Earth Day: The environmental impact of pets

World Earth Day it’s April 22nd; an environmental event promoted by the UN that involves up to 1 billion people every year.

It is increasingly common to hear about «eco-sustainability» and sustainable lifestyles: trying to be more responsible by limiting consumption and making eco-sustainable purchases is a behavior that everyone should adopt to contribute, as much as possible, to safeguarding the planet.

Have you ever wondered what the environmental impact of our pets is? They too, as living beings, have a significant environmental impact. In today’s article we will analyze three possible green solutions to safeguard the environment alongside our beloved four-legged friends.

In this article…

What impact does your pet have on the environment?

Dogs and cats, just like humans, consume resources including food and water, e produce waste such as excrement, used litter, plastic or cardboard packaging and worn toys. The impact of a single dog or cat may seem small in the face of climate change and wild species at risk of extinction, but we must consider that a third of the families on the planet own a dog and almost a quarter have a cat . Although a single pet has a small environmental impact, the total increases significantly when we broaden our vision.

This certainly doesn’t mean that we have to give up our animal friends, it’s not their fault! What an owner should do is put in the effort think more ecologically be more responsible in everyday life and try to make more sustainable choices. AS?

3 green choices to support the planet

There are many products for pets that allow us to safeguard the ecosystem and take better care of the environment.

Sustainable disposal of feces while walking

In a study published in 2017 Gregory Okin, professor at the Institute for Environment and Sustainability at UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles), calculated that all the feces produced by pet dogs and cats living in the United States alone can reach 5.1 million tons per year.

Obviously we can’t stop our pets from doing their business, but we can offset their environmental impact by using more environmentally sustainable disposal methods. For example, during the walk you can use biodegradable hygiene bags for dogs instead of the classic plastic ones or choose those made from recycled plastic.

However, when it comes to elderly dogs and puppies, unfortunately the quantity of dog diapers and slippers used daily can be enormous, the products of the Eco By Croci line can be a valid help. THE dog mats and diapers in this line they are composed of 80% biodegradable material with honeycomb structure of plant origin and reinforced edges to guarantee maximum absorption of liquids and odors.

Choose biodegradable cat litter

If you have a cat, however, you can move towards purchasing cat litter made with biodegradable products rather than clay. Eco Clean cat litter is 100% natural and made from locally grown barley . It has a highly absorbent action and neutralizes bad odors. Using clumping, fully compostable cat litter allows you to do this easily dispose of excrement in the toilet . Making a green choice of this type makes disposing of your pet’s waste an eco-friendly process with low environmental impact.

Grooming: Use plant-based products

Bathing your pet is an operation that involves several phases: the use of specific products, including shampoo, conditioner and lotions to soften the fur and large quantities of water for rinsing. What we recommend doing is using products of natural origin which do not contain parabens, petrolatum or artificial colours diluting the product with water, avoiding waste of product and water.

Earth Day: small steps towards a sustainable planet

If the topic has intrigued you, don’t stop informing yourself, our advice is to participate in events on the topic. The most important event that promotes civil and environmental sensitivity in the national context is Village for the Earth promoted by Earth Day Italia . This year it will be held from 21 to 25 April in Rome a Pet Friendly oasis will be set up within the event where our four-legged friends can find refreshment and socialize.

Here you can find a small selection of our ecological products; among these there are the wonderful bamboo bowls to refresh your pet, our ecological sanitizing wipes for dogs, available in different natural scents and the Eco Clover mat made with 26 recycled plastic bottles where you can rest.