How To Celebrate Earth Day With Pets

The 50th anniversary of Earth Day is April 22, 2020. Starting in 1970, people around the world have dedicated this day to environmental protection. Events are coordinated every year in over 193 countries. Whether you plan to attend an official celebration in your area or simply appreciate the planet by spending quality time with your pet, here are some fun and environmentally-friendly ways to commemorate Earth Day.

Earth Day Activities

You may have the option to attend an Earth Day event or participate in an event such as tree planting. Check local or regional event calendars for pet-friendly Earth Day activities. You can also take a hike, walk or run with your pet. Even if you prefer to stay closer to home, you can still spend some time outside. April 22 is an ideal time of year to appreciate the changing seasons.

If April showers are a factor, dress your dog in the Hurtta Rain Blocker ECO Dog Coat . Approximately 15 recycled plastic bottles are used to make each raincoat. This fully-adjustable garment is waterproof and breathable and features 3M reflective accents, a flexible collar with rain trap and a harness portal on the back. Other eco-friendly options include the RuffWear K-9 Overcoat Utility Dog Jacket , which has a 100% recycled polyester outer shell, or the RuffWear Stumptown Dog Jacket with recycled polyester insulation.

Earth Day Costumes

Whether you’re heading to an Earth Day event or just taking adorable pet photos, you can choose from many on-theme costumes. Show your support for the bees that pollinate flowers, vegetables and fruits by dressing your pooch in the Pawpatu Bumblebee Dog Dress or the Bumble Bee Dog Costume by Rubies . Celebrate the changing seasons with the Zach and Zoey Butterfly Glow Wings Dog Harness Costume , a Caterpillar Dog Costume or a Ladybug Dog Costume .

Make sure to get the right size of a costume to fit your pet. Measure the length between the base of your dog’s tail and his or her collar. You will also need to know the full circumference or measurement around the widest point of your pet’s chest and his or her neck. Some costumes also have weight suggestions for the most comfortable fit. Your dog should be able to walk and move without causing the costume to rub or drag. Costumes are suitable for short periods of wear. If your dog has never worn a costume, allow your pet to smell the costume and use treats as a reward when putting it on to make dressing up a fun experience.

Eco-Friendly Pet Products

Earth Day is a good opportunity to switch your pet over to more environmentally-responsible products for use throughout the year. Dog owners rely on bags to pick up waste, and many of these bags are made of new plastic that is not biodegradable. Switch out conventional bags for Earth Friendly Pick-Up Bags made of biodegradable corn and plant starches. Earth Rated Dog Bags are made of recycled materials.

Dog and cat owners looking for an alternative to plastic food bowls should check out Beco Bowls. These bowls are made of bamboo and rice husk and are degradable, dishwasher-safe and non-toxic. The Beco Dog Bowl and Beco Cat Bowl feature waved edges and are available in a choice of colors. Your pet can also kick back and relax on a bed filled with recycled materials. Pendleton National Park Dog Beds feature color schemes inspired by national parks and are filled with 100% recycled polyester high loft memory foam made from recycled soda bottles. Dogs and cats can both appreciate the P.L.A.Y. Horizon Chill Pad Pet Bed filled with high-loft 100% post-consumer certified-safe recycled PlanetFill filler.

Recycled and Recyclable Toys

A large selection of earth-friendly pet toys are fun on Earth Day and all year round. Play fetch with the SodaPup Bottle Top Flyer Dog Toy . This biodegradable, non-toxic and sustainable frisbee is made in the U.S. Another creative option is the Tizzi Eco-Friendly Dog Toy in either a mini or large size. This 100% recyclable, BPA-free toy has handles that can be twisted together into an aerodynamic shape for throwing on land or in water. Treats can also be hidden inside the twist to make a puzzle to keep your pet motivated.

A Petlinks Scratcher’s Choice made out of recycled cardboard can keep your cat entertained and spare your furniture. This corrugated catnip scratcher comes with a bag of Pure Bliss Organic Catnip. Dogs and cats can both appreciate Duraplush Monsters Toys by Cycle Dog . These U.S.-made toys come in assorted colors and are made of Duraplush outer materials with double-stitched turned seams for durability. The filling consists of post-consumer recycled plastic bottles and these toys do not contain squeakers.

Natural Treats

Reward your pet on Earth Day and beyond with natural treats made with high-quality protein sources, fresh vegetables and ripe fruits. Choose from a large selection of dog and cat treats suitable for any dietary requirements. You can also start growing oat grass with the Petlinks Nibble-Licious Kit Cat Treat kit, which comes with seeds, soil and a recyclable container. Seeds should sprout in days and provide a lasting, natural treat for your pet.

Earth Day is a great opportunity to spend time with your pet. Look for pet-friendly events or venture outside to play at a park or in your yard. There is no better time to make the switch to more environmentally-responsible compostable, recyclable or sustainable pet care supplies.