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Eco-Dogs: How to Keep an Environmentally-Friendly Pet

Most people tend to think that just about anything found in nature is innately good for the environment while most machines are detrimental. While you glare at the gas-guzzling SVU rumbling down the street, you may be horrified to learn that some of the worst offenders when it comes to disrespecting the environment are actually pets.

Dogs can have a bigger impact on the environment than operating a Toyota Land Cruiser, despite being a natural part of Earth’s fauna. If you are conscious about the eco-footprint you leave behind, it may be time to look at ways to make your dog more eco-friendly.

Protect Wildlife

One of the ways that dogs can harm the environment is by hunting and killing wildlife. When you think about a menace to birds, cats often come to mind. Still, dogs aren’t entirely innocent and can sometimes hunt and kill small animals that are essential to an area’s ecosystem.

Because of this, it is likely better to keep your dog contained in a fenced-in area so he cannot run free and hunt. When you’re on walks, keep your dog leashed so he can’t go after small animals when out and about.

Saving Our Planet: There’s an App for That

Along with the increasing popularity of Smartphones, apps are continuously being developed to assist with everything from sticking to a diet to acing examination.

Therefore, it would seem to be no surprise that a number of apps have been developed to help individuals and businesses conduct themselves in a greener, more sustainable manner. Apps are available for both Android and iOS powered devices and are frequently either very inexpensive or entirely free of charge.

Green Outlet

If you are tired of paying out big bucks to the electric company every month, the Green Outlet app may be just the ticket. This iOS app allows you to make a rough prediction of your monthly bill, and indicates which appliances are the likely culprits for excess energy usage. However, the app does not include a calculator for natural gas appliances. The app can be downloaded for 99 cents US from the Apple iTunes App Store.

Plastic Analyzer

The Plastic Analyzer app allows you to determine what kinds of plastic you are using by conducting a search for the plastic identification code. The app then indicates what products are included in the plastic object or bag and informs you of whether the plastic is recyclable. The Plastic Analyzer App is available free of charge for Android, iOS and Windows 7 powered mobile devices.

7 Ways to Go Green This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for food, family and tradition. If you’d like to introduce some new, eco-friendly customs this holiday, there are plenty of opportunities to go green while celebrating one of the biggest events of the year. Here are some simple ideas to reduce waste and save a little money – all while showing your gratitude to Mother Earth:

Reduce and Use Leftovers

According to U.S. News & World Report, families waste nearly 25 percent of all food prepared on Thanksgiving. That’s a lot of good food ending up in the trash. When planning your meal, consider cutting out those dishes you feel you have to serve but that no one eats. For example, if you consistently toss the cranberry sauce each year, leave it off the menu. This will save you time and money, and eliminate waste. Plan to reuse leftovers throughout the week in turkey sandwiches or stew.

Research if local food banks will accept donations. Not only will donating food help those in need, but the practice will also teach your family about the value of giving.