5 Ways to Become a More Earth-Friendly Pet Owner; Happy Earth Day 2025!

5 Ways to Become a More Earth-Friendly Pet Owner

1.) Avoid 'Over-shopping' For Your Pet

We've all been there: "Oh, this pet photographer phone attachment is so cute, and it's on clearance!" or, "a 20 pk. box of individually-packaged catnip on sale?" or, "Hmm 😕, I think my dog didn't play with this rope toy last time I bought one, but it's only $3."

-Then the clearance-bought stuff is barely, if ever, used. STOP. Don't do that! We know it's hard, but be aware of what you and your pet really need and will use, and stick with that.

AI-generated extra: Opt for eco-friendly pet toys, collars, and beds made from recycled or organic materials. Look for brands that prioritize low-impact manufacturing and avoid plastic-heavy packaging.

2.) Use natural cleaning products whenever possible

Synthetic, artificial fragrances can be very harmful for your pets, even more so than for humans... and this is especially true with birds.

-We've been using the same plastic spray bottle for 10+ years, and it still works perfectly, to do our household cleaning.

A quick internet search will get you a good homemade cleaning solution. I prefer vinegar, water and essential oil, or alcohol, water and essential oil. Caution: Vinegar is harmful for marble- take the time to learn a bit about what you're using and where you should use it.

Not up to making your own cleaning agent, then try this excellent product: https://www.publicgoods.com/products/multi-surface-cleaner-refill-glass-bottle

3.) Use Biodegradable cat litter and doggy poo bags

Here's my favorite eco-friendly cat litter; it's made from renewable corn: Link to World's Best Cat Litter

I'd rather just use empty bread and tortilla bags, but my husband prefers the poop bags. If you have to buy them, get unscented, biodegradable options, same for cat litter. Fragrance-free is better for your pet, you, and the planet- less processed! Synthetic fragrances can even contribute to c*nc*r.

4.) Adopt, Don’t Shop

Choosing to adopt from shelters and rescues helps reduce the demand for pet mills and overbreeding, which often involve high resource use. You’ll also be giving a second chance to an animal in need—win-win (this one was basically written by AI).

5.) Make Your Own Pet Toys and/or Rotate Your Pet's Toys

Hint: You can wash pet toys. My bestie, Dee, pointed this out to me years ago, and I was like, 'Ah, yeah, wash pet toys.' -Such a simple, yet oftentimes overlooked option!

You can also safely use toilet paper cardboard rolls (once t.p. is gone) to create dog treats- stuff with peanut butter, or anything that will stick in there- then freeze them. For smaller dogs, cut the rolls into size-appropriate portions. Cat toys: cats love pipe cleaners, ping pong balls... puppies love old knotted up socks, and sticks.

Happy Earth Day Paw and Feather Plan Inc Friends and Family!

Let's be kind not only to our pets 🐾, but also to each other, and our precious planet 🌎!

Also, here's a video I made on eco-friendly pet ownership 2 years ago (I didn't re-watch it since I, like many, find watching myself on video a little cringe!) https://youtu.be/twih9hJ9dPg?si=6RlCO2OVa4YEhP1z

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