# Caring For Our Beloved Pet and Our Loving Mother Earth - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/08/caring-for-our-beloved-pet-and-our-loving-mother-earth/ - Published: 2021-08-04T18:48:12-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy _We all love to care for our pets. But, we also need to make sure that we are not compromising the health of our mother earth. We must care for both._ ![Caring for our beloved pet and our loving mother earth](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy. com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/image1.jpg?resize=714%2C1024&quality=52&ssl=1 "Caring For Our Beloved Pet and Our Loving Mother Earth - The Green Living Guy") There are several modest adjustments we should consider making in our everyday life to become more ecologically friendly. One major area where we can make those changes in the way that we care for beloved pets. Simply altering the things we use and making little changes may have a crucial influence on animals and the entire ecosystem. Here are some tips to help you become an environmentally concerned caregiver to your pets.  ### Packaging  If your [pet](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/06/5-things-to-know-about-water-shower-conserve/) relies on food that comes from plants, the first thing to watch out for is the packaging. The easiest solution to eliminate unneeded packaging is to purchase food items lose and keep them inside your own reusable containers. Alternatively, search for products that are packed using biodegradable materials. Buying food items in large quantities can also help if you can finish them before they expire.  ### Meat and Fish Diet Meat requires a huge amount of resources to produce and has substantial ecological consequences. If your dearest cat or dog loves eating meat, try to make them follow a chicken diet. It is better to refrain from beef. Chicken has a lower negative impact on the environment compared to beef, which has a greater carbon footprint compared to other meats.   Also, many are not aware that the use of human-grade meat in high-end pet food products imposes greater stress on our food production system. Rather, we should try to find solutions from the residues of the meat industry. This includes utilizing organ meat and bonemeal. If you plan to go for fish-based items for your pet’s diet, try to ensure that it is certified for [sustainability](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/05/7-ways-to-be-an-environment-friendly-pet-owner/). Bon appetit!  ### For Insects  Nowadays, many people are keeping insects as pets. If you are not sure about the best diet and food for them, we got your back. Actually, [TopFlight Dubia Roaches](https://www.topflightdubia.com/) have your back.  The internet is a useful source of motivation and guidance for preparing homemade treats for your pet. Preparing your own and keeping them in a reusable, airtight container may be a terrific way to avoid the excessive packaging that all these commercially produced pet foods come in, as well as removing ecologically harmful components like unsustainable [palm oil](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/06/palm-oil-giant-indofood-subsidiary-loses-sustainability-certification-over-labor-abuses/). Playing with new and unique toys is always a fun experience for everyone and pets are no exception. As you plan to get some new toys for your pet to play with, avoid the usual items from the local pet shops. Instead, try out something dif-fur-ent. Here are some options for you to consider.  ### Creativity Goes a Long Way  Try searching around your house. Look for something that you can throw for your doggo to chase. It can be something as simple as an old tennis ball. Here is something I do to keep my dog excited to chase the ball.  Take an old tennis ball you no longer need and slice it in two halves. Next, put some small dog treats inside the ball and tape it. Every time your dog chases and brings you the ball, un-tape the ball and feed the treats to the obedient dog. Your paw-lite dog deserves it for being a good boy. You must try it!  ### Toys from Sustainable Materials  If you lack creativity, not a problem. You can always buy new toys for your pets from the store. Just make sure that the toys you are getting have been produced using sustainable materials. It would be good for the environment if those toys are [biodegradable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/eco-pet-ball-idea-for-sustainable-playtime/) or [recyclable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/02/living-the-green-life-with-your-pet/). You should also make sure that you are disposing of used toys in the correct way. Thus you will be able to avoid landfill wastes.  Moreover, if you are feeling generous, you can contact a local shelter and give them the toys that your pet no longer needs. Your kind support will be greatly appreciated by them and the pets there.  Cleaning and managing the poop of the favorite pet is a major responsibility of a pet owner. The excrement of birds and rabbits is harmless and easy to manage. But when it comes to pets like cats and dogs, you need to be extra careful because their feces can be harmful. Don’t worry; we are here to help you. If your new pet has an issue controlling their body’s functions you can use [washable diapers for dogs](https://petparentsbrand.com/products/dog-diapers) and there are cat versions too. ### For Dogs  It’s very likely that you use plastic bags to pick up after your dogs. This means that over a long period of time, there could be thousands of plastic bags that end up in landfills. No need to stress about it; we have some alternatives that you can try:  **Burying the Poop:** You should try this especially if you live in the countryside. Find an open green space where you can dig a hole. Make sure that the hole is more than 15cm deep. Then, dump the poop there and cover it up well and tight.  **Composting:** You can use compostable bags as they decay in landfills. But, make sure you keep the bags in a separate place and away from food.  ### For Cats  **Flushing is Not the Answer:** You must refrain from flushing your cat’s poop down the toilet. Parasites are present in the cat waste and the sewage systems are not capable of treating it properly. As a result, flushing cat [waste can lead to health hazards](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/u-s-epa-fines-tucson-facility-30000-for-hazardous-waste-violations/). **Recycled Newspapers:** You can create your cat litter by using recycled newspaper. It will require some extra effort from you, but it is fully cost-effective and does not need any additional supplies. This method should really help you to decrease your cat’s carbon pawprint.  The whole world is aiming to become environmentally sustainable. We pet lovers are now ready to do our part in that endeavor. So let’s [care for our pets](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/right-on-pawlenty-im-sorry-i-now-care-about-climate-mother-jones/) perfectly without being a burden on our mother earth.  ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)