AUSTIN (KXAN) — Part of going green includes environmentally-friendly ways to take care of your cats and dogs, and even sustainable ways to play with them. After all, there are times when your pet wants to play.
Rich Segal spoke with Shannon Casey from Take Care of Texas — part of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality — about this subject. She began by talking about the different types of toys that are on the market that help with sustainability, including those that are plastic-free or come with minimal packaging.
An important part of proper pet care is to make sure to use pet-safe cleaners that are free from harmful chemicals, some of which can be toxic for your four-footed fur baby. Specifically, she suggested to avoid oils that can be toxic.
Animal shelters are always looking for gently used pet items. Pet shelters do have rules on what they will accept, so it’s always best to ask.
One of the questions Segal asked Casey had to do with dog owners not cleaning up after their pooch. You don’t want to put anything in the waterways that can contaminate it, so doggie bags that are compostable or made from recycled content gets you extra points.
Pet waste is listed as a nonpoint source pollutant by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as it can contaminate waterways with excess nutrients and bacteria. Whether in your backyard or out on a walk, it’s important to pick up your dog’s waste and dispose of it in the garbage. When walking your pup, always carry baggies with you and opt for ones that are compostable or made from recycled content.
There are other money-saving and time-saving environmental tips that will keep your fur baby happy.
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