With Earth Day fresh in our minds it's a great time to consider the impact of our household pets on the planet and ways to reduce their ``carbon paw prints.''
Yes, it's true. Households with pets have larger carbon footprints than others. Pet loving homes tend to consume more foods, generate more waste and utilize energy at higher rates. Nonetheless, there are a number of steps pet owners can take to curb their carbon cravings. Here are my top 10:
1: If you have a choice (if your pet doesn't require prescription foods), buy pet foods produced closer to home. Though manufacturer's labels often tell only part of the story, foods packaged nearby tend to require less fuel.
2: Use clay or sand litters for your cats. It takes less petroleum to bring these products to market. Even better, use shredded newspaper to save on shipping. (Don't worry, I won't mind if you line your kitty's litter box with this column.)
3: Cook for your pets or supplement their commercial diets with locally grown meats and produce. (Easier said than done, I know.)
4: Feed dry over canned foods, if possible. Less packaging material is required and the shipping differences are dramatic. With today's high quality kibble, you need not fear your pets are losing out, health-wise (as long as you select wisely).
5: Compost your pets' leftover foods instead of trashing them.
6: Don't excessively warm or chill your home for your pets while you're out. They mostly don't mind the difference and they'll find the warm and cool spots in your home easily if you set the thermostat at 80-85 in the summer.
7: Use stainless steel bowls for your pets. You'll never need to replace them.
8: Brush your pets daily to reduce your vacuum energy needs (and make their coats shine, while you're at it). Consider storing the fur to have it spun it into yarn for your next knitting project (you can find online sources for this service).
9: Turn off the lights and the TV while you're away. Pets see better in the dim light than we do. If your pets require soothing sound therapy, use a CD player or radio.
10: Recycled cardboard scratching posts are excellent and recyclable. Give them a go instead of the standard carpet-coated kind.
