When is Earth Day?
You may be wondering "when is Earth Day?" It is April 22 every year! It was started back in 1970 to help raise awareness of environmental issues. Millions protested against the toll the industrial expansion had taken on the environment. It lead to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and many other environmental laws by the end of 1970. In 1990, Earth Day was celebrated globally by 200 million in 141 countries! 2020 marks 50 years since the first Earth Day. You can learn more about the history of Earth Day here. I think we can all find ways to show Mother Earth some gratitude and help reduce our carbon footprint.
What is your Carbon Footprint?
Your carbon footprint is the sum of the amount of greenhouse gases induced by your activities such as heating your house, driving your car, or buying food to name a few. Here’s an easy to use carbon footprint calculator from Berkley Energy and Climate Institute to give you an idea of your carbon footprint. They also suggest ways to reduce your impact. I was surprised to see the amount of CO2 my activities create! Don't let this get you down. We all have room to make improvements to help slow down the rise of global warming.
Here are 5 ways to go green today, all dog related! As often said, we don’t need one person doing everything perfectly. We need many people doing a few things correctly to see any large scale change!
1. Switch to Biodegradable Poop Bags.
It is a fact that it takes a long time for plastic bags to break down. We can make an easy switch to use biodegradable poop bags. Some are made from 100% recycled materials and are compostable like the Earth Rated Compostable Poop Bags and others like Pogi’s Poop Bags are made of EPI plastic which is a chemical additive that speeds up the degradation process. BioBag Pet Waster Bags are resin derived from plants, vegetable oils and compostable polymers. Keep in mind, not all bags that are made of recycled material are compostable. Also note, there are companies that claim their poop bags are biodegradable but in reality it does not completely decompose. Here’s a great article to read if poop bags are your jam! While you are at it, don’t forget the poop bag holder!
2. Use Environmental Safe Dog Shampoos, Conditioners, and Household Cleaners.
There is a lot of misinformation out there making it difficult to figure out what is safe for your dog and safe for the environment. When reading labels look for products that are organic (specifically USDA certified), have natural ingredients and are biodegradable. Meaning when the shampoo is washed away and goes into wastewater, it breaks down naturally. Avoid ingredients that are hard to read. You can find a list of ingredients to stay clear of here. If you are unsure, research the ingredients. 4-Legger, BotaniVet, Bodhi Dog, Vermont, and Fluppets are all certified organic dog shampoos. You can find them all here, along with Eco friendly house cleaners.
3. Donate Gently used Toys or Towels/Sheets to your Local Pet Rescue Organization.
4. Purchase Toys and Beds made from Recycled Materials. Or Make Them Yourself!
West Paw Design has toys made from 100% recycled material that are durable even for the heavy chewers. Green Toys has a frisbee made from 100% recycled plastic. For the ball obsessed, Chuckit! has a Recycled Remmy Ball made from recycled rubber. Harry Barker has pet beds made from a jute-polyester blend that is eco-friendly and mildew resistant. You can find them all here.
5. Decrease Your Plastic Usage.
You can do this in many ways. Use stainless steel or ceramic bowls and reusable water bottles like this one. Recycle your dog's food cans. Buy in bulk when you can to reduce the amount of plastic waste.
Let’s be honest, Earth Day should be celebrated everyday! So lets make some changes today that we can sustain and be proud of in the years to come.
Have more ideas? Share them with us!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. Please note that I've linked to these products purely because I recommend them and they are from companies I trust. There is no additional cost to you.
