The Furry Side of Climate Change

Have you ever stopped to think about the environmental impact of those cute little furballs that greet you at the door every day? Well, buckle up because the answer might surprise you! According to science-y people, our pets contribute to nearly 30% of US meat consumption's environmental impact and over 50% of American cats are, shall we say, "a little on the fluffy side." And if that's not enough, our furry friends (cats) are also responsible for wiping out 63 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles in the US. Who knew our cuddly companions could cause so much chaos?!

But don't worry, we've got some tips to ensure our pets are kind to the planet.

• First of all, let's start with their diets. Choose pet food that's locally produced and made from sustainable ingredients. And while we're on the subject, let's be mindful of portion sizes. Overfeeding our pets is not only bad for their waistlines, but it's also bad for the environment.

• Next up, let's talk about waste. Let's dispose of our pet’s waste (you can flush them, just check with your local authorities) properly and use biodegradable litter. After all, we don't want our pets to leave a bigger carbon pawprint than we do!

• In addition to reducing the environmental impact of our pets, let's also think about how we can help the environment in other ways. For example, instead of driving our dogs to the park, let's take them for a walk. And if you're thinking about adding a new furry member to your family, why not adopt one from a local shelter instead of buying from a breeder? Not only will you be giving a pet a loving home, but you'll also be reducing the demand for pet breeding, which is a big contributor to pet overpopulation.

• Finally, let's not forget that playing with our pets is a great way to relieve stress and improve our overall well-being. So, let's go play fetch with our furry friends and connect with nature. Who knows, maybe by spending time with our pets and the great outdoors, we'll forget all about climate change for a little while!

Since you made it this far, here’s a little treat!

P.S. You need to check out this amazing comic strip at Vox:

If you want some more science-based information on this issue, check the following link:

TLDR: pets have ecological costs associated with predation, pathogens, food production, and propensity to be successful as invasive species.

And that's a wrap for this week's edition of the climate change Toasted! We hope you've found these tips on reducing your pet's environmental impact to be pawsitively helpful and fun. Remember, every little step counts, and together, we can make a difference. Thank you for being a part of our community, and for fighting climate anxiety alongside us.

Wags and purrs,

Caroline and Utkarsh