Earth Day: The Environmental Impact of Pets

World Earth Day is on April 22nd; an environmental event promoted by the UN that involves up to 1 billion people every year.

It is increasingly common to hear about "eco-sustainability" and sustainable lifestyles: trying to be more responsible by limiting consumption and making eco-sustainable purchases is a behavior that everyone should adopt to contribute, as much as possible, to safeguarding the planet.

Have you ever wondered what the environmental impact of our pets is? They too, as living beings, have a significant environmental impact. In today's article we are going to analyze three possible green solutions to safeguard the environment alongside our beloved four-legged friends.

In this article…

Dogs and cats, just like humans, consume resources , including food and water, and produce waste such as excrement, used litter, plastic or cardboard packaging and worn toys. The impact of a single dog or a single cat may seem small in the face of climate change and wildlife species at risk of extinction, but we must consider that a third of families on the planet own a dog and almost a quarter have a cat . Although a single pet has a small environmental burden, the total increases significantly when we broaden our vision.

This certainly doesn't mean that we have to give up our animal friends, they are not to blame! What an owner should do is commit to thinking greener , be more responsible in everyday life and try to make more sustainable choices. As?

There are many products for pets that allow us to safeguard the ecosystem and take better care of the environment.

Sustainable disposal of feces during the walk

In a study published in 2017 Gregory Okin, professor at the Institute for the Environment and Sustainability of UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles), calculated that all the feces produced by pet dogs and cats living in the United States alone United States can reach 5.1 million tons per year.

Obviously we can't stop our pet from doing its business, but we can offset their environmental impact by using more environmentally sustainable disposal methods. For example, during the walk you can use biodegradable dog hygiene bags instead of the classic plastic ones or choose those made from recycled plastic.

However, when it comes to elderly dogs and puppies, unfortunately the quantity of dog diapers and sleepers used daily can be enormous, the products of the Eco By Croci line can be a valid help. The dog mats and diapers in this line are made of 80% biodegradable material with a honeycomb structure of plant origin and reinforced edges to ensure maximum absorption of liquids and odors.

Choose biodegradable cat litter

If you have a cat, however, you can move towards purchasing cat litter made with biodegradable products instead of clay. Eco Clean cat litter is 100% natural and based on barley from local crops . It has a highly absorbent action and neutralizes bad odors. Using clumping and fully compostable cat litter allows you to easily dispose of excrement in the toilet . Making a green choice of this type makes disposing of your pet's waste an eco-friendly process with low environmental impact.

Grooming: Use plant-based products

Bathing your pet is an operation that involves various steps: the use of specific products, including shampoo, conditioner and lotions to soften the fur and large quantities of water for rinsing. What we recommend doing is using products that are of natural origin , which do not contain parabens, petrolatum or artificial colourants , diluting the product with water, avoiding waste of product and water.

If the topic has intrigued you, don't stop informing yourself, our advice is to participate in events on the topic. The most important event that promotes civil and environmental sensitivity in the national context is Villaggio per la Terra promoted by Earth Day Italia . This year, it will be held from 21st to 25th April in Rome , within the event a Pet Friendly oasis will be set up in which our four-legged friends can find refreshment and socialize.

Here you can find a small selection of our ecological products; among these are the wonderful bamboo bowls to refresh your pet, our eco-friendly sanitizing wipes for dogs, available in different natural fragrances and the Eco Clover mat made using 26 recycled plastic bottles where you can rest.