Below is a growing
list of ideas for utilizing Earth Friendly pet sitting practices.
We'd love to have your input, so please send us an email if you'd
like to share your ideas and suggestions. Thanks!
1. Use only 100% (ASTM D6400) biodegradable
poo pick up bags on dog walks. You can order bags at
PoopBags.com for less than $5 per month. When at the check-out line at the grocery store, many of
us opt for plastic
bags because we know we can reuse
them for poo patrol, but after they serve their clean-up purpose they sit
in
landfills for years.
We can help to alleviate
this problem by buying biodegradable poop pick up bags and by bringing our
own, reusable bag alternatives to the grocery store when we shop. This is an
easy
way to make a difference!
2. Recycle all
of the empty dog and cat food cans that you end up with at pet sitting
visits. If your clients have
a recycle bin, great! If not, bring a tote or box with you to visits
so that you can take recyclables home with you
(or to a nearby facility) for recycling.
3. Purchase and use
only natural, non-toxic cleaners and recycled paper towels when you have "messes" to
clean up at sits. Natural products are not harmful to the environment and
are much safer for animals and humans!
Dogs and cats have very sensitive noses, mouths, and airways which are
easily irritated by chemical cleaners.
4. Use only recycled paper for business forms/documents and for correspondence
with your clients, or
correspond with clients via email when possible. If you
have your printing done professionally, use a local printer,
and
request that your printing be
done on recycled paper using soy/vegetable based inks. Use laminated sheets for
walk/visit reports instead of a new sheet of paper every time and recycle any paper "trash" that
you end up with at
your home or office.
5. Create a resonably small service area with a high concentration of clients so that you may limit your use of a
vehicle. Partner with apartment complexes in your area so that you may service several clients at the same location.
Ride your bike to visits/walks as much as possible!
6. Add a page to your web site letting others know of the actions you're taking to operate an environmentally friendly
business. Share tips and links useful to pet guardians who are interested in living green with their pets.
...this list is a work in progress, please check back often for updates!