Tails from the trail and tips on training your human

Everything we do in life has consequences. Every decision, every move, and every being has an impact on the environment, be it big or small. So does our decision of owning a dog be in with being an Eco-Friendly Dog Owner.

Dogs, like any other living creature, affect our environment in multiple ways, some of which may not be ideal for our planet. But there is a way to be an eco-friendly dog owner and lessen the impact you and your dog have on the planet, while enjoying all the joy and laughter that a dog brings to your home.

Here are some ways you can be a more environmentally-conscious and responsible dog parent.

Adopt and Spay

Every life on earth has a carbon footprint. Research says that one dog is equal to an SUV in terms of how much it impacts the environment. Dogs breathe, eat and do their business, and all these things have some effect on the environment, just like human lives do. Breeding more dogs adds to the environmental burden.

What we must do is adopt the dogs that are already here instead of shopping for specific breeds of dogs, which ultimately leads to dogs being bred specifically so they can satisfy the demand. Overpopulation never helps anyone, be it of humans or animals. Besides, adopting is the more ethical thing to do as there are hundreds of homeless dogs which are miserable on the streets or in the shelters. Giving them home would not only help the environment but is also the right thing to do.

Use Sustainable or Homemade Dog Food

Your dog might have a favorite treat or his favorite bag of dog kibble, but if you truly want your dog to live a sustainable lifestyle, you have to train him to accept homemade or sustainable food. This might be one of the hardest tasks you will have to take on in your quest to become an eco-friendly dog owner, but it is so worth it and is one of the greatest ways you can lessen your dog’s impact on the environment.

Dog food and kibble have up to 50% of meat content, which is harmful to the atmosphere. This then goes on to be processed and packed in large industries that produce a lot more waste and use a lot more energy as well. A better and healthier alternative is to give your dog homemade meals. Get him used to eating fresh green vegetables, rice, broth and other things. Of course, give him meat as well. This way, not only will your dog’s health be affected positively, but also the environment as your dog won’t be consuming a purely meaty diet.

Use Green Toys

Dogs love their toys, and it would be unfair to deny them the happiness of having their own sources of pleasure and fun. Most dog toys are made of plastic, be it a ball, a frisbee or a smart food dispenser. Plastic is all around us, and it is so very hard to avoid it. However, we can always try.

Opt for more ‘green’ toys, which could include anything from a wooden bone, or a cotton stuffed toy. You could also opt for dog beds and toys that are made from reclaimed and recycled material. Even if you are buying plastic toys as it gets unavoidable at times, you can perhaps limit the number of toys you get your dog. He certainly does not need an entire basket full of stuff; 3-4 toys would be enough to make him happy. Donate any old toys that your dog may have outgrown to pet shelters so they can be reused.

Pick up After Your Dog with Biodegradable Material

Out on a walk and your dog decides to take a poo? Your first response might be to take out a plastic shopper or glove and pick it up. It is the easiest and least messy way after all, no? No. We need to break the habit. Plastic will be the death of our planet and we need to actively make an effort to replace it with other materials. Next time you want to pick up your dog’s poo, use a paper towel instead. Or even recyclable plastic bags. Purchase a set of bags or wipes made out of sustainable, recyclable or biodegradable material and use it to pick up after your dog.

Minimize Chemical Use

Chemicals, much like plastic, are hard to avoid. You might do everything you possibly can to ensure that you use no plastic and only the best of homemade food, but what when your dog develops a case of fleas and ticks? Again, it is possible to be an eco-friendly dog owner and avoid chemicals to a degree.

The chemicals used in dog shampoos, tick treatments and other grooming supplies leach into our water bodies and contaminate waters. Sometimes they even have micro-plastic beads that enter our own food chain. The good news is, there are alternates available. Plenty of companies make organic, chemical-free shampoos, and there are ingredients in nature that you can use to substitute for your dog’s grooming needs. Vinegar, baking soda and other regular kitchen items can be used instead.

As a dog parent, you must prioritize sustainability over anything else. Of course, your dog’s health and happiness must not suffer in the process. It might seem like a little harder work to provide your dog with the same kind of lifestyle without harming the environment, but where there is a will, there is a way. It is possible to alter our practices and adopt more environmentally-friendly practices. It might take a while for you and your dog to get used to the changes, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you did the right thing.

