Several years ago, I spent time defining my mission, my vision, and my values–for life and for this space. One of my top goals in every category is to live an environmentally-responsible life. I’m certainly not perfect, and I don’t think perfection is ever a realistic goal. That’s why I aim for eco-consciousness: making decisions purposefully with my impact on the environment in mind.
All this includes the pets, too, of course.
As I started researching the zero-waste movement, I quickly realized a couple big things: First, there are a lot of incredible people out there teaching incredible lessons on how to live a more environmentally-responsible life, and I’ve gleaned so much information from YouTube and Instagram zero-waste pros. Second, it’s sort of a judgmental community. Not everyone, of course, but in many places around the web, as you research zero-waste, there’s this feeling like if you can’t do it all, be perfect, keep all your waste for a year in a mason jar, go vegan, upcycle everything, etc. etc. than you’re just not good enough.
I absolutely do not agree with that.
I truly believe every little bit counts. As I researched, I implemented lots of easy changes: I stopped asking for a straw at restaurants, I purchased coconut oil in glass jars instead of plastic, I figured out how to DIY my own cleaning products (for way cheaper, btw, than store-bought… see the end of the post on how to get your hands on some recipes and cleaning hacks…), and so on.
Every little bit counts.
But, as I started to implement small changes for me and the herd, I realized there was a big gap in available info for pet people who are interested in more sustainable pet care. So, I started taking notes and then I realized… I have enough notes for a whole lot of blog posts! And not only that… I have enough notes for a whole ebook!
Earlier this year I teased a project I was working on and, well, it’s here!
I’ve created an ebook called The Zero-Waste Pet, and it’s full of useful, practical info along with a lot of nonjudgmental advice on how to cut down your pet’s “carbon pawprint.”
It’s in the editing stages now, and I plan to launch it officially on Earth Day, April 22.
Leading up to the launch, I’m going to host a 7-day email challenge with one actionable tip per day, culminating with the book launch (and a discount code, obvs, for everyone who’s completed the challenge)!
I’m also creating a ton of freebies to go with the book, like a checklist with daily reminders, DIYs, and a corresponding resource page that’ll have everything you’ve ever wanted to know about eco-friendly pet products, along with my preferred resources.
This project has been a long time in the making, and I seriously can’t wait to release it!
Between now and then–it’s about a month away–I’m wondering a few things from you guys:
- What would be most helpful to you to learn about zero waste and pets?
- Are there any upcycles, DIYs, or recipes you’ve been looking for but just can’t find?
- Do you have any tips or tricks on how you’ve made your pet care more sustainable?
I’d love to learn from you and be able to answer your questions in the comments!
If you’re interested, sign up here to secure your spot in the 7-day challenge and to be the first to know when the book is officially up for sale! Freebie Alert: For signing up, you’ll also get a 9-page ebooklet of pet-safe cleaning tips, tricks, and recipes in your inbox!
Geez I hate people like that idiot who steal other people’s content! Sad thing is he probably won’t read the negative comments from your faithful followers at all…he’ll move them to spam and forget them. Or, he’ll start sending trash emails to us.
Thanks for your support!! The good news: he took it down AND it looks like he took down the other bloggers’ work that was on there, as well. Woohoo! Still a giant PIA, but I’m glad it’s behind me! 🙂
As for this post in particular…I’m looking forward to your e-book! I just use hot water and distilled white vinegar to clean the kitchen and bathroom, including the floors. (First I vacuum or sweep the floors though, lol.) It wouldn’t taste too nice to the dogs, but at least it won’t poison them. And I use microfiber cloths to dust with…when I’m done, I just throw them in the washing machine. We don’t have a recycling pick up, so I just do what I can on my own. If I could figure out a way to run my car on my own gas, I’d be richer than the a**hole currently living in the WH!
Gosh, I wish everywhere had free recycling pickup! But it sounds like you’re doing an amazing job. My routine sounds pretty similar to yours… nearly identical, in fact! 🙂
My questions are so specific to my life that they are probably not useful to many others… But if you want the challenge–my biggest concern is balancing being clean with the fact that I live on a boat and any product I use goes overboard.
For now, I’m allowing the boat and the dog to be dirtier than I’d like to keep cleaning products from going into the waterways. But it is a bit frustrating. Perhaps you know a good environmental scientist 🙂 who could share some good guidance about how to determine what is a good balance? And at what point does even a mild cleaning product impact sea life?
Well, I sure DO know a good environmental scientist!! Let me ask him to weigh in on this, and one of us will respond!! Great question!
Hello, there! I think anything vinegar- or baking soda-based will be super safe to dilute and dump over the side. Essentially, those would moderately shift the pH upon contact with the seawater, but not so much where you would be doing any real damage. Anything with harsh chemicals (bleach, microplastics, etc) should probably be avoided, but natural things that are acidic or basic will just dilute to a more seawater-like pH, basically rendering them harmless.Plus, I doubt you’re using enough chemicals to do too much.You could even keep a bucket of seawater on your boat, dump your vinegar-based cleaning products into that to dilute them before dumping them over the side!
With Honey’s coat, I bet a solid brushing would do enough to keep her presentable, and in a pinch, you could use baking soda!
I popped over to his site, just to give him a piece of my mind, but I did not see this post there!
I’m anxious to get started on this. I’m not sure that I have any questions, but I probably will as I learn more about this. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
It looks like all posts have been taken down (he was stealing from other blogs, too). so woohoo!
I’m so excited you’re anxious to get started! I can’t wait to hear what questions come up for you as you work through the challenge. You know I’m always here for you and happy to support in any way I can!
OK, I don’t know what you guys said, but THANK YOU. I’m taking down my note because it looks like he took down the stuff that was already up! That said, I’m not entirely confident that he didn’t close down the feed that was snatching all my posts, so I’ll keep an eye… Thank you, thank you! 🙂
(ICYMI, here was the note: QUICK NOTE: If you’re reading this post on TrainUpMyDog, hello! This site is stealing my work. Please visit OhMyDogBlog.com for the original AND feel free to leave a comment on this stolen post telling the site owner that he’s kind of a jerk for stealing all my posts! Thank you! I’ll take this note down as soon as he takes my content down.)
That’s awesome Maggie. Being a former environmental scientist, I have a ton of environmental conservation experience and have dreamed of starting a blog related to that. I just haven’t had the time or energy to make it happen. I think it’s important information though so thank you for helping to spread the word 🙂
I remember talking to you about your background when we were at PetSafe! I can’t wait to get your take on this project. It’s so close to my heart!
I’ve always cared so much about the environment, but I know I fall way short when it comes to doing all I can, especially when it comes to the pets. I just don’t spend enough time researching new ideas. So I really look forward to your e-book and the challenge.
I think this is such a great idea, and love that there’s no judgement. One thing I struggle with is my husband….it’s hard to get him on board if I don’t keep things simple.
I feel like when adopting any new practices or habits, keeping things simple is the only way I can succeed. If something is too complicated–or I feel like I could never achieve/be/do good enough–then I won’t even begin. It’s my hope that this is accessible info that everyone can do!
That’s a great project! Thank you for sharing! I look forward to seeing the book!