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Really rocking flexing the pet dog parent game means flexing some next-level sustainability vibes that help protect our planet. Dive into these outside-of-the-box pet activities with your dog, and you'll be not only leveling up your pet's life but also dropping some serious eco-consciousness into your relationship with your dog.
Simple Easy earth-friendly pet activities
Checking labels and thinking mindfully about pet-related choices can quickly reduce waste or support sustainably produced pet products. Here are just a couple to get your mind ticking.
Eco-Friendly Pet Dog Toys
Opt for toys made from sustainable materials like hemp, organic cotton, or recycled materials. These options not only reduce the carbon footprint but also provide safe and durable playthings for your furry friend.
Planet-Friendly DIY Pet Dog Treats
Rather than buying packaged treats, try making your own at home using organic and locally sourced ingredients. Not only does this minimize packaging waste, but it also ensures your pet dog enjoys healthier snacks.
Go wild and protect the planet with these unusual pet activities
Plant a Pet-Friendly Garden of Native Plants
Create a garden for you and your dog with pet-friendly native plants. This not only adds a bit of biodiversity to your surroundings but also provides a safe and stimulating environment for your pet dog. Need some help choosing? Audubon has some help! Choose plants that are non-toxic to animals. I always brush up on my plant knowledge by checking the ASPCA list of toxic plants before I make my spring purchases.
Walk Your Dog, Pick Up Trash
Train your pet dog to participate in simple conservation efforts, like picking up litter during walks. It can be confusing to your dog if you are asking them to sit while you hop across a ditch to grab a discarded bottle, so begin slowly by picking up just a few pieces on your daily walk before heading out to clean up an entire trail. For dog parents, if you are picking litter along a roadside, it’s especially important that your dog be acclimatized to traffic and have mastered a sit before turning your back to rummage through long grass. I suggest wearing a bright colored vest so other walkers and drivers realize you're up to something more than the average walk!
Sustainable Eco-Friendly Pet Dog Clothes
Are you and your pet fashionistas? Support eco-friendly pet fashion by avoiding big-box store impulse buys and choosing pet accessories and pet clothing made from sustainable materials like organic cotton or recycled fabrics. Look for brands that prioritize ethical and environmentally responsible production practices to ensure your pet dog’s wardrobe has a minimal ecological footprint.
Community Garden Pet Etiquette
Collaborate with local community gardens and parks to create pet-friendly and pet-smart spaces that protect or create wild habitat. Maybe you can sponsor a dog clean-up station or an educational sign about wildlife behavior or the importance of keeping pets leashed. We love that community garden and park spaces not only enhance the neighborhood, providing local kids and pets with a place to walk together, but also help promote community responsibility for the care of our lands.
What can you do to reduce your carbon pawprint?
Being a conscious pet dog parent involves making mindful choices that extend beyond typical sustainability practices. By embracing even just one or two of these unusual yet practical options, pet dog parents can contribute to a healthier planet while ensuring their pets lead happy and eco-friendly lives.