 Green Your Pet
In our culture, pets are part of the family, so much so that in Boulder, the legal term for pet owners is “pet guardians!”
Unfortunately, our animal family members can be especially vulnerable to—and sometimes cause—environmental hazards. Here are some of our top tips for keeping your pet(s) happy, healthy and in sync with nature.
Flea and Tick Control
There are lots of natural alternatives to soaking our pets in pesticides. Try feeding your pet one tablet (or 1 tbsp.) of brewer’s yeast daily to give their skin a scent that fleas avoid. You can also comb your pets with a flea comb or place cedar wood chips around their bedding areas to repel insects.
 Pets and Plastic
Many chew toys and other pet products are made from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, the #3 plastic we like to refer to as “the poison plastic.” Not only is PVC not recyclable, but it’s also far more toxic in production, use and disposal than any other plastic. Avoid any products with a #3, PVC, V, or vinyl label, and look for recycled plastic (#s 1, 2, 4, or 5) or rubber, hemp or organic cotton products instead. For chew toys, try natural products like rawhide and real bones to keep your pet from ingesting pieces of plastic. For a list of eco-friendly products, visit
www.ecomall.com and click on “PETS.”
Non-Toxic Cleaning
Pets are very vulnerable to toxins in their environment, so be mindful of what you are using to clean your house, inside and out. Look for plant-based, non-toxic cleaning products or make your own eco-friendly cleaners using basic, inexpensive ingredients like white vinegar, borax, baking soda, lemon juice, and castile soap. For a list of do-it-yourself cleaners, visit www.ecocycle.org and click on the menu link “Hazardous Waste” and then “Alternative Cleaners and Recipes.”
Feed Them Well
Choose high quality foods with certified-organic ingredients to reduce your pets' exposure to pesticides and to give them the best chance for a long, healthy life. Organic foods are also free of chemical additives, preservatives, and artificial colors and flavors that can cause allergic reactions. Avoid foods that are not certified USDA-grade as these products have been considered “unfit for human consumption” and may contain meat from diseased animals.
The Poop Question
Do we really have to scoop dog poop? Yes, we do. Scooping poop is the law on public spaces for sanitary, aesthetic and very strong environmental reasons too. Dog waste poses a threat to local waterways, causing bacteria levels that upset algal growth and potentially harming fish and other animals dependent upon the water (like, say, humans). Dog waste left on the ground introduces high levels of nitrogen into the soils, which impede native plant growth and cause harmful weeds to flourish. So, scoop the poop and put it in the trash (or, see special alternatives below).
 Composting Pet Waste
First things first: Pet waste CANNOT be placed in your curbside or backyard compost bin. The pathogens and parasites within the waste are not properly treated or removed under most composting conditions. Dog waste: You can compost dog waste at home using a special process that involves digging a hole and applying septic tank enzymes to help the poop break down and flow into the subsoil. Dog waste compost should never be used on or near food crops. Visit www.cityfarmer.org/petwaste.html for how to make your own composter and where to buy kits, or look for special composting facilities at your local dog park. Cat waste, on the other hand, cannot be composted because pathogens in the waste can pose a serious health threat to humans and can make their way into our waterways.
Flushing Pet Waste
Here’s the long and the short of it: The folks at the Boulder Wastewater Treatment Facility say that dog waste is similar enough to human waste that it is safe to flush down the toilet. But they also want to be clear that residents should never flush bags (whether they are plastic, paper, or labeled compostable or biodegradable) as they don’t break down quickly, clog equipment and will end up in a landfill once removed at the wastewater facility. Cat waste, however, may contain the harmful parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, which is not tested for at the facility, so to be on the safe side, do NOT flush cat poop. Cat litter should also never be flushed, even if it’s marketed as “flushable” or “biodegradable,” as it can lead to pipe blockages at the wastewater facility.
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