Reduce your Pet's Carbon Pawprint

The recent focus on environmental awareness means many families are now aware of their carbon emissions and are taking steps to reduce their impact. But don't leave your pet's carbon pawprint out of the equation.

The US Environmental Protection Agency estimated that just 100 day's worth of droppings from two or three dogs would create enough bacteria to make a bay and its 40km surrounds off-limits and unsafe for swimming and shell-fishing.

Here in Bangkok, pet waste comprises a significant 3 per cent of the city's total landfill, mostly because the waste is placed in non-degradable plastic bags and so will never break down.

There are some fairly easy steps pet owners can take to reduce the carbon pawprint of your pet:

Clean up after your pet. Don't let the waste be flushed down drains and waterways. And use bio-degradable bags to dispose of waste. It will eventually go back to nature. Of course you can also recycle your pet's waste. Composting waste is great for the garden. You can also buy in-ground, pet septic loo systems that work brilliantly for keeping the carbon print minimal.

Use eco-friendly cat litter and bio-degradable pan liners. Clay litters are not good for the environment because clay is strip-mined and doesn't break down. Natural alternatives are made from wheat, corn or recycled newspaper.

Of course, feed your pet a diet that is as natural as possible. Try to feed your cat and dog food that has been grown and processed locally because this represents significant savings on fuel and transportation. Avoid foods containing hormones and additives and try to buy organic, minimally processed products where the animals used have been humanely raised and treated. Dry food tends to be a more eco-friendly option than canned food because it uses less packaging.

Also brush your pet regularly to reduce the load on the vacuum cleaner. Also try to use eco-friendly grooming products. Avoid products that contain sulphates, phosphates and other chemicals that leave a 'toxic trail'.

Buy your pet eco-friendly non-toxic toys. You can buy a range of natural toys and accessories for pets, including hemp collars and leads, cardboard scratching posts and bedding or, better still, make your own, from a old jeans trouser....