Sit Down Dog Wheelchairs
How to Celebrate Earth Day with Your Handicapped Pet
Today, more than a billion people celebrate Earth Day as a time to take action as a global cause. Handicapped pet owners can also take action by living a more sustainable and low-impact lifestyle with their pets every day of the year.
What is Earth Day?
For the past 50 years, Earth Day has been celebrated by billions of people all over the world every April 22. People come together to promote awareness of the health of our environment.
Some people consider Earth Day the same as any other holiday but with thoughtful concerns about our changing environment.
Prominent scientists, politicians, and young climate change activists study and address the public in adapting to a more environmentally friendly way of living. This philosophy isn’t just on April 22 every year but something we need to implement every day by composting, recycling, repurposing, carpooling, thrifting, and using metal straws to save the turtles.
When is Earth Day?
Earth day is on April 22 and marks the anniversary of the birth of a modern environmental movement since it began in 1970.
How Did Earth Day Get Started?
Earth Day began in 1969 when a US Senator named Gaylord Nelson witnessed the effects of a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, CA. In 1970, he called on all Americans to take a stand for the environment, and thousands of colleges and universities across the United States organized protests demanding a healthy, sustainable Earth.
These actions included air pollution from factories and freeways and the loss of animal habitats, and animal extinction. The first Earth Day helped create the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Act into law due to these national rallies.
What Are Some Earth-Friendly Pet Tips?
- Adopt to combat overpopulation, backyard breeding, and puppy mills.
- Always spay or neuter your pets.
- Be a conscious consumer and buy pet beds, toys, and other pet items from sustainable and recyclable materials. Eco-friendly companies are aware of their impact on the environment. There are some great eco-friendly dog beds out there nowadays, which are a sustainable way to pamper your pooch and help save the environment.
- Feed your pets premium or high-quality pet foods. Look for dog treats and dog food that also helps the planet by using fewer resources.
- Dispose of used automobile fluids properly. Aside from being very toxic to the environment, pets can be poisoned by them. Call (800) 98-TOXIC for more information on disposal.
- Reuse pet water to water plants instead of pouring it down the drain. Reuse nutrient-rich water from fish tanks to irrigate plants.
- Cut down on water by bathing your pet pre-filled tub, or have your pet professionally groomed.
- Use all-natural pet care and cleaning products.
- Try natural flea repellents or choose those with less or recyclable packaging.
- Keep your cats indoors where they are safer and have less impact on the environment. Always keep your dog on a leash to protect wildlife and natural habitats when out with your dog.
- Remember that shelters can use gently-used towels and blankets when cleaning linens.
- Use eco-friendly cat litter made from materials like walnut shells or wheat. Stay away from clay litter.
Ways to Be Eco Friendly with Your Pet
One of the easiest ways to be eco-friendly is to give items you no longer use a makeover or get in the kitchen and start cooking.
Food - Making your pet food from recipes created by a board-certified nutritionist can keep your pet healthier and reduce its carbon paw-print. It is best to discuss this with your vet before changing your pets’ diet.
Treats – Making dog treats in your kitchen is easier than you think. A quick and easy one is sweet potato chewies, made by slow-cooking thick slices of sweet potato in a 200-degree oven for 2–4 hours. Raw carrots treats are also good for your dog if your pup enjoys crunching and chewing.
Bedding – If you have old towels, just sew a few together and stuff them with other unwanted linens from your closet for a one-of-a-kind pet bed.
Toys - For an easy tug-of-war dog toy, take an old tube sock and fill it with other mismatched or worn-out socks. Tie a big knot in the open end and let your dog use it as a plush toy. Or you can even stuff it with catnip for a DIY cat toy.
Final Thoughts
The best way to celebrate Earth Day with your pets and handicapped pets are to start and join the movement. The first Earth Day inspired more than 20 million Americans to participate. By the year 2000, more than 5,000 environmental groups in 184 countries recognized the date.
