It is a known fact that we are harming our planet extensively. Surprisingly, pets too contribute to this largely. Does it sound weird? It may. However, it is a reality.

Are you an Earth-friendly pet owner? If so, let us make better efforts to reduce our environmental footprint. Here there are 10 easy ways to be a green pet parent. It may help us protect this planet.

1. Spay or Neuter Your Pet

The dense population of our furry friends is of grave concern. Spaying and neutering may limit the pet population. It may help prevent them from roaming around or out of shelters. Stray animals may be prone to diseases. Animal killing or cruelty may be limited too. It is generally high in localities where such provisions are unavailable. It may also reduce their environmental impact.

2. Use Healthy and Safe Foods and Supplements

The contents in your pet food shouldn't make you want to roll over and play dead. Pet food demands abundant oil, energy, and water. Additionally, packaging and transportation also demand extra energy. All these may affect our environment in one way or the other. Ensure to buy pet food in bulk quantities.

Most pet food that is available may have GMO corn and soy. It may not be eco-friendly and healthy. It may add to the carcinogenic content and other pesticides in our environment. Choose food made from food-grade meat products. Avoid prime cuts, which are less nutritious. Your pets may not get any health benefits from them, as they contain the loin, round, flank, short plate, and more.

Therefore, these may help only to build industrial meat production. It also adds to environmental pollution. Moreover, canned foods may be loaded with preservatives and toxins. It may harm your pet more than help. There are plenty of easy-to-prepare homemade recipes, such as the one below. 

Vegetable Meal

Cooking time - 10 minutes

1 cup - 250 ml 

Ingredients:

• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Chopped squash - 1
• Chopped head of broccoli with stem - 1 cup
• Medium potatoes chopped - 3
• Medium carrots cut to cubes - 2
• Water - 1 cup

Directions:

• To a heated pan, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Add chopped potatoes.
• Sauté for a minute.
• Add broccoli, diced squash, and chopped carrots.
• Sauté for another 2 minutes.
• Add enough water to cook the vegetables.
• Cover and cook for another 5 minutes or until done.
• Mix well.
• Chop them to a bite-size.
• Cool and serve.

3. Compost Pet Waste

Pet waste may be composted, which is preferable to dumping the waste. Composting is a cost-effective way to create fertile soil and help you save time and money. You simply need a garbage bin to compost your pet waste. It may decompose for at least 15-18 months. Then, you can apply it to non-edible plants, trees, shrubs, houseplants, etc.

However, avoid dog waste compost on plant food. Dog poop may contain E. coli or other pathogens. It may contaminate your veggies or fruits. Cat litter may also be composted similarly. However, ensure you switch from clay litter to an organic alternative. It should be biodegradable like wheat cat litter.

There may be a waste of time and energy to transport it to the landfill. It also builds up the landfill. Moreover, it not only saves energy but saves landfill space.

4. Use Biodegradable Waste Bags

It is recommended to use flushable waste bags. You may flush your pet waste when possible. Alternatively, a metal poop scooper may be used. This may also be used to scoop. It may be flushed down the toilet. You may prefer biodegradable waste bags like bio bags.

5. Buy Earth-Friendly Cat Litters

The cat clay litters are by-products of strip mining. They may not be biodegradable. Mostly, they may be harmful to the environment. Therefore, use environment-friendly cat litter. It may include wheat scoop Cat Litter. It may be a healthy alternative to clay.

6. Use Organic Cleaning Products

Your pet may often walk barefoot anywhere or everywhere. It may later lick its paws. So, isn't it essential to be cautious with cleaning products?

Ice melts and weed killers may be toxic. Some may irritate their paws and skin too. The more toxic they are, the more harm they may incur on your pet. Moreover, it may affect your family and environment. It is wise to avoid anything that indicates a warning label on the wrapper. It may be "Avoid skin contact" or "Not kid-friendly." If the products are safe and healthy, they may be safe for anyone and everyone. Switch over to natural products. It helps.

7. Use Eco-Friendly Pet Toys or Create it Yourself

Sustainable pet toys are easily available. There may be tonnes of eco-friendly options. It may be made out of recycled and biodegradable materials. Moreover, they are made in eco-friendly ways. They may not deplete any natural resources or destroy the environment. 

Otherwise, you make them with your Do-it-Yourself DIY ideas. If you have time, it's fun and easy to create toys for your furry friends. It may be from anything around your house. It may help to declutter too. The raw materials may be used clothes or natural materials. Here is a simple toy that you may make in no time.

Then simply wrap a water bottle in a piece of cloth. They are simply crazy with an empty bottle.