Is it possible to have a zero-waste pet?
Sustainability has become one of the most talked-about subjects over the past few years, but it seems we only talk about our lifestyle, habits, and switches. One of the most overlooked categories is pet sustainability.
I'm no certified dog nutritionist, but you could discuss food changes with your veterinarian. Consider feeding your dog or cat leftovers, scraps of meats that you don't normally eat, or broth you use when cooking. Giving your dog the occasional leftover will help maintain your compost bin and reduce your food waste. If you decide to make the switch, speak to your veterinarian about the game-plan to help you create a transition meal plan. For those of you who enjoy eating out, check out the Bone a Pet Treat natural and custom made food plans.
ZERO -WASTE your dog's poop. IT IS POSSIBLE! According to Doody Calls, the U.S.'s 78.2 million dogs produce over 10 million TONS of poop per year, excluding plastic waste. Here are alternatives to consider.
If you are at home, you can use reusable gloves, and toilet paper to pick it up and flush it down. A dedicated dustpan is also an alternative.
If you're on the go with Spot, you can double up an old newspaper. You can collect these from older relatives, local cafes, etc. and repurpose them.
Use compostable bags (NOT biodegradable; they two different products), but ONLY IF YOU WILL COMPOST. If you chuck the poop into the bin with the compostable bag, then it will go to the landfill- that's the horrible place where all the plastic, Taobao impulse purchases, and fast-fashion ends up. The bags and poop need oxygen to decompose fully; landfills will NOT allow the bags or poop to decompose.
For those hard-core zero wasters out there, you can compost dog/cat poop the traditional way or Bokashi style. Make sure the temperature is high to kill potential parasites.
Finding natural and eco-friendly dog treats is essential. Your dogs must be able to consume all-natural treats that contain no added preservatives, chemicals, or artificial ingredients . Consider making the switch to Bone A Pet Treat. Their delicious doggy treats come in reusable bags that can be reused to make DIY ice packs, etc. The company can also custom-make dog birthday cakes and mooncakes. Lele learn to roll-over, sit, and shake faster than you can blink!
Bone A Pet Treat
You can find details on ECC Wechat Moments
To find more about treats for your dog use the QR-Code
Switch your furry friend's toy from a plastic-kitschy object to more eco-friendly toys. Consider swapping that plastic ball to a cotton plush ball, placing catnip in crotched items, using second hand stuffed animals, and foraging tree branches. Today, you can find a variety of hemp dog toys and some for cats.
If you're considering getting a pet or need to replace Fiffy’s bowl, consider using bamboo bowls for water, food, bamboo brushes for grooming, etc. The items can be composted because of their natural material. Stainless steel is also an eco-friendly alternative.
Leashes- swamp that synthetic nylon collar and walking leash for sustainable fabrics. Alternative fabrics include hemp, bamboo, cotton, or purchase one from Wilder Dog, Mountain Dog, or Ropes for Rescue which creates leashes from recycled climbing ropes!
Pets are part of the family. We need to mindful of the things we give our pets and what products end up in the landfill. More companies are starting to make sustainable pet goods which means we have more options.
Have a pawsome day, from Michelle Myra & Camilo
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