Have a Healthy and Happy Earth Day with Your Pet

Apr 20

The ongoing quest to “go green” returns to the forefront of our minds every April 22nd as we strive to protect our planet and celebrate Earth Day. Over the years, more eco-conscious efforts have grown as many pet owners work to reduce their pet’s ecological “paw prints.” But what can one pet parent do? There are many small ways to help our pets, the community, and the environment. Here are some fun ideas on how to celebrate Earth Day in a pet-friendly way.

Get Outside

The best way to celebrate our gorgeous and diverse planet this April 22nd is by going outside and enjoying it. There are plenty of outdoor activities to get you and your pet shaking and moving. Take a walk on the local greenway, plan a picnic with some friends and their pets or relax in the backyard. You can get exercise, socialize, and fully enjoy Mother Nature. Be sure to check if the park you choose is pet friendly.

Recycle & Reduce

Out with the old, in with the new! If you spoil your pet, like a lot of pet parents, you have collected an abundance of clothes, toys, and bedding for your pet. Chances are your pet plays with less than half of what they have in their toy-box, donate some of your used toys (in decent condition) to local shelters. The dogs and cats in need would be thrilled to play with them and it helps the shelter staff. Earth Day is a wonderful opportunity to give back to your community. Before you go out and buy more toys to replace the donated items, try and make your own toys using recycled items.

Go Green

When you purchase products for your pet that will be used once and thrown out, choose items that will decompose instead of spending their days in a landfill. Use biodegradable or compostable bags to pick up your pet’s waste before discarding the bag into the garbage. These little daily changes can help improve the community for our fellow humans and their four-legged pets. When you purchase toys, bedding, and containers for your pet choose products such as bamboo, wool, or ceramic, which are made from materials that conserve natural resources. Continue your efforts to “go green” beyond Earth Day.

Earth Day Events

Earth Day is a big day for volunteering, taking care of your community, and giving back. To find local festivities, look no further than the internet. With a few Google or Facebook searches, you should be able to find plenty of like-minded community members excited to celebrate our beautiful world. If your internet searches come up empty, call your local community centers! Oftentimes, they have events to help clean up and if you cannot find something in your area. Organize your own event but be sure to check with city and county officials before you start your plans.

Plant Something

Not everyone has a green thumb, but growing plants cause be an excellent way to give back to your planet as well as freshen the air around your home. If you go the indoor plant route, there are plenty of beautiful options to freshen your air, adorn your meals, or assist with ailments. Patios are the perfect location to grow smaller plants but be sure to check what plants grow in your area and climate. If your passion is saving the trees, plant your own with The Canopy Project! This organization has been planting millions of trees since 2010. EARTHDAY.ORG works with global partners to reforest areas in dire need of rehabilitation.

What are some of the ways you like to celebrate Earth Day? Tag @VeterinarySelect on Instagram and show us.