Going green in all aspects of your life is more than just driving less, buying local and recycling. We often experience health benefits when we change the products we use or the ways we bring those products or solutions into our lives. Our pets can benefit as well. Since they often live in the same environments as we do (same house or yard) they are also affected by the decisions we make in cleaning products for the home and body, and the quality of water and food we provide.
1. Food - Buy in bulk - this may be the obvious answer to fewer trips to the store to purchase pet food. OR Make your own pet food - many vets advocate a raw food diet for domestic animals touting it's healthier for the animals. Just be sure you provide all the nutrients your pet needs.
2. Pet waste - All pet waste is consider toxic to natural water ways. Flushing it down the toilet may be an option, but then we are only contributing to the use of water to get rid of waste. Tossing it in a landfill in a plastic bag means it stays in the bag until the bag decomposes and that can be years. Consider purchasing products that decompose and break down along with the waste
3. Pet care - too many soaps and sprays are toxic to the animal and the environment. Consider more natural solutions to problems, bathing and combing your pet often, using herbal flea repellents such as pennyroyal, and adding garlic and brewer's yeast to your pet's food. Some natural home products can also be used on pets. Shaklee's Get Clean products are safe on pets. Its H2 concentrate can be used to wash the dog and for flea baths.
So truly what's good for you is good for your pet. All it takes is a little focus on how to shift your shopping and regular practices to accommodate these new habits. Not only will the earth be better off because of them, so will your pet.
Happy Digging,
Doreen aka the Garden Goddess
For more great gardening resource visit my website at www.down2earthgarden.com