We all leave a carbon footprint, but did you know that your pet leaves one too? What can be done to lessen your pets carbon pawprint? Plenty actually.Pet toys can be made of plastic and contain especially toxic materials, such as lead. Today there are pet toys made from recycled materials. Even pet collars and leashes are made today with eco-friendly materials such as bamboo.
Pet waste is where you can really cut your pet's carbon pawprint. If they poop while out on a walk, the feces really should be disposed of. The poop can lead to disease in other animals, but the main problem with leaving it is that it can get washed into nearby water sources and pollute them further than they already are. You should always pick up your pet's mess and try to use bio-degradable bags.
Kitty litter is another area that you can make a difference in. Clay based kitty litter often contain silica which is a carcinogen that can cause respiratory problems and, since all kitty litter will end up in landfills, you can see the issue. There are kitty litters today made with recycled materials such as sawmill scrap and newspaper clippings. Those are much easier on the environment.
I was not aware of the fact that dog feces can be safely disposed of down the toilet but that cat feces cannot. Apparently, cat feces contain parasites that will not break down in sewage treatment plants and will ultimately make their way into the sea and kill sea life.
These are just a few ways that you can lower your pet's carbon pawprint. You pet can't do it. They depend on you.
