Natural or organic pet food
If you’re environmentally conscious, chances are you already look out for organic and sustainably-produced items in your weekly shopping trip. The range of eco-friendly foods has now extended into the animal kingdom, and companies like Applaws have cooked up tasty recipes for your dog or cat that are good for the environment, too. All the fish in its range is sustainably caught in seawater using dolphin-friendly methods, and the company prides itself on using only the ingredients listed – nothing artificial added.
Cleaning up after your dog is one of the most direct ways we can help to improve the environment as pet owners, and no responsible dog walker should set out without a few baggies in their pocket. Take the next step by switching to degradable poop bags made from recycled materials.
Natural shampoos
Your dog might hate bath time, but one way you can make it a bit more pleasant is using natural, additive-free shampoos with no colouring, preservatives or toxins.
Rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs
Hay bedding
Hay makes ideal bedding for small pets – it’s cheap, safe and easily available, and perfect for burrowers. What’s more, it’s completely chemical-free and biodegradable, so you can recycle it into your compost heap after use.
Grow your own rabbit food
Rabbits eat all manner of fresh greens such as lettuce, parsley and kale, and a fun way to get more involved with your pet’s life while developing your gardening skills is to put a few of these easily-grown plants in your vegetable patch.
Sustainable wood chippings
Avoid using tropical woods in your reptile’s home – they’re often not produced sustainably. Good and affordable alternatives include beech chips or substrates made from natural calcium carbonate.
Low-wattage heating
As your heating equipment will be left on most of the time, it’s a good idea to find an efficient, low-wattage product to avoid wasting power. The Pro Rep heat mat can be bought in a variety of wattages – just make sure the heat output is appropriate for your pet.
Well-insulated vivariums
Just like the rest of your home, it pays to keep the heat in your reptile’s vivarium. Wood is a more efficient insulator than glass, so consider using a wood-panelled living space to control the temperature and knock a bit off your energy bills.
What a GREAT article! Thanks for sharing the helpful tips on how pet owners can think GREEN :-).