Shrink Your Pet's Carbon Pawprint

We’ve all heard about different ways to reduce our carbon footprint, but what about ways to reduce your pet’s carbon pawprint?

The November issue of Women’s Health has a cute piece on doing just that. It includes pointers on where to get eco-friendly supplies for Fido and Fluffy, so you can green everything from their bedding to their wasting.

Now, we’re not sure how many dogs are actually sporting rain gear, but if yours gets miffed by a few splashes in the rain, try the West Paw Design Cloudburst Eco Rain Jacket for $56 from West Paw.

If it kills you to use the most-definitely NOT eco-friendly plastic grocery store bags to scoop up after Rover, then try the biodegradable bags packed into the iPick Up2 dispenser made from recycled kite sails for $9.30 at 4u2reuse.com.

Cat lovers can also get in on the action with kitty litter from Yesterday's News (by Purina). Made of recycled newspaper, the little newsprint pellets are gentler on the environment, but still tough on odors. Similar products are available for rabbits, ferrets, and other small animals. Of course, given the way the newspaper industry is heading, you’d be wise to load up while you can.

Eco-friendly collars, leashes and harnesses made from bamboo (highly-sustainable) can be had at Wagging Green. The products are also biodegradable, fast-drying and odor-resistant.

And finally, both you and Rover can rest easy knowing your combined carbon pawprint/footprint is being reduced by the eco-friendly Organic Bumper Bed made from recycled soda bottles from West Paw Design and available at urbanleashandtreat.com.

Photo courtesy of Jerry Frausto via Flickr.