by Leah Wickham
You probably have changed a few of your habits to reduce your carbon footprint. But, have you ever thought of your Lab’s impact on the environment? Not only does your Lab have its own carbon paw-print, how you raise your Lab directly affects its health as well. Going green is as much about protecting the planet as it is about protecting ourselves and our pets. Below are a few easy ways to ‘go green’ with your Lab, which not only helps improve the environment, but keeps your Lab healthy, too.
Avoid Toxic and Chemical Based Products
You may be surprised by how many potentially harmful products your Lab comes into contact with inside and outside the home. How often does your Lab lick the floor or couch and drink water from the lawn? Consider choosing cleaning and lawn care products that avoid harmful ingredients. Also, when choosing grooming products and medications, check the labels to make sure they are safe. The ASPCA has an excellent list of which items to avoid: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/poison-safe-home.
Buy All Natural Foods and Treats
The benefits of buying natural foods and treats are not only better for the environment, but they are better for your Lab too. These products avoid toxins, by-products, and unhealthy fillers, which pollute the earth and increase your Lab’s health risk. In addition to using healthier ingredients, these companies also tend to focus on the sustainability of the production, packaging, and distribution of their product. Don’t forget to recycle product cans and containers at home, too!
Purchase Eco-Friendly Toys or Make Your Own
Eco-friendly materials like hemp and bamboo are not only cute and trendy, but much more sustainable for our planet. More and more pet stores and online companies are offering everything you need for your Lab in these alternative materials. And the best part is they are affordable!
Another alternative is to make your own toys and accessories. Upcycle your old yoga mat or rug to create a kitchen placemat for your Lab. Save stuffing and squeakers from torn-up toys and re-stuff them in all your mismatched socks. Get crafty and make your own dog collar and leash from hemp rope or learn how to make a plush dog bed. These are great ways to repurpose unused items at home while decreasing consumption as well.
Use Eco-Friendly Poop Bags or Compost it Yourself
Because dog poop alone is toxic for the environment, it is important to dispose of it properly. According to the Environmental Protection agency (EPA), dog poop contains bacteria and parasites that contaminate water sources and spread infectious diseases upon contact. Biodegradable or compostable poop bags are an easy way to make sure your Lab’s poop is disposed of safely. The best method of disposal is to bag it and throw it in the trash. However, you can also flush or bury it. You may also consider composting your Lab’s poop yourself. While you don’t want to add poop to your traditional food composting system, you can compost poop by itself.
Support Local Pet Stores
A great way to ‘go green’ is to buy local. Buy shopping local, you are supporting your community and small businesses. Local pet stores tend to focus more on sustainability and reinvest back into the local community. They also offer more locally made and eco-friendly items, thereby reducing the environmental impact of your purchase.
Donate Old Goods to Your Local Pet Shelter
Our Labs are like our children. Sometimes we tend to spoil them a bit with loads of toys and accessories. Clean out your dog closet this season and get rid of anything your Lab has outgrown or doesn’t use anymore. This is a great way to recycle as well as helping other pups in need!
Walk, Instead of Drive, to Your Play Spot
It’s so easy to hop in the car and drive to the park or your Lab’s favorite play spot. If your destination is nearby, consider walking or biking instead. Or, go for a walk around your neighborhood. Not only does this cut down on your Lab’s carbon paw-print, it gets you out and about.
These eco-friendly habits are easy and inexpensive to adapt into your lifestyle. While it may take some extra time and effort to make the changes, isn’t the planet and your Lab worth it? ‘Go green’ with your Lab today.
