Have you ever wondered how you can live a more “greener” lifestyle for you and your pet?
Staying at home with your pet has a positive impact on the natural environment. If you are not out buying more “stuff” or driving around in your car, then you have more time to bond with your pet. Try turning off your cell phone, playing some music and just hanging out with your pet. Or take a stroll around the neighborhood with your pet. Just being outside can make you appreciate nature and hopefully inspire you to make “greener” lifestyle choices in your life like being more fuel conscious and producing less waste. Should you need a little help being inspired, try these next few tips.
Want to save on some of your energy bills? Turn off some lights and open the curtains and
blinds; if there is enough light in the house to see well enough to function. Try to live at home without air conditioning, dare I say it. Open the windows to let some fresh air in and try to acclimatize to the weather as best you can. If this sounds like it may prove to be too difficult, make a game of it. Make a bet with a family member or a friend to see how long each can last. In the fall and winter months, turn down the heat a little or completely off at night. Get some extra blankets and let your pet(s) sleep with you; that always makes for a warm bed.
Try to curb the release of carbon gases emitted into the air from your non-electric vehicle. I know a lot of people who drive home on their lunch or dinner breaks to let their pet outside for a bit of a break of their own (a pee break that is). While this is very thoughtful, I say to them and to the people who can’t let their pets out for long stretches of time, Why not install a pet door in their home? Get a professional installer to securely install a door for your pet to go in and out of a fenced back yard so that you decrease the amount of times you are opening and closing doors. This avoids letting out valuable heat or air conditioning (for those who lost the bet) and also allows your pet to have fun outdoors while your away. Always ensure that the yard is safe and has shaded areas for your pet.
Planting more trees and bushes around your home will also help you save energy as these greens will act as natural insulators, buffing your home from cold winter winds and snow piles. While you’re at it, why not start a vegetable garden and let your dog dig around in the ground with you or have them just dig some holes for seeds or bulbs – Fun, Fun, Fun. For cat lovers, why not plant some catnip if you have a cat.
Toys, Toys, Toys. No need to leave the house and purchase expensive toys. An old ball in a sock will do just fine for a game of tug of war with your dog. Placing peanut butter or cream cheese on a ball or dog toy will keep your dog happy as can be until they have had their fill. A long piece of yarn (never left with your cat while you are not there) will occupy your cat to no end while you wiggle it around. You can also tie pieces of yarn to a stick, add feathers and crumpled paper and “Voila”, you have a cat teaser toy (again, do not let your cat(s) play with this unsupervised).
So there you have a few “green” tips to help you and your pet live a more eco- friendly existence together and have fun doing it.
