6 Steps to Greener Pup Parenting

When it comes to a greener home you do everything you can to reduce your carbon footprint. What about when it comes to your pup? Here are 6 things you can start doing right now to reduce your carbon pawprint!

1. Use Biodegradable poop bags

Let’s face it. Being a dog owner means scooping a lot of poop. Most pups poop between two and four times a day. That means in a month you might burn through 60 to 120 poop bags! Now, if you are using plastic bags this creates a lot of waste. Companies like Earth Rated now make bags that break down more easily or can be composted. They say “Our dark green-colored bags contain an EPI additive which helps them to break down, unlike traditional plastic bags. As international standards vary by country, and in order to comply with all labeling regulations, we do not label our bags as biodegradable. We do offer certified compostable bags made from vegetable starches and have been BPI-certified and meet both ASTM D6400 and EN13432 guidelines which allow them to be disposed of in a municipal composting facility that accepts pet waste.”

2. Purchase collars and harnesses made from recycled materials

As your pup grows, they might burn through collars and harnesses. While it is very important to walk your dog in properly fitting gear, having to purchase so many different sizes in a short period of time could create some waste. We’ll explore ways to recycle gently used equipment, but in the meantime let’s look at how you can buy environmentally friendly stuff in the first place. Consider the EarthStyle line from 2Hounds Design. They say “ (our) EarthStyle collection combines colorful upbeat designs with earth-friendly webbing made using recycled plastic bottles.” For the fashionista, they offer 6 patterns of freedom harnesses, collars, and leashes.

3. Create your own enrichment or toys

Toys like licki mats, Kongs, and puzzle toys are great for busting boredom when the weather is bad or helping a fast eater slow down enough to actually taste their food. Do you know what else these items are good for? Becoming a pile of plastic when your pup is finished with them. If your pup gets bored easily, consider taking a DIY approach to enrichment and slow feeding. Household items like the roll from your paper towels, egg cartons, and muffin tins can be used to make slow feeders and enrichment toys.

If you have a dog who loves to tug, old clothes, towels, and pieces of fleece can be used to make a tug toy that you and your dog can use for hours of fun. Get creative with items you find around the house including old denim. Make sure any buttons, zippers, or snaps are removed for your pet’s safety before sharing your DIY creation.

4. Donate gently used items to a shelter

If you have a young puppy who is growing fast but you want them to have nice things, consider donating their gently used collars, leashes, harnesses, and even crates and blankets to a local shelter.

The shelter may need some of these items while the dogs are in their care, but they can also use them so that fosters and new pet parents have things to get started with. Before you take over a big haul, check with the shelter to see what they can take and what they need.

With limited storage and the pup’s health and safety in mind, they may have things that are a priority. Remember that open food and treats generally can’t be accepted. Whatever you are taking make sure it is clean and in good condition!

5. Use food scraps from your cooking to make dog treats

Did you buy a large watermelon or have some veggie scraps from cooking dinner? Using the leftover fruit and vegetables you can make some delicious dog treats. These watermelon and carrot pupsicles can help you hydrate your pup while minimizing waste. There are also many great recipes for those blueberries the kids decided they didn’t want and leftover squash or pumpkin!

6. Clean your home with products that are safer for your pet and the environment

From a deep spring cleaning session to everyday home maintenance, you can use products that are safer for your pup and the environment. Instead of chemical-laden aerosols, try to find products that are greener. Some of our favorites include Puracy’s Multi-Surface cleaner and Natual Pet Stain and Odor Remover and Bissell’s steam mop that cleans without chemicals or harsh fragrances.

Small changes can have a big impact. No matter how many greener swaps you can make for your pup you are helping to reduce waste and make your carbon footprint smaller.

The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie.com.