Plastic is Sneaking into Your Pets Life – Switch to Plastic Free Options

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Being a responsible pet owner is more than just socialising and feeding your furry or feathered friend.

The harmful toxins and plastic particulates in our environment affect our pets. Our dogs and cats are not immune to the detrimental effects of toxins and particulates. It is crucial to recognize that what is damaging to our furry friends is ultimately harmful to us too. Switching to plastic-free pet options is a great next step in your plastic-free journey.

EARTHDAY.ORG recently published a new report on Pets vs. Plastics, which includes information on the many and varied ways that plastic can end up being consumed by our dogs and cats, to the detriment of their health because plastic is derived from a cocktail of oil and additive chemicals, like PVC, bisphenol A, PVC and phthalates and can leach into our pets’

The byproducts of plastic over time can lead to health issues for your pet’s gums, stomachs, and skin and are associated with other health issues for our pets, like cancers,  liver failure, and more.  Read the report here

Here are five takeaways from the report and how you can limit your animals’ plastic exposure.

#1: Pet toys are often made of plastic. Pet toys also go in animals’ mouths.

#2: Restaurant waste, faeces, plastic, or chemicals can lurk in your pet’s food.

#3: Your pet’s food is packaged in plastic. This could be leaching into their food.

#4: Your four-legged friend is near the ground, where dust and microplastics lie.

#5: Neither the American nor global pet product industry is well regulated.

Tips from Plastic-Free July

Pets love to chew, so the risks associated with toxicity, choking and digestive issues are important considerations when you choose their toys. Dogs and cats can quickly shred plastic toys, creating swallowable plastic fragments that may lead to an expensive vet visit.

What can you do

Choosing plastic-free toys, treats, and bulk pet food are popular ways to reduce plastic exposure and your pet’s plastic pawprint.

Many people have found switching to durable, eco-friendly toys saves time and money. Consider toys made from wood, rope, hemp, and other sustainable materials.

There are alternatives to pet food wrapped in plastic packaging. Popular choices include recyclable tins, bulk dry food, or ask your local butcher or fishmonger if you can bring your own container to stock up on meat, bones, or fish. Some people choose to purchase unwrapped treats or refill dry food containers at pet bulk produce stores or markets. Read more

To read more click on this link  https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/get-involved/what-you-can-do/pet-care/

The author’s motivation for writing the report

“Beyond the walks, the playtime, and the cuddles lies the largely unspoken issue of plastics and its potential health effects on our best friends.”

To read more click this link  https://www.earthday.org/why-write-pets-vs-plastics

To find out more about what you can do to help use less plastic take a look at these websites Earthday.org  and www.plasticfreejuly.org


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