10 Tips to Reduce Your Pet's Carbon Footprint

Is your dog or cat green? It may sound like a silly question, but as more than 1 billion people in 185 countries celebrate Earth Day it's an ideal time to consider how our pets impact our beautiful planet earth.

As responsible pet parents, we can make simple changes in our pet's lives to help save our planet, while also improving the lives of our pets. In honor of Earth Day, consider these ten simple tips to help you reduce your cat or dog's carbon footprint.

1. Chemical-free flea and tick solutions: The chemicals in some flea products are very toxic. Consider switching to chemical-free solutions Find ideas for chemical-free solutions and check the level of toxic chemicals in your current flea products on the NRDC's Green Paws directory.
2. Biodegradable waste disposal: Also known as poop bags, some of these bags are safe to flush down the toilet too.
3. Clay-free kitty-litter: Made from wheat or corn, clay-free kitty litter is a healthier option. Cats are often resistant to change, so make the switch gradually, adding a little of the eco-friendly product at a time to the cat's existing litter.
4. Eco-friendly cleaning supplies: Chemical-free floor cleaners and laundry detergents are especially important for people with pets.
5. Paraben-free pet shampoos: Switch to all-natural shampoo free of fragrance and parabens. Ask your groomer to do the same.
6. Toxic-free pet toys and pet bowls: Read the labels and choose only organic items made from toxic-free materials for playtime and mealtime. Also try to avoid products made in China since the levels of lead in some products are an issue of concern.
7. USDA organic pet food and treats. Look for the "USDA organic" label on pet foods. This means they have met the same high standards as any organic human food. The "natural" label on pet foods is deceiving and does not mean they are minimally processed or of high quality, nor does it mean that the vitamins and minerals are natural. Try fruits and veggies as treats or bake some homemade goodies. Higher quality food will help reduce how much your pet poops!
8. Organic lawn care: Stop using toxic chemcial lawn fertilizers and switch to an organic lawn care program. It will cost more, but will prevent the potential for cancer and organ damage caused by lawn chemicals.
9. Plant a tree: This is an ideal way to memorialize a departed pet for years to come while enhancing the earth at the same time.
10. Spay and neuter: Help reduce pet overpopulation by ensuring your pet is spayed or neutered.

These simple changes will not only help save our planet, but they will also help extend your pet's lifespan. Dogs and cats lick their paws and chew or lick their toys often. When you don't buy all-natural, organic products, the chemicals in your floor cleaning supplies, lawn treatments, pet shampoos, flea treatments and pet toys can cause long term health problems for your pet.

For more ideas on environmentally friendly pet products, please visit Breed Trust's online store and click on the "Eco-friendly" link in the categories on the left side of the screen.