We love pets. Who wouldn’t? Singapore’s pet population is projected to hit 824,000 pets in 2016, according to statistics from Euromonitor International. The Federation Cynologique Internationale also reported that Singaporeans own over 62,000 dogs in 2017. But who can proclaim that they are a conscious pet owner?
How we clean up after our pets or even the treats we feed them, will have a sizable impact on the environment. Many green practices that have become our good habits can also be applied to our pets as well. So, why not take a step further by taking care of the environment while taking care of your pet?
There are many ways we can reduce our carbon “paw-print” and be an environmentally conscious pet owner. Here are just to name a few:
Tip 1: Reusable wipes
If you use wet wipes to clean your pet or to clean up a mess they made, it’s time to switch to an eco-friendly alternative!
One method would be to simply use a reusable cloth, which can be washed after every use. You can use towels that are not used anymore, or even cut up old clothes. Not to mention, it can help you save a lot of money in the long-run!
Another method would be to switch to more eco-friendly wet wipes, such as Cloversoft’s non-toxic wet wipes that are made from 100% unbleached bamboo pulp.
Tip 2: Using what you can to pick up poop
Often, the waste that we create can be out of our control. Sometimes, it is because the items we buy are already pre-packaged, such as the vegetables found in supermarkets, which come in clear plastic bags.
This plastic cannot be recycled and end up as waste in our bins. If waste like these is unavoidable, what we can do is to reuse them!
You can use these items to pick up your pet’s poop. Alternatively, you can even use big leaves that you find, and simply slide them under your pet when he/she is about to poop!
As long as you wrap it up nicely (so the smell doesn’t spread after throwing the poop), almost anything can be used!
Tip 3: Turn to eco-friendly toys, accessories and treats
If you enjoy spoiling your pet with toys and treats, how about turning to eco-friendly alternatives?
There are many pet accessories and toys that can be found online that are made from recycled or plant-based materials. Alternatively, consider upcycling your old clothes and turn them into new toys! Check out this link for some inspirations!
As for treats, consider giving them small portions of fresh fruits or vegetables, or even baking/cooking treats from scratch! These options are much healthier for your pet and they will still love eating them equally.
However, please do proper research on exactly what your pet can/cannot eat.
It can sometimes get a little tiring to take care of our pets, but they are a lifetime commitment and we should never compromise their well-being. The same applies to take care of Mother Earth!
Green practices are often less convenient but every small step will go a long way into improving her well-being. Try tying more environmentally-friendly habits into the different aspects of our daily lives and the caring of your pets is somewhere you can start!
If you happen to have any other tips on how to be an environmentally conscious pet owner, how about sharing them with us? 🙂