Eco - Local Eco News

POSTED: Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2009

Make Fido, Fluffy more friendly to Mother Nature

Eco living includes all members of the family - even those who are furry, feathered or gilled. Animals are just as much a part of the Earth as humans, so it's important to keep our pets' care and behavior in mind when going green.

1. POOP PATROL

"One of the most environmentally responsible actions you can take as a pet owner is to dispose of your pet's waste properly," says Kym Fedale, environmental educator at the Bellingham Public Works Department. "Bagging dog waste and cat litter and placing it in the garbage is currently the safest method of disposal."

Never place pet waste in FoodPlus! recycling containers or a home composter and don't use it as fertilizer.

"When left on your lawn, pet waste is a source of harmful bacteria and disease," Fedale says.

Specialized pet-waste disposal systems are easily constructed or available for sale. For example, the Doggie Dooley (www.doggiedooley.com) is available at the Whatcom Farmers Co-op Country Stores.

2. CARBON PAW PRINTS

Minimize your pet's direct impact on the environment.

"To reduce your dogs' impact, always place them on a leash where required. (This) prevents them from disturbing wildlife and vegetation and helps pet owners keep track of when and where their pet goes to the bathroom, so their waste can be removed properly," Fedale says.

"To protect local birds and wildlife, it is best to keep your cat indoors.

"Never release pets like birds and fish into a local environment," Fedale says. "They are not native to this area and can introduce disease to wild populations."

3. NATURAL CARE

Use natural products when grooming pets or cleaning up their inevitable messes.

Stephanie Packman, manager of the Bellingham location of Walker's Natural Pet, recommends cleansing products made with natural oils.

"Our most popular is emu-oil soap, a natural skin and coat conditioner and flea and tick repellent," says Packman. "It also comes in a bar for short-haired dogs, which wastes a lot less than liquid shampoo."

Choose beds, toys and collars made from pesticide-free recycled materials. Make Tiger his own cat toys with leftover string and cloth or create a comfy place for Fido to lounge with old blankets and pillows.

You can find locally raised catnip at the Bellingham Farmers Market. Sew some into a little pillow for a cat toy that's sure to charm Fluffy.

4. CHOW TIME

Do research to find pet food made from meats raised in sustainable, humane ways without pesticides, hormones, antibiotics or artificial preservatives.

Shop at stores that sell pet food, treats and supplements made from human-quality ingredients, such as Clark Feed & Seed, Whatcom Farmers Co-op Country Stores, Walker's Healthy Pet or PetStop.

Opt for raw veggies like broccoli stalks and baby carrots at treat time.

5. GOOD BEGINNINGS

Start life with your pet by making responsible choices from the get-go. Adopt from a local animal shelter such as the Whatcom Humane Society (www.whatcomhumane.org) or Alternative Humane Society of Whatcom County (www.alternativehumanesociety.org).

"Whatcom County residents can be a part of the pet overpopulation solution by spaying or neutering their companion animals, making sure their animals wear identification and making a lifetime commitment to their four-legged, furry and feathered friends," says Laura Clark of the Whatcom Humane Society.

Amy Blackwood is a Bellingham-based freelance writer.