As cat owners, we want to do our part for the environment and that starts with choosing eco friendly litter that’s free from harmful chemicals, fragrances, silica dust and bentonite clay – this way your carbon footprint is reduced as much as possible!
Clay cat litters are the most popular option, which are non-biodegradable and require extensive mining. As this form of cat litter cannot be composted easily or flushed down septic systems easily, it may cause issues in those systems or block drains entirely.
Clay-Based Cat Litter
Before modern cat litter was invented, people often used materials like sand, dirt and old newspaper in their kitty’s toilet box as litter. Now most clumping clay litters use sodium bentonite clay (otherwise known as Fuller’s earth) that clumps when exposed to liquid, making clumping litter more environmentally-friendly while traditional clay litter requires extensive mining and manufacturing processes that damage both land, animal habitats and create pollution.
Silica gel crystals are another popular choice for cat litter, though their mining and processing requires substantial resources. As these nonbiodegradable products won’t decompose in landfills for long, they could potentially pose health issues should cats ingest any. Other popular choices for kitty litter include recycled paper products such as recycled newspaper or plant extracts like walnut shells; these offer lower tracking and dust production compared with Silica Gel Crystals while simultaneously decreasing your carbon paw print while making your home cleaner!
Biodegradable Cat Litter
Sodium bentonite clay used in litter boxes is non-biodegradable. Without biological degradation processes to break it down, this material will remain in landfills for years and decades to come.
Cat poop contains bacteria which pollutes water systems. However, there are eco-friendly alternatives that provide an environmentally-friendly solution.
Paper litter can help reduce waste sent to municipal sewage treatment plants and has a lower carbon footprint than sand or clay litter options.
An alternative non-clay litter made from compressed wheat hulls, another renewable resource, may also be beneficial in terms of environmental friendliness and safety. Like corn-based litter, wheat-based litter offers strong clumping and odor-controlping abilities as well as being less toxic should your pet accidentally consume any. Unfortunately, however, wheat-based litter tends to be more costly and absorbent compared to its counterparts; an excellent option would be recycled paper pellets which provide excellent environmental benefits.
Plant-Based Cat Litter
Plant-based cat litter may be an eco-friendly option, made of materials such as recycled and renewable waste as well as byproducts from other industries. Plus, biodegradability ensures it can easily be composted.
Pine, wheat and corn products make good alternatives to clay-based litter that uses vast amounts of energy in its mining process and has been linked with upper respiratory diseases and other health concerns for both cats and humans.
Many plant-based litters are clumping and low tracking. Some even incorporate plant fibers to add strength and control odor. Naturally Fresh is one company that utilizes this approach by recycling walnut shells that would have otherwise been thrown away to create eco-friendly litter that is biodegradable, biodegradable, low tracking, renewable natural resource based and low tracking – they even work with nonprofit organizations in communities to collect paper products for recycling into this product!
Recycled Cat Litter
Recycled cat litter is usually composed of recycled paper and biodegradable materials such as wood pellets, wheat germ, corn or pine that have been harvested sustainably and biodegrade quickly – these materials also boast natural clumping characteristics for low tracking littering needs, making this option environmentally-friendly and recyclable curbside. Some recycled litter comes packaged in cardboard tubs which can also be easily recycled by curbside recycling services.
Be cautious of conventional litters that contain bentonite clay and silica dust, which have been linked to upper respiratory problems for both cats and people. Furthermore, look for litters without synthetic fragrances, dyes or other additives – these may help prevent asthma.
No matter the type of litter you use, do not flush pet waste down the toilet. Flushing litter may clog pipes and cause plumbing issues as well as pollute ecosystems with potential pathogens that could contaminate water supplies or harm wildlife. Instead, scoop your cat’s waste into biodegradable bags before disposing it appropriately; many communities also provide compost locations where pet waste can be dropped off.https://www.youtube.com/embed/gEk6JLJNg0U