7 Tips to Reduce your Pet's Carbon Paw Print

By: Doo Care | 0 Shares 130 Reads

April 14, 2008 // Franchising.com // Are you a pet lover and an earth lover? Many eco-friendly consumers work hard to reduce their carbon footprint, but they often overlook the problem of the "carbon paw print" of their pets. As Earth Day approaches, Doo Care dog waste removal reminds you of 7 simple steps that you can take to help your pets be more environmentally friendly:

Clean up after your pet regularly. If you don't like scooping poop, hire a service like Doo Care to clean up your pet waste for about $10 to $15 per week. The accumulation of pet waste is not only a health hazard, but it has a real environmental impact, especially if it storm drains carry it into waterways. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that two or three days worth of droppings from a population of about 100 dogs would contribute enough bacteria to temporarily close a bay, and all watershed areas within 20 miles of it, to swimming and shell fishing.
Use biodegradable bags to dispose of pet waste. Doo Care uses exclusively biodegradable bags for our pet waste removal, and every pet owner should too. A recent study in San Francisco determined that pet waste makes up 3.8% of residential landfills. Much of this landfill problem is the result of pet waste that is disposed of in regular plastic bags. Using biodegradable bags allows the pet waste to go back to the earth as nature intended.
Recycle your pet waste. A Department of Agriculture study published in December 2005 recommended composting as an earth-friendly solution to the problem of dog waste. Another alternative is to use an in-ground pet waste septic system. These septic systems are a sanitary and environmentally friendly alternative for pet waste disposal. Doo Care offers both composting and septic units to its customers who wish to recycle their dog waste.
For cat lovers, consider using kitty litter made from recycled or organic materials. Traditional clay-based kitty litters contribute significantly to landfills and do not biodegrade. Greener choices are available, including recycled newspaper or flushable kitty litter made from organic materials, such as wheat.
Purchase all-natural pet food products. Look for the many healthy and eco-friendly alternatives for pet foods. Select pet foods that do not contain rendered meat, animal byproducts or chicken meals, and avoid pet foods made from protein sources that may contain growth hormones or antibiotics.
Use eco-friendly pet grooming products. Avoid products that contain phosphates, sulfates and other chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. If you purchase pet shampoos or flea and tick control products, read the label and select products that are made from natural earth-friendly ingredients. Some chemicals can be unhealthy for your pet and can leave a residual "toxic trail" wherever they go. If you send your pet to the groomer, ask the groomer if they have a choice of earth-friendly products.
Buy or make earth-friendly pet toys and other products. If you enjoy buying toys, pet beds or other products for your pet, look for items that are made from all-natural materials. Better yet, have fun and make these products using recycled materials. A pet toy can be made from an old sock or a piece of rope. A pet bed can be made from an old pillow, blanket or other items that you would normally throw away. Be creative!

Remember that you have a choice in the products and services that you buy for your pet. Choosing an earth-friendly pet product or service can make a real impact on your pet's carbon paw print!

About Doo Care.

Doo Care is a professional pet waste removal company dedicated to helping residential and commercial customers keep their yards free from pet waste. Doo Care is an environmentally conscious company, helping preserve water and land by managing and disposing of pet waste in an environmentally appropriate manner. Doo Care uses only biodegradable bags and promotes earth-friendly solutions to the growing impact of pet waste on the environment. The company has launched an expansion plan to establish 250 franchises in the next five years. For more information, visit www.doocare.com.

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