"Wanna go outside?" These are magical words to your pup, who will jump at the chance. There's nothing better than a weekend walk on a leaf-covered hiking trail or a late-afternoon visit to the neighborhood park. But keeping these outdoor spaces as healthy and beautiful as possible might mean making a few changes to your pet-walking routine. By reducing your pet's carbon paw print and making "green" choices, you can decrease negative impacts to your environment.
Get started by making mindful choices when engaging with nature, caring for your pet outdoors and selecting eco-friendly pet care products. Every small decision counts!
The trail and mountain hiking enthusiasts from the 100-year-old Green Mountain Club in Vermont know a thing or two about taking four-legged friends along for an eco-friendly nature walk. They suggest adopting the "leave no trace behind" mindset: After you've enjoyed time in nature, there shouldn't be any signs of your presence lingering among the trees or on the trails. Try these tips:
Before starting any outdoor adventure, look for signs or a park ranger to give you the inside scoop on any special rules or tips about the area you're visiting. There may be endangered species of plants in bloom this week to tiptoe around or a beautiful lookout point they don't want you to miss.
Young pets may need several visits in their first year for vaccinations. Adult pets generally benefit from annual check-ups, while senior or special-needs pets might require more frequent visits.
Whether you're loading up your backpack for a long walk or simply stocking the pantry with pet supplies, do it with a nod to your environmentally friendly lifestyle. There are likely green alternatives to some of your usual supplies.
The American Kennel Club suggests choosing pet food and treats sold in recyclable packaging. You can also stock up on dog poop bags and cat litter made from biodegradable or compostable materials, such as corn or plant starches.
Another way to minimize your pet's carbon paw print is by choosing durable, long-lasting items, which reduces the amount of waste you put into the landfill. For example, a leather collar should endure more years of wear and tear than a nylon option. A ceramic or metal feeding bowl may last longer than a plastic dish.
Finally, when buying pet supplies, look for manufacturers using alternative power sources, such as wind or solar energy. You can also buy products made from sustainable resources, such as a bamboo-handled pet brush or a catnip toy made with hemp fabric. All plants — including bamboo, catnip and hemp — can be grown again.
You and your furry companion can double your green power by embracing an eco-friendly lifestyle together. With some planning and intentional shopping, you can extend your green life to your pet and reduce their carbon paw print. Try making one or two of these changes next time you purchase pet care products or schedule an afternoon of outdoor fun with your dog or cat. Each small green choice can make a big impact.
Angela Tague is a pet mom and writer living in the Midwest. When she's not making a mess in the kitchen, exploring nature trails with her dog, or attending a yoga workshop, she's writing full-time for multiple lifestyle and technology brands. You can find her on Twitter and LinkedIn @AngelaTague.
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
For the faster metabolism of Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Variety Pack
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced seafood
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up, specially designed for small & mini dogs
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced turkey & liver to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Feline Sensitive Stomach & Skin Variety Pack
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome. Delicious food in a small bite size
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Low calories for less active small & mini dogs
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini Dogs
For the faster metabolism of Small & Mini dogs
Precisely balanced nutrition to help avoid the formation of hairballs with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish
Learn about one dog trainer's journey to becoming a pet adoption counselor and how she's honed her skills to match people up with just the right pets.
Discover helpful tips for training your puppy or kitten, including the best time to start training them and the importance of staying consistent.
Learn the basics of adopting a pet, including where to begin and common questions you should ask yourself when deciding which kind of pet is best for you.
Learn the ins and outs of a televet appointment before you talk to a vet online.
Pet hair removal is often a struggle, but not impossible. Learn tips for cleaning many household surfaces, as well as getting rid of airborne pet hair.
Learn the difference between oral vs. topical flea and tick medications so that you can decide which one might be most effective for your dog or cat.
Learn why some dog breeds are better for cats than others, including recommendations based on breed size & temperament, and tips for introducing them.
What do vet techs & nurses do? More than you realize! Learn about the important role veterinary technician's play as part of your pet's health care team.
Learn what a pet's microbiome is, how it contributes to your pet's gut & overall health, and why nutrition is important in maintaining healthy microbiomes.
If you're considering adopting dog or cat littermates, learn some insightful information that might you decide if adopting siblings is really a good idea.
In this season of thanks make sure to include why you’re thankful for your pet. I’m sure a handful of these will resonate well with you.
Learn all about dog & cat shedding seasons, including what a typical shedding cycle looks like and how to deal with all the hair in your home.
If you're considering adopting a blind pet, learn tips & considerations for living with a blind cat or dog and how to prepare your home for a blind pet.
Learn how the science of predictive biology plays a role in formulating your pet's food to interact and work with your pet's biological process.
Knowing how to perform CPR on a dog or cat can potentially save your pet's life. Learn the step-by-step instructions you need to know.
When the worst happens, you might not know what to do. Find out how to create a pet disaster plan to keep your fur baby happy, healthy and safe.
Learn tips for bonding with your pet if you've ever thought, 'My dog doesn't like me, or 'Why do I have a standoffish cat?'
Learn the five key criteria for observing aging in your pet, including thinking, activity, interaction, loss of control and sleep cycles.
Learn the impact of heading back to school and suddenly leaving your pet home alone, how you can help this transition & ease their separation anxiety.
Discover how your pets might be impacted by the loss of another. Learn how to recognize their signs of grieving & how to help them cope with their loss.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool