Dogs and cats need special care--to protect their health and the environment. Your furry family members can participate in Living Green 365 too, by training you to do the following.
Pick up the poop. Leaving dog waste on the ground allows harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain and eventually into local water bodies. Some cities have experimented with special poop collection programs, like San Francisco’s poop-to-methane digester. In Minnesota your best bet is to:
- Trash it. Seal the pet waste in a plastic bag and dispose of it in your trash can. Biodegradable bags are fine, but they won't break down in a landfill so our vote is to go reused, rather than new and biodegradable.
- Flush it. You can flush plain dog poop down the toilet and it will be treated at a waste water facility or septic system. If you do this, never include a bag or any other extra material with the poop.
- Do NOT put dog or cat poop in your backyard compost pile. The temperatures in backyard compost piles do not get high enough to kill bacteria that can make humans sick.
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Use a leash in natural areas. Dogs that run off-leash in natural
areas can spread invasive plant species because seeds collect on their
fur and get distributed to new places. Dogs can also disturb sensitive
plant species, ground-nesting birds, or other wildlife. Unless a park is
specifically designated as an off-leash dog park, keep dogs with you on
the trails and paths.
Make an emergency plan for your pet. In recent years, we’ve seen more hot days and bigger storms. Emergencies like these can impact your pets. Use this advice from the Humane Society to make a plan for heat waves, power outages, or times you just can’t get home to your pet.
Limit extras. Pets
need food, bedding, litter, and toys—all of which use resources to
produce and distribute. When you select products for your pets, look for
durability and recycled content. Consider creative ways to give your
pet love and attention rather than new toys and gadgets.
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Grow a non-toxic lawn. Pesticides can be poisonous and pose a danger to animals and people, especially children and pets. Learn to grow a low-impact lawn.
Never flush pet medications.
Pet medicines need to be carefully stored and disposed of. Look for
medicine collection events in your area and follow the same recommendations provided for human medications.
Spay or neuter. Spay or neuter your pets to avoid overpopulation. Low cost options are available through the Spay Neuter Assistance Program for qualified households.
Adopt your next pet. Choose a pet from a shelter to reduce demand for more animals. Check Petfinder.com to find animal shelters near you.
Go on a walk.
Walking—with or without a dog—brings us outside where we will get
exercise, meet neighbors, walk places instead of driving, and keep an
eye on our neighborhood. Great benefits for our health and community!
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Iron Range residents can enjoy the Energy Symposium Speaker Series by Energy Efficient Ely (E3). Upcoming topics include energy saving grants and loans and extending
the growing season, February 21 and 28, 5:30-7 p.m., Vermillion
Community College (Ely).
The Minnesota Zoo's Our World Speaker Series will introduce you to experts in local and global
wildlife conservation and environmental issues. Upcoming topics include Minnesota moose populations and global food production, February 21 and March 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Minnesota Zoo (Apple Valley).
Goodwill's annual Bridal Showcase features new and
once-worn gowns, including top designer names, as well as
mother-of-the-bride and bridesmaid dresses. The event includes music, refreshments, wedding experts on hand, and free alteration consultations, February 23, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Goodwill Main Office (St. Paul).
Join gardeners from across the Twin Cities for the 9th
Annual Community Garden Spring Resource Fair and get connected to the resources to make your growing season a success, March 9, noon-5 p.m., Metropolitan State University (St. Paul).
Thank
you for reading Living Green 365. This newsletter is a publication of
the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Please send questions or
comments about living green to the address below.
Sincerely,
Britt Gangeness and the Living Green Team
livinggreen365.pca@state.mn.us
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