GreenStreet LI Home | Pamper Your Pet, 
Protect the Environment




Pamper Your Pet, 
Protect the Environment
2010-02-03 


They go barefoot outdoors, hunt, lie in the grass, and give special meaning to the term curb appeal, so, yes, family pets impact the environment.  As their caretakers, parents, or servants (pick the title that fits) you can help them strike the right balance.


There are toxic residues on a typical Long Island street, which means if your pet goes outside, those substances can be tracked onto carpets, couches and beds, and lapped by the pet himself.

GOOD:
Fragrance-free pet wipes are a good solution. So is a towel left by the door for wiping paws and coats before pets come inside. Even if your pets stay indoors, there’s the issue of their waste. Leaving it in the yard or curb allows it to end up in soil and sewers where bacteria can leach from it. If you have a cat, beware, most litters carry harsh chemicals like bentonite and silica.

BETTER:
Use biodegradable bags or one of a growing variety of eco-friendly litters. 

BEST:
The best – although, not the easiest solution for discarding waste
is to treat it like yours and flush it.

One Simple Thing:

All chow is not created equal. Check your pet food labels today so you know what is being put into your pet,
and what your pet is putting out. Copper proteinate – good.
 Hydrochloric acid,
not-so-good.

Using non-toxic flea and tick repellents are good for your pet’s health and put fewer chemicals in your home environment.

Use old newspapers instead of litters to line pet cages.



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