Temperatures at the shelter on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 hit a high of 72 degrees. 72 degrees. In February. Not only do pets contribute to climate change, they are affected by climate change through heatwaves, an increase in storm activity, and rising infectious diseases and parasites. Our pets can’t make a change to help save the world, but you can.
The pet food industry’s use of meat consumption for feeding dogs and cats in the United States produces 64 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, the equivalent of 13.6 million cars.
The Pet Food Problem
Sustainable pet food consumption for our companion dogs and cats is important. The combined total amount of meat eaten by dogs and cats in the United States is slightly behind the amount of meat consumed by people in Russia, Brazil, the United States and China.
Cats are obligate carnivores and require meat for their survival. In cat food, the first few ingredients should always be meat for optimal health. Dogs can be fed less meat, as long as their food is nutritionally sound, and can even be vegan. Fish has a lower carbon footprint than beef or lamb. If you choose to feed fish, seek pet food certified by the Marine Stewardship Council for sustainable fisheries.
Insect based food for dogs and cats is also available. Open Farm insect dog food is available in Battle Creek at Pet Supplies Plus.
Pet Waste
Dogs and cats in the United States produce feces nearly total to the amount of human garbage produced in the state of Massachusetts; 5.1 million tons annually. A reported 40% of dog owners do not clean up after pets. Feces can enter waterways and contaminate soil with pathogens and bacteria. For cats, clay litter does not break down in landfills, and is produced through strip mining. Silica based litters are even worse, with 10 times the carbon footprint of clay litter. Flushing cat waste sends bacteria and parasites like toxoplasmosis into the municipal waste system where it can contaminate the waterways.
Pet food and litter bags are often made of plastic, which go into the landfill. Pet Supplies Plus in Battle Creek now offers a bag recycling program.
Local Options
Pet Supplies Plus in Battle Creek carries veg/vegan/cricket based foods and corn cob/wheat litter options.
Pet Supplies Plus also accepts used pet food bags for recycling (even the plastic Science Diet bags. From their website:
“In partnership with TerraCycle®, we’re proud to provide a FREE recycling program for all brands of pet food and treat bag packaging. We accept all flexible plastic pet food & treat bags, from ALL brands, across ALL species, purchased from ANY retailer. Drop off your empty bags in our dedicated collection bins, located in all our local neighborhood stores.” Click here to learn more.