How to Go Green with Your Pets
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Going green has even transected to being green with your pets. As guardians of your animals, you are also the guardians of the environment they live in. They, too, can make changes to help the environment with a few simple steps. For instance, if you go to the doggie park with your dog, walk there instead of driving. When using pooper scooper bags use, biodegradable bags for the feces. Cat owners can go for eco friendly cat litters. Many biodegradable options are litters made from wood chips or recycled wood chips. Be sure to avoid brands with mined minerals.
When it comes to grooming, air dry or towel dry your pet instead of using a blow dryer. Many environment friendly shampoos and conditioners are available for pet grooming as well. If your pet has an accident on the floor reach for the vinegar. The vinegar must be properly diluted with water, but it works great and will kill odor and bacteria. Vinegar is less expensive and is an environmentally friendly option.
When “treating” your pet consider making your own treats. There are many treat cookbooks or search on the internet for recipes shared by others. The possibilities are endless. If you do opt for store bought treats try to buy them in cardboard packaging and be sure to recycle. Using a stainless steel or ceramic food bowls will last longer and are more biodegradable.
Be sure to buy toys that are made with organic cotton or natural dyes. Some toys actually have pesticides in them and can actually cause pet allergies. Instead of using plastic water bottles when you travel with your pet use your own water from home in an eco friendly bottle. Most bottled water is tap water and your own water is what your pet is used to.
If you have pet s such as fish or hermit crabs put their lights on a timer. This will save electricity. You can also find biodegradable foods and tank materials are reasonably priced.
Your pet can “go green” too by you making a few small changes in their environment.
How to go “Green” Grocery Shopping
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A common misconception people have about going green with groceries is that it has to be expensive. There are several small things that can be done to go green and not only have a family eating healthier but also creating a healthier environment.
Shoppers do not have to buy their groceries at a grocery store. Shoppers can easily grow their own vegetables, herbs, and spices. It can cut down on wasteful packaging and saves money. Even if shoppers have a very small yard they can make room for a garden and make a difference. Look for neighbors that are interested in gardening. If a neighbor grows a garden it is possible to trade produce and goods that are grown in the respective back yards.
Buying reusable bags instead of plastic bags cuts down on a tremendous amount of waste. Plastic bags are much less sturdy than the reusable bags and they are terrible for the environment. If there are no reusable bags on hand choose paper instead of plastic. Many stores will even give a small discount to shoppers who bring their own bags.
Look closely at the products you buy. Is the company using recyclable paper? Patronize those companies that do and are “going green”. When buying toiletry items go for items that are non-aerosol items such as a roll-on deodorant or a pump spray hair spray.
Don’t waste money on throw away batteries. Use rechargeable batteries and save money, while saving the environment. Rechargeable batteries have become very cost effective and convenient to use.
When buying organic products it is best to think local. Many farmer’s markets are found in neighborhoods. Their products are usually cheaper and safer, plus it is supporting the local economy.
Skipping red meat one day a week can cut your foods carbon footprint by about 5%. There are more options for green meat becoming available at a steady rate. Farmers are offering grass fed beef and free ranging chickens at an increasing rate. Check with your local farmers and see what is available.
Going green at the table doesn’t have to be expensive!