8 Simple Steps to Improve the Environment With Your Pet

April 26th is Earth Day. Boy do we have a lot of work to do to help keep our Earth safe and clean for future generations. I often become overwhelmed when thinking about sustainability. It seems like little old me can’t make that much of an impact. But I truly believe that if we all do a little, it adds up.

So in the spirit of simplicity, here are some actionable steps you can take to positively impact the environment:

1. Spay or neuter your pets. It helps with pet overpopulation and increases your dog or cat’s lifespan. Some pets can be fixed by five months of age. Ask your veterinarian. Spaying and neutering your pets helps provide a SOLUTION to PREVENT pet overpopulation. When communities just focus on euthanizing animals, it deals with the problem but isn’t a solution to prevent the problem in the future.
   • Check out the SPCA of Wake County’s Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic for affordable options
2. Donate clean, gently used items. Check with your local animal shelter to find out what they can use, like metal bowls, clean towels and blankets, and unopened food. Shelters usually have a list of their most needed items on their website. Please make sure to check for what is most needed so staff isn’t overwhelmed sorting through items they can’t use.
3. Scoop the poop. The EPA warns that dog and pet poop can harm waterways, wildlife, other pets, and even humans. Our neighborhood has a great poop bag dispenser and trash can. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked by and seen several piles of dog poop sitting in the grass just steps from the trash can. Even God says you need to pick up the poop >> Mark 12:31 – “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you don’t want dog poop left in your yard, don’t leave it in anybody else’s.
   • Check out my review of these three pooper scoopers for Spots.com
4. Use eco-friendly cleaning and pet products that do less harm to the environment. 
   • Earth Rated – These are the only poop bags we use. They are made from 65% certified post-consumer recycled plastic which means they give a second life to over 5 million pounds of landfill-bound plastic a year. Mind blown.
   • Unique Pet Care– pet cleaning products that are inspired by nature and eco-friendly
   • Mindful Merchant – I love this local store in Cary, N.C. They specialize in products that use little to no plastic and are made with sustainable materials. They have all the cleaning products you need for yourself and they also have a small pet section so you can be green together.
5. Buy in bulk to reduce packaging and delivery costs. It drives me crazy when companies ship a tiny item in a huge cardboard box. I try to order little online when possible and buy in bulk at the store.
6. Choose nearby pet supply and service providers you can walk to instead of driving, or consolidate your shopping trips. We are lucky to have so many quality pet stores here in the Triangle. Check out Woof Gang Bakery and Unleashed Cat and Dog store. You can usually find them in a shopping center where you are already running errands.
7. Switch to pet food brands with sustainable practices. But remember: Not all pets can go vegetarian, and cats are obligate carnivores. Be smart and consult with your veterinarian before making dietary changes.  
8. Use Reusable shopping bags. This has been the easiest change to make for our family. I have several insulated bags and regular sturdy reusable bags I always take with me to the grocery store. You can return your plastic bags to stores like Target and Harris Teeter. IMy skeptical self asked an employee at Harris Teeter the other day “Do you actually recycle those plastic bags?” She enthusiastically said “yes! I asked my management the same question a while ago. We definitely recycle them.” So if you do need to use plastic bags for some items, return them to the store to be reused!

Keep it simple.

My advice….don’t think about trying to live a “zero waste” lifestyle. Think more about “wasting less” in your daily life. Taking small steps does add up, especially when we work together.

What are some earth-friendly pet or human products you enjoy? Let me know on Instagram @TaraLynn_andCo.