17 Apr Unusual Ways Pet Parents Can Help the Planet

Really growing 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 special pup (or pups).

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 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 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 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. 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 dog to participate in simple conservation efforts, like picking up litter during walks. It can be confusing to your pup if you are asking them to sit and wait 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 up 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 like to start in my own small neighborhood where there isn’t much traffic. It’s a great way to practice skills like sit and down along with making sure your dog understands to stay put until they are released from these positions. During the practice of these skills, I’m doing something important! I suggest wearing a bright colored vest so other walkers and drivers realize you’re up to something more than the average walk especially outside of your own housing development!

Sustainable Eco-Friendly Pet 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 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. I love that community garden and park spaces not only enhance the neighborhood but also help promote community responsibility for the care of our lands.

Electronic Waste Recycling

We’ve all got old tech rattling around, and this increasingly includes pet tech. I still have old speakers and even an old cell phone or two laying around. Why not finally recycle it instead of letting it pile up or tossing it in the trash? Many electronic devices and batteries, from old smartphones to worn-out pet fitness trackers, can be recycled or donated. Look for programs that accept such devices, ensuring they are recycled and reused responsibly to minimize electronic waste.

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, dog parents can contribute to a healthier planet while ensuring their pets lead happy and eco-friendly lives.

Jennifer King

Jennifer began to learn more about dog behavior and training in 2009, by reading all the latest science-based research she could find and by enrolling in a dog training course through Raising Canine, owned and operated by Susan Smith, CDBC, CPDT-KA. Jennifer earned her national certification in professional dog training through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) in 2013.  She feels strongly that: “The attitude that’s brought to the training session by both myself and the dog’s guardian is critical to its success.” “I strive to fully understand the goals as well as the challenges of each client and work hard to develop a plan that works for everyone, including the dog.”