It’s Earth Day!
This year we’ve compiled a list of ways for us pet lovers to go greener, and for our fluffy, feathery, and scaly friends to reap the benefits. 😀
1. Take Your Dog for a Walk
Going for a walk is environmentally friendly, and of course fun! I hope you get to take advantage of this nice weather and get outside with your pup. It actually feels like spring today!
(Don’t have time?.. Did I mention we offer dog walking?)
2. Support the Bloomington Animal Shelter
If you’re getting some spring cleaning done this weekend, consider donating your extra supplies to the animal shelter. Any extra towels or linens make great donations. Here is the full shelter wishlist:
– Quality dog and cat food (canned)
– Spray cheese (eg. Easy Cheese)
– Bleach
– Paper towels
– Dog toys (eg. Kongs, Nylabones, stuffed animals)
– Cat toys and catnip
– Unscented, non-clumping clay cat litter
– Dog houses in good condition
– Crates of all sizes
– Bedding for the kennels (eg. dog and cat beds, towels, blankets, rugs, and sheets)
– Creamy peanut butter
– Monetary donations
3. Support Spay & Neuter
Bloomington’s Pets Alive non-profit spay & neuter clinic does great work to prevent pet overpopulation in our community. Kitten season has begun and will likely last until fall, so this is an especially great time to support their efforts.
You can sponsor a spay or neuter surgery or make a general donation. They also have an Amazon wishlist of much-needed supplies!
4. Add Some (Pet Friendly) Plants to Your Home
Many houseplants are great for air purification and regulating the temperature in your home, but many are also toxic for our pets if Fluffy happens to take a bite. 🙂 The ASPCA has a comprehensive list of plants that are both toxic and non-toxic for dogs, cats, and horses.
If you have dogs and cats, or other animals, check that the plants you want are non-toxic for everyone.
5. Use Biodegradable Poo & Kitty Litter Bags – Compost if You Can
Not all pet waste bags on the market are biodegradable, but the best way to go is to use as few of them as possible. (Not always an easy task, I know! 🙂 )
For Cats: Consider purchasing a sealable cat waste pail, or repurpose a sealable container you already have for extra Green Points! Line the waste pail with a bag and scoop your cat’s litter into the pail daily. Only replace the liner when the bag is full.
For Dogs: If your dogs can roam your yard, you can purchase a poo scooper and scoop into one biodegradable bag when you pick up waste. Alternately, you can use one bag as a “glove” to pick up the waste and one told hold all of the waste.
Some research indicates that biodegradable plastics don’t fare well in landfills and can emit methane, a dangerous greenhouse gas. A compost pile provides a great environment for your used biodegradable bags, if you have one! You can also take your used bags to a compost facility.
6. Switch to Green Cleaning Products
This is a win-win for us and our pets! Many commercial household cleaners are harmful to inhale, and can be toxic if ingested by our pets. A 50-50 water and vinegar solution in a glass spray bottle makes an excellent (and cheap!) all-purpose cleaner.
7. Put Up Birdhouses and Bird Feeders
For our feathery friends! Birdhouses can provide a safe space for nesting birds. They can be kept up year-round but it is good to clean them occasionally, usually after nesting season.
The best hummingbird nectar can be made by mixing 1 part sugar with 4 parts water and bringing to a boil, then allow time to cool before filling the feeder. Avoid the red hummingbird nectar sold in stores.
We love this article from The Spruce on bird feeder tips! Enjoy the beautiful birds that may come around! 🙂Â
8. Make a Dog Bed From an Old Sweater
Have an old sweater that you don’t wear anymore? Repurpose it into a dog bed! Your doggie will likely love having a bed that smells just like you 🙂Â
We love this DIY Dog Bed tutorial from Tuja Wellness!
9. Make Cat Toys from Items Around the House
There are several DIY cat toy ideas to be found online. Here is a YouTube tutorial with 3 DIY toys that we bet your cats will enjoy!
Cardboard boxes generally provide tons of fun too. 😉Â
Do you have any Earth Day pet ideas that you would like to add to this list? We would love to hear from you! Feel free to share what you are doing with your pets this Earth Day in the comments.
Happy Earth Day from all of us at PAWSome Pet Sitting!Â
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