent, 99.7% dust-free, and made from 100% recycled paper. That’s right, as the name implies, this cat litter consists of recycled newspapers, creating a much smaller footprint on the environment.
Wee-Wee Eco Friendly Dog Training Pads
Are you in the process of potty training a puppy? These eco-friendly dog training pads are made from 50% recycled material and use bleach-free, dye-free tissue. They feature a 5-ply system with a quilted core that is 100% leak-proof guarantee. These pads measure 22 x 23 inches and are available in packs of 50.
Petique Eco-Friendly Cat Bed
This innovative and stylish cat bed will have your feline friend purring with joy while you help keep the earth safe. The wood-alternative bed consists of compressed paper that is non-toxic with no glue or paints so that you can recycle it safely, too.
Remember, these ideas are great ways to help the planet and celebrate Earth Day with your pet. But, you can implement these practices year-round to really affect change and make an even more significant difference. For more valuable tips on being a fantastic pet parent, check out the rest of our blog. We're always adding fresh content to help guide you on your journey.