1 – Pets and Carbon Emissions
Your average cat has a yearly carbon footprint of 310 kilograms (CO2e).
A typical dog? About 770 kg of CO2e.
And those big, lovable dogs can produce a whopping 2,500 kilograms of CO2e each year, equivalent to two family cars!
2 – The Meaty Issue of Pet Food
Our global food system is a major contributor to greenhouse gases, with meat dishes being the main culprit.
In the US, our pets’ love for meat adds up to a staggering 64 million tons of carbon dioxide every year. That’s like adding 13.6 million more cars on the road.
To put it in perspective, American cats and dogs eat so much meat they could rank fifth in global meat consumption, right behind entire countries!
3 – Making Pet Ownership Greener
Good news! There are eco-friendly pet food options out there. Look for brands with certifications from the Aquaculture Stewardship Council or the Marine Stewardship Council.
Want to be a green pet owner? Think “Three Rs”: replace, reduce, and refine. This means picking sustainable pet foods, using eco-friendly products, and even considering pets that have a smaller carbon pawprint.
And remember, adopting a pet or sharing pet responsibilities with neighbors can be both heartwarming and eco-friendly.
In a nutshell, while our pets fill our lives with happiness, it’s on us to ensure they tread lightly on our planet.
References:
– [Earth.org’s Insight on Pets and the Environment](https://earth.org/environmental-impact-of-pets/)
– [UBC News on Sustainable Pet Ownership](https://news.ubc.ca/2021/08/19/companion-animals-in-the-climate-crisis-how-pet-owners-can-reduce-their-environmental-impacts/)
