The Dogs' Trust has been doing some great work towards lowering the *ahem* 'emissions' that come from man's best friend, and have pointed us towards some tips for greening up Fido. The good news is that they've concluded that dog-owning families actually have a lower carbon footprint on average than exclusively two-legged ones -- as long as they follow some simple rules.
It isn't all about using biodegradable poop-scoop bags and ensuring you clean up after your pet: there are loads of other ways you can be a greener dog owner. Read on after the jump for some suggestions.
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Pets get through their collars very quickly, and it seems a shame to keep on replacing them with brand new ones. But as this tutorial by Keyka will show you, there's no need to throw old collars away, as the components can be used to make new ones, using the fabric of your choice. This is another great way that you, as a resourseful crafty type, can make a small step towards greening up the planet and making it look prettier at the same time. Win! [Via Crafty Crafty]

These little mice are some of the most bright and cheerful pet toys I've seen, but don't be deceived by those vibrant colours; they're made with only AZO-free dyes, which is probably a good thing when you think about where these chewable toys tend to fetch up.
They're also made from 100% organic cotton, so there are no planet-harming pesticides in the production. Purr-fect for the pet owner who wants a greener pooch or moggy. The toys are fully machine-washable, promote healthy teeth and gums in your pet and come in a variety of fun shapes: if mice aren't your pet's 'bag', choose from bunnies, carrots, donut rings, bones and more. $6 at Harry Barker [Via Pet Sugar]
It seems that Earth Day hysteria isn't just affecting us humans; our four-legged friends are getting greener too.
If you own a dog and would like to ensure that its carbon pawprint is kept as small as possible, the Dogs' Trust blog featured some really handy tips for greening up your pooch. They've kindly let me reproduce them here. Read on for some top dog advice!
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Fleas are resilient little critters as any pet owner will be all too aware. But does that mean you have to expose your pet to noxious chemicals? Not according to PetGuard, which has just brought out herbal collars for cats and dogs.
If you are concerned that your pets could be inhaling toxic fumes or that their skin could be becoming irritated by the toxic chemicals in most flea collars, then a herbal collar might be worth a try. The cat collar is available here, the dog equivalent here. I don't currently own a cat (boo!) so would be most grateful if anyone has tried these more environmentally-friendly alternatives to flea collars and could share their experience. [Via Supercool Pets]
Related: All natural home headlice remedy
Looking for a more environmentally friendly way to deal with your pet's least endearing habit? This neat little invention could be the answer to an age-old and stinky problem that's in danger of giving pet owners a bad name in these eco-aware times.
I probably need not go into too much detail about the unambiguously named Pet Poo Loo's main purpose in life. But what makes the 'loo' so green is that it decomposes the waste in exactly the same way as a normal household wormery. Simply deposit the, er, deposits in the chamber and let our wiggly friends work their magic. To speed the process along even more, you can buy a spray bottle of Pet Poo Magic for just over a tenner.
Unlike an ordinary litter tray, the Pet Poo Loo is kept out of sight and mind, as it needs to be buried underground. But the best news for you the owner is that the Loo will only need emptying once a year! £75 from Recycleworks
Related: How to make your cat more eco-friendly | Reduce your dog's carbon pawprint with BioBags poop scoop bags
The recycleball and recyclebone are two delightful new products you can buy to make your dog greener. Made from the 'rubbery scraps' left over from the manufacture of other chew toys, they're every bit as tough and durable.
Of course, buying one of these toys will do little to redeem you if you allow your dog to indulge in the distinctly un-green practices of footpath-fowling, tree-gnawing and biting of human limbs. But I'm sure that doesn't apply to anyone reding Hippyshopper... [via OhGizmo]
Related: How to make your cat more eco-friendly