Earth Day: how to shop sustainably
Today is Earth Day - but what does it mean?
"This is the moment to change it all," the Earth Day website reads. "The business climate, the political climate, and how we take action on climate. Now is the time for the unstoppable courage to preserve and protect our health, our families, and our livelihoods.
"For Earth Day 2022, we need to act (boldly), innovate (broadly), and implement (equitably). It’s going to take all of us. All in. Businesses, governments, and citizens — everyone accounted for, and everyone accountable. A partnership for the planet."
There is certainly a lot to do, and the task may seem daunting, but it's all about partnership - we're not in this alone.
As we push for more decisive action - remember, a relatively small number of firms are responsible for a huge share of carbon emissions - individual choices matter, too. Each of us can do a little something to lessen our carbon footprint - and our dogs' carbon pawprint.
Ditching plastic is an important step: choosing a pet food brand with as little packaging as possible, or recyclable packaging, can make a significant difference. More and more pet food and treats firms are switching to plastic-free bags.
Pet food manufacturers in the UK are encouraged to join a recycling scheme created by Mars Petcare and recycling experts, TerraCycle. The nationwide scheme offers pet owners a free solution to transform waste packaging into useful items like park benches and fence posts.
Recycled plastic and even rubber - think of the inner tube of bike tyres! - can be used to make all sort of new items, such as dog toys, leads, collars, and even stylish dog beds!
Of course some things just cannot be recycled - take poo bags, for example, of which any dog owner will use plenty during the dog's lifetime! There is poop to pick up daily, after all, as it cannot simply be left where it is - not in urban areas and not in rural ones either, as dog faeces can carry bugs or parasites which are harmful to livestock!
Consider switching to compostable poop bags, so that no plastic is left behind long after your dog's poo is gone! Compostable dog wipes are also an option so that you can keep your dog clean and smelling fresh without dirtying up the planet for it.
