5 tips for a sustainable life with your dog
Waste separation, saving plastic, only drinking from glass bottles... there are plenty of things you can do every day to protect the climate. But protecting the environment and living sustainably with your four-legged friend? Is that possible? Absolutely!
With our 5 tips for environmentally conscious actions as a pet owner, you'll definitely succeed in keeping your shared ecological footprint smaller.
The recycled sleeping spot: Greener sleep
Your four-legged friend loves to snuggle up on their favorite cushion and doze in the sun all day? You can do that in an eco-friendly way too! Many manufacturers now use sustainable materials and recycled raw materials in production – and now you can even get these cushions made from PET bottles. Modern, super cozy and pretty climate-friendly.
If you want to save money and still have some materials at home, you can get creative and sew a bed for your furry friend yourself. You can fill old fabric scraps with, for example, holey socks and unwanted clothing and seal it up well. Your cozy cushion is ready.
The sustainable toilet: For number one or two
As a dog owner, you are required to clean up after your four-legged friend. They are as common as they are simple: poop bags. They come in different colors and materials – but unfortunately, most owners still use the standard bag. It's more sustainable to use a biodegradable, water-soluble bag that you can dispose of with a clear conscience.
Make your own favorite toy: Sustainable play
Which brand, whether new or old – your pet doesn't care. Homemade is always best. Egg cups or an empty toilet paper roll for hiding treats are especially great. You can build a kind of obstacle course from them. Not only do you save money, but you also upcycle old items!
For your dog, just grab an old sock and stuff the toe area with as many other socks as you can until the sock forms a big ball. Now pull two socks over the ball and tie a cord as tightly as possible below the sock ball. Cut the rest below the ball into even strips. Always braid three strips together and tie a knot at the bottom so the toy lasts longer. Your throw-octopus
is ready!
Sustainable food shopping: Environmental protection starts in the bowlzero-waste stores are already selling some dry food. Just bring your own container and fill up the amount you want. No packaging waste at all!
If you order your pet's food online, there are a few things to consider. Does the shop use climate-friendly shipping? That's important because every order travels a certain distance and causes emissions. What about the packaging materials? There are many things you can pay attention to at your trusted shop when it comes to sustainability.
Give this a try!
Trips by bike instead of by car: Get on your bike and go!
Open the trunk, dog in, doors closed, and off to the lake? Almost! On not-too-hot summer days, it's much better for the environment if you cycle instead of drive. The CO2 emissions when cycling are zero, your furry friend can really burn off energy, and it's good for your body too. Is your four-legged friend too small, sick, or old to run several kilometers alongside you?
There's a solution for that too. Special bike baskets for dogs are easy to install and can hold up to 8 kg. A bike trailer is also a good idea for older or sick dogs. It's a one-time investment, but it's better for the environment in the long run. So hop on your bike!
There's always something to do
Protecting the climate and environment isn't just a passing trend. That's why it's important that we all do our part, whenever possible.If you need more tips and inspiration, here are a few more ideas:
Bake your own treats
a →Veggie Day per week for your dog
Use brushes made of wood
Buy larger cans and food bags instead of small ones