Apart from making individual efforts to minimize your and your dog’s footprint on the planet, you can also do your part by donating to organizations that are working round the clock to make the world a better place for you and your dog. They clean up the mess that we have made of the world and make sure that a cleaner, healthier planet exists to serve us. Let’s help them in their mission!

by Maria A Davidson

We are in business to provide great products for the outdoorsy hikers, campers and their dogs; and to help clean our parks, rivers and oceans for a better planet earth for hikers and their dogs.

Parks Clean

Parks are high-traffic areas in most cities. This means that trash is bound to show up in and around your park and playground.

When discussing ways your family can help clean your local park, don’t overlook a literal cleanup! Picking up trash will make a huge difference in the appearance and vibe of your park. A clean area will encourage others to keep the park pristine. When picking up trash and debris, make sure to wear gloves to protect yourself, and put trash in appropriate receptacles or lawn bags. You can also contact your local trash company to schedule a pickup when you are finished.

Rivers Clean

The storm drain on your street collects the water from your roof, driveway, and sidewalk and funnels it directly in your local lake or river. Nutrients from grass and leaves, pet waste, and fertilizers “enrich” our lakes and streams — feeding algae blooms and harming fish. Chemicals from washing your car in the drive and household chemical spills add up, taking a nasty toll on our favorite swimming areas and fishing spots. Soil can also be picked up by runoff, reducing the clarity of water and hurting fish.

So as you prepare your lawn and garden, here are a few helpful tips to keep our lakes and rivers beautiful and safe for all of us.

Use mulch and vegetation to keep soil from washing away.
Sweep or rake grass and leaves away from street curbs.
Mulch and compost grass clippings and leaves.
Keep paved surfaces to a minimum.
Capture water runoff with a rain garden and rain barrels.
Wash your car on the grass, where the water will get filtered.
Keep chemicals away from storm drains.
Collect your pet’s waste.
Aim your rain-gutter downspouts onto grass.

Beaches Clean (do it for the ocean)

In 2007, the United States Senate and House of Representatives passed the National Clean Beaches Week Resolution to recognize the value of beaches to the American way of life and the important contributions of beaches to the economy, recreation, and natural environment of the United States.

Clean Beaches Week, celebrated annually July 1-7, offers the perfect opportunity to encourage stewardship and volunteerism along our coastlines. But where do you even begin? Follow these tips to get started.

Identify a clean-up site. Choose a place that needs some TLC, making sure that volunteers can safely access the site. Get permission, if needed, for your clean-up event, perhaps from the local parks agency.
Choose a site coordinator. (That might be you!) A beach clean-up takes a lot of work and needs an organized person to keep everything on track before, during, and after the event.
Visit the site in advance. The coordinator will need to know where to set up a volunteer check-in station, where to leave trash and recyclables, and what area(s) volunteers will clean.
Gather supplies. Depending on your location, you’ll need supplies such as trash bags, a first aid kit, hand sanitizer, wipes, and large coolers of water. You should also provide (or ask volunteers to bring) items such as reusable work/garden gloves, reusable water bottles, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Plan how to handle the recyclables. Reach out to recyclers in your area (and perhaps your community’s solid waste departments) to make arrangements for accepting any glass, plastic, and aluminum that you collect.
Line up event partners. Contact local businesses for donations of drinks, food, and supplies. Ask a local solid waste hauler to donate their services for trash removal.
Plan for handling hazardous waste. Determine how you’ll dispose of any medical and sewage waste you might find. One solution: A wide-mouth container with a tight-fitting lid, such as an empty laundry detergent bottle. Clearly label that it contains hazardous waste.
Get volunteers to help. Recruit friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors. Create an event on Facebook and ask volunteers to sign up online. This will give you an idea of how many people to expect and will help communicate event details.
Stay safe. Be prepared for a variety of health emergencies, from minor cuts and scrapes to heat stroke.
Take photos! Post pics online to share the success of your event and recognize volunteers for their hard work.