4 ways to be an eco-friendly pet parent

(NC) There are many simple steps that you can take to reduce your carbon footprint – and that of your pet. That’s right – pets can also help to make a positive impact on the environment by reducing their carbon “pawprint.”

Here are four tips to start you on your journey to being an eco-friendly pet parent.

Skip the car ride and take a walk: Start off simple with an option that is good for Mother Earth, the health of you and your pup, and also your wallet. Choosing to leave the car at home and walk more often will offer benefits in spades. Not only are you helping to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions but you’re also supporting physical and mental wellness.

Repurpose household materials into pet toys: There are an increasing number of fun and eco-friendly pet toys that are sure to keep pups engaged, but you can also create your own dog toys using upcycled materials from around the house. For example, cut up an old shirt into strips of fabric, then tie and braid the strips together to create a new tug toy.

Choose recyclable packaging: You may not know that the pet food industry generates millions of pounds of plastic packaging each year. One way that pet parents can make a difference is to support companies that use sustainable packaging, like Canadian pet food manufacturer Petcurean, which has committed to transitioning its packaging to recyclable by 2025 with products like, Now Fresh Good Gravy, a complete and balanced bone broth-coated kibble recipe that dogs can enjoy dry or wet, when water is added.

Invest in eco-friendly dishes: Opting for ceramic or stainless-steel dishes over plastic is not only an eco-friendlier option, it’s also better for the health of your canine companion. Some plastic bowls can contain toxins like Bisphenol A (BPA) and can be harder to keep germ-free. Don’t forget to also pick-up a collapsible BPA-free dish to use when you’re on-the-go. Sustainable, convenient and easy to use. Win-win-win.

Remember that every step you take on your journey to sustainability makes an impact. Set a goal for you and your fur family members and feel good knowing the difference that you are making together.