Why Is Dog Adoption More Sustainable?
Thursday, October 28, 2021 15:45:39 PM America/Los_Angeles
There’s no question that adopting a pet from a local animal shelter is a good deed that helps us do our part for our communities. But you might be surprised to find out that you’re doing the earth a favor, too! By adopting from a local shelter, we reduce carbon emissions in a number of vital ways. Here are some reasons why adopting a local shelter pup is a more sustainable alternative:
Photo by Alvan Nee
- Less transportation: Adopting from non-local shelters or breeders requires transportation via train or plane. Rather than driving (or even biking!) over to a closer shelter, these lengthy trips across city and state lines require burning more fossil fuels.
- Less food waste: Many rescues -- especially those that are small and locally run -- rely on food donations to feed their animal population. Dog paw-rents might try quality, new food at home that their fur babies just don't take to. Instead of tossing the uneaten food, donating to shelters becomes a way to both help feed unhoused dogs and prevent tossing perfectly good food.
- Less trash: Similarly, not every toy or piece of bedding brought home is readily accepted by picky pups. Many of these pet goods are hardly used but cannot be returned. Other times, dogs may simply outgrow their bedding or other accessories. These items can be utilized by shelters in need that are looking to spoil pooches in their care until they find a furever home. Every item that goes to a shelter is one less product that ends up in a landfill.
- Less labor: It’s a well-known fact that animal shelters help keep animals off the streets. However, this doesn’t happen with a snap of the fingers. Taking animals off the streets requires an immense amount of human labor, and human activity equals carbon emissions.
- Less carbon footprint: All of these factors point to one thing -- lower carbon emissions. As less waste is sent to landfills and transportation is reduced, carbon emissions are also lowered. Carbon is a greenhouse gas that is primarily attributed to human activity such as the burning of fossil fuels and the production of solid waste.
Many shelters are now making concerted efforts to build sustainability into their practice and transforming what shelters look like in generations to come. So, the next time you’re thinking of adding a furry member to your family, why not consider adoption to help both the earth and a pup in need?
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