Environmental awareness, reuse, and homemade dog are effective ways to reduce waste and care for the planet. Here are 12 unique, fun, important, and simple tips you don't want to miss!

A child trains his dog to pick up litter in nature, an easy way to combine exercise and environmental awareness. Discover more tips for a climate-smart dog life.

1. Buy second hand

Before buying something new, check if there are used options available. Ask in dog forums to find like-minded people to buy from or swap with.

2. Give away!

Donate your dog's leftover treats, chews, food, toys, leashes, harnesses, and beds to dog shelters or doggy daycare centers. Your gifts will be appreciated and they reduce the need for new purchases!

3. Swap!

Consider swapping toys, treats, and even chews with your dog friends. New items can be exciting, and a treat that your friend's dog is tired of may motivate your dog.

4. Shop locally, eco-friendly, and locally sourced

Shop eco-friendly at your local pet store! Choose quality dog products made from recycled or biodegradable materials that last long. Use biodegradable poop bags and buy products in recycled packaging. Opt for locally sourced food, chews, and treats from climate-smart brands.

5. DIY: Dog Bed

Reuse old pillows or blankets to create a comfortable dog bed. Simply sew them together to fit your dog's size. An old wicker basket, a car tire, or a half suitcase can also work as a dog bed filled with pillows and old fabrics.

6. Make your own dog toys

Reuse old pants, shirts, or socks and make fun dog toys. Cut off sleeves or pant legs and fill them with fabric, cardboard, or a plastic bottle and tie them up. Braid a dog toy using old fabrics or fill empty toilet paper rolls with treats for enrichment.

7. Make your own healthy dog treats

Make homemade dog treats using food scraps instead of buying treats. It's safe and doesn't contain additives or chemicals that can harm your dog. Read the article "Not for Doggy" for information on what your dog should not eat.

8. Make your own dog chews at home

Slice and dry sweet potatoes, carrots, fish, or meat in the oven to make your own dog chews. Set the oven to 150°C (300°F) and dry the treats on a baking sheet with parchment paper for several hours to achieve the right chewiness.

9. Turn a bag into a dog bag

Reuse an old backpack or handbag and convert it into a dog bag for your small dog. Place a few layers of cardboard at the bottom to create a sturdy base and make holes for ventilation and visibility. Cut and shape it according to your preferences!

10. Explore the neighborhood with your dog

Leave the car in the driveway! Let paws and feet lead the walk. Skip driving to the forest, beach, or park to exercise your dog. Open Google Maps and curiously explore your neighborhood instead.

11. Dispose wisely

Take animal medications and old tick collars to the pharmacy for proper disposal. These items don't belong in the trash.

12. Train your dog to pick up litter

Train your dog to look for and mark litter outside. Pick up the litter and put it in a degradable bag to avoid hazards. Clean up the streets and save the planet together!

As a mom/householder, you can take action for the planet and celebrate Earth Day every day! Small changes in purchases and daily habits towards becoming more environmentally friendly can have a big positive impact on the environment in the long run. You can make a difference, every drop in the ocean is equally important!

Let's inspire each other, feel free to leave a comment, maybe a dog-friendly tip of your own :)

Your personal dog trainer on your mobile

Petli is the app where you can train your dog in a fun format, get personalized coaching from dog experts, meet like-minded people in a warm community and exclusive discounts on great products.

Download Petli

Eco-Friendly Dog Life: 12 Tips That Make a Difference