Get Rid of Pet Poop the Eco-Friendly Way
Poop! We all do it! Next to dying and that horrible surgery you had to remove that weird tumor poop is one of those things no one wants to talk about it. So, let me say it one more time just for effect: Poop!Gosh that felt weirdly good. Now on to the subject of this blog post. Your cat or dog produces a lot of waste, but most Americans treat it like it was a broken lamp or a soggy pizza box and throw it in the garbage.
That is not smart! The bacteria is harmful to the land, and often ends up in waterways. That leads to algae blooms, which prevent sunlight from reaching below the surface of water and stops the production of oxygen for plant and animal life below.
Just think, your dog poop could be killing a fish! You might need to go to confession for that.
For dog owners, you have a few good options to dispose of the waste. You can flush it down the toilet, because most sewage systems can treat the bacteria in the poop. You can also bury it at least 12 inches underground. Your third and final option is to create a dog poop composter. City Farmer and the U.S. Department of Agriculture both have instructions on building an effective one.
For cat owners, things are slightly trickier. First, take a look at your litter. Is it made out of clay? We at Green Daily have talked to you about this before. Clay litter is produced by strip mining the land, and the clay is not biodegradable. It sits in landfills or in septic systems. Look for litter that is made of recycled newspaper, corn, wheat or sawdust. Please note that if your cat is allergic to corn or wheat, corn cat litter may irritate his skin.
Dumping the clumps down the toilet is one option, though it is not encouraged. The types of bacteria food in some cat feces cannot be treated by sewage systems. I'm referring to toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can infect cats without any symptoms. It is rare for indoor cats to get the parasite. Either way, if you use a biodegradable litter, your cat litter and waste can be composted.
Have fun with that.
[via Slate]
Comments [5]
Tips for a Green Thanksgiving
10 Tips for Making Your Home More Energy Efficient
Green Gift Ideas: Beauty Gift Sets
