It’s probably fair to say their stature is as small as their level of worry about the world. In fact, the mere mention of a walk would surely take precedence over any talk of global warming. But with 38 million pets calling Australia home, the pitter-patter of tiny paws and claws could well make for an almighty carbon footprint. However, it is possible for us to help our smallest citizens do their part for the planet. You see, with a few simple steps you could cut their impact on the earth in half. Here’s how…
Fast carbon facts:
A Carbon Footprint refers to not just the carbon produced by that pet or person. It also includes the carbon that’s released by everything they might use in order for them to live their lives. This includes:
• Transport for:
- Themselves
- Food
- Accessories
• Energy consumed by:
- Food manufacturing
- Heating
- Cooling
- Cleaning
- Refrigeration
• Waste collection and disposal
How big is the footprint?
Each year, this is how much carbon each of our pets are responsible for each year…
• Dogs: 1.75 tonnes
• Cats: 0.5 tonnes
This is compared with…
• Humans: 16.2 tonnes
Beefy output:
The pet with the highest carbon output would have to be the pet cow. Through all that belching, they each produce an amazing 5 tonnes of carbon (mostly in the form of methane) per year.
So what can you do?
Simple changes in thinking can help reel in the effect our pets have on the environment. And whilst they may not be the biggest contributors, changing our pets lifestyles might be the key to finally altering our own…
Here’s how you can do it…
• Use 4 legs instead of 4 wheels: A great example of a measure that’s only going to save on pollution, but save you money as well. And with dogs just aching for attention and exercise, it makes sense that you would swap the keys for the lead. Trips to the shops, the park or to pick up the kids from school are all possible with your carbon fighting sidekick at your service! With a cash and a carbon saving, it seems the only thing you’ll be burning is calories!
With the average family car producing 3.55 tonnes of CO2 per year, even a reduction in usage of the family car by 5% will save 173kg.
• Install a ‘doggy door’ or a ‘cat flap’: For something that looks like nothing more than a hinged piece of plywood or perspex, you might be surprised to know that these can and are a huge household energy saver. You see, because doors don’t have to be left open to allow your pet to wander in and out, you can seal up your house from the elements; allowing you to easily maintain your home’s internal temperature. This simple contraption not only making your home more comfortable, but also making a significant carbon saving.
With the average home’s air conditioning unit contributing 1.1 tonnes CO2 per year, a 10% saving on usage is the equivalent of a 110kg carbon saving.
• Feed dry food instead of wet: With wet food being almost 80% water, you’ll be feeding an average sized dog almost 5 times as much volume of food. But it’s not just 5 times the food quantity; it’s also 5 times the freight. With a 20kg dog requiring an average of 1.4kg of canned food each day, this amounts to an amazing 511kg of food that must get from the factory to the food bowl. Effectively, both you and the environment are paying for the transport across hundreds and maybe even thousands of miles of what is mostly water; something available from a tap just metres away from your pet at any time. In order to feed the same sized dog ‘dry food’, the amount that needs to be freighted is just 110kg for the year; a difference of 401kg
...AND…
• Buy locally made food: Imports are never good for the economy. However, it’s their effect on the environment that are now increasingly under scrutiny. Transporting heavy food materials many thousands of kilometres across oceans to the isolated island of Australia leaves a huge carbon footprint behind; meaning Aussie made is the way to go for the whole world’s sake. The type of transport also plays a big part in how much carbon is produced. Whilst shipping is the most efficient, a short shelf life of some products means the most inefficient yet fastest form of freight in air freight is required.
• It’s estimated that 1.2kg carbon is produced per kg of freight per year. So by feeding dry food and buying locally to avoid these extra emissions, it amounts to a saving of 481kg carbon.
So with just 4 simple changes in your attitude and actions, you could potentially cut your pets carbon contribution in HALF. For an average sized (20kg) dog, this could amount to a carbon saving of 764kg per dog per year! But we’re not done with yet.
And finally, let’s get down to business...literally! Because how you handle theirs has a big influence on their carbon output... So,
• Don’t fill them up with food: Overfeeding is one of the major causes of flatulence in pets. And with methane one of the most damaging greenhouse gases, it’s something worth avoiding for the sake of the planet and your senses! So only feed the amount of food that the packet says to.
• Use biodegradable kitty litter: The amount of waste your cat produces is dwarfed by the amount of kitty litter used to collect it. So make sure that all that waste material doesn’t stay in the environment for long and insist on a kitty litter made from either natural or recycled products that breaks down quickly.
• Planet friendly poo bags: The truly ‘must have’ pet accessory! With 3.8 million dogs in Australia and an average of one bag used per dog per day, that means we Aussies use over 1.3 billion poo bags. That’s not only a lot of ‘you know what’ but also a lot of plastic. So, with all those plastic bags doing their duty in parks and on footpaths, you’d better make they’re biodegradable. “For Dogs Sake” make biodegradable poo-bags available from most pet stores and vet clinics.
• Bury the evidence: A large portion of your pets carbon output is contained within that small package. So rather than leaving it to release its gases into the atmosphere, burying your pets poo in the garden means the damaging effect is lost as it becomes compost.
But don’t forget…
• Be wildlife aware: Keeping cats indoors is a great way to protect wildlife, however, did you know that keeping dogs on their leash in bushland can be just as important? Studies have shown that inquisitive dogs can disturb bird species so much they just won’t breed.
• Wash away any chemical concerns: Poor quality pet shampoos can contain a cocktail of chemicals that could be harmful to both your pooch and indeed the planet when the run-off reaches your lawn or storm water drains. So look for pH balanced, soap free, ‘natural’ shampoos that don’t contain nutrients like phosphates. When these enter waterways they can be responsible for everything from algal blooms to fish kills.
• Go organic: Instead of throwing plastic toys and accessories your pet’s way, why not think organically. With ‘green’ pet accessories experiencing a big growth, there’s now no shortage of options for the eco-minded mutt or moggie. Chew-toys made from organically grown cotton (by “Simply Fido”…available at www.dogsandthecity.com.au) and even beds constructed with recycled plastic (from PET bottles) are sure to help you all sleep a little easier.
What are the most carbon friendly pets?
With no need for their food to be transported or cooked and with all their waste totally biodegradable, it’s fair to say that native Australian pets are the most environmentally friendly. In fact, quite often their food is entirely renewable as it comes in the form of native Australian plants, animals and insects; many of which are in abundance and even pest proportions. The most carbon efficient would be…
Phasmids (stick insects)
• Diet of choice: Eucalypt leaves
Giant Burrowing Cockroaches
• Diet of choice: Native leaves, vegetable scraps.
Bearded Dragons
• Diet of choice: Crickets and vegetables
Blue Tongue Lizards
• Diet of choice: Crickets, snails, worms
Pythons (Diamond, Carpet and Childrens)
• Diet of choice: Mice and Rats
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