7 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day 2021 with Your Dog

Every year on April 22, the world comes together to celebrate protecting our planet. As a pet owner, you can help make a difference! When it comes to helping the environment, every detail counts. 1. Pick Up After Your Dog Dog poop left lying around can cause more harm than just messing up the shoes of anyone who steps in it. It’s a dangerous pollutant! One gram of dog poop contains 23 million bacteria, like E.coli, salmonella, Campylobacteriosis, and tapeworms. Picking up after your pet is the only way to keep your neighborhood safe from toxic dog poop. But with landfills filling up fast, how do we keep our yards clean without harming the planet? 2. Use Compostable Poop Bags Earth Rated compostable dog poop bags are extra-strong and ultra-thick to lock in odors. Made from a blend of PBAT and vegetable starches, with a recyclable core and packaging, these rolls do it all. Find out which municipal composting facilities accept pet waste near you. Please note that Industrial composting of pet waste is not currently available in the USA. 3. Donate Your Dog's Old Things to a Local Shelter Has your pup outgrown their bedding? Got pet toys lying around that no longer spark (or bark) joy? Instead of throwing them away, give your local animal shelter a call and see if they can use your help! From unopened dog food that didn't wet your pet's appetite to soft cozy blankets, you can help make a big impact on a shelter dog's day to day life while they wait for their forever home. 4. Make DIY Dog Toys at Home Feel like spoiling your best friend with a new toy? Look no further than your own recyclables! Try making some DIY dog toys with household items (click here to learn how). From paper towel adventure tubes to treat puzzles, providing your dog with round-the-clock entertainment can be easy on the bank and the environment. After all, "DIY" is the new “Buy”! 5. Use Compostable Dog Wipes The next time you need to clean muddy puppy paws on the go, look for a certified compostable dog wipe! Plant-based, hypoallergenic, and gentle enough for daily use, Earth Rated compostable dog wipes are a great option to keep your pup feeling fresh between baths. 6. Buy Better Dog Food Switching to sustainable dog food is a simple environmentally-friendly change you can make as a pet owner. Nowadays, it is easy to find high-quality and eco-conscious dog foods at your local pet store. When checking the label of your pets food, look for the following:
• Organic ingredients • Locally sourced ingredients • Humanely farm-raised, free-range proteins • Recyclable packaging If your dog prefers fish-based food, look for a dog food that uses fish that is certified sustainably caught by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Dehydrated foods are an excellent option for your pup, and since it is much lighter in weight, the shipping of this food from the manufacturer to your local pet store has a reduced effect on greenhouse gas emissions.
7. Take a Walk This Earth Day, take advantage of the beautiful trails around you and take your dog for a nice long hike! Whether you’re ready to rough it out in the wilderness or are more of a glamping enthusiast, there’s nothing like hitting the trails with your pup. No matter how you choose to celebrate Earth Day 2021 with your dog, Earth Rated is here to help keep your household, your neighborhood and even the planet clean from the messes left behind by out pets. Picking up after our dogs is our responsibility, and we're here to make it easy! Next Article: What Should You Feed Your Dog? Raw vs. Kibble

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