5 Green Ways to Dispose of Dog Hair

Every animal in the world pollutes to some degree, and our dogs are no exception. If you're an eco-savvy dog guardian, you've likely already considered the ecological problems associated with your dog's diet, supplies and excrement. But few pet owners have considered the ecological burden associated with a dog's shedded fur. Fortunately, dog fur can be disposed of in a manner that actually benefits the ecological health of our planet.

After you've groomed your dog, there are several choices you can make to safely eliminate Here are a few tips for dealing with pet hair sustainably.

1. Compost it. Dog hair is a beneficial additive to compost. Although it takes a while to fully decompose, partially-decomposed dog hair helps to add structure and stability to soil. This is especially important if your local garden soil is sandy and needs further physical integrity. Simply blend dog hair in with your ordinary compost.

2. Put it in your house plants. If you don't compost, you can still utilize dog hair fur as an additive in soil. Mix your dog's shedded fur into potting soil and add it to your favorite house plants. It can help to refresh the stability and nutrient -holding capacity of your house plants' soil.

3. Use it to sprout plants. Even before composting, dog fur is a good substrate for germinating seeds. When you start your seeds indoors for flowers or garden vegetables, plac e them in slightly moistened dog fur until they sprout. After they become more established, transfer them to potting soil or another more stable substrate.

4. Make it into a sweater. Don't worry; you're not Cruella DeVille if you end up wearing your dog's fur. Sweaters are a great way to sustainably utilize a dog's fur. It not only salvages the by-products of grooming; it also saves money and resources by minimizing your use of conventional wool. Check out "Knitting with Dog Hair," published by St. Martin's Griffin, for more information about this increasingly popular, green practice.

5. Give it to the birds. Birds are naturally inclined to use fur in the construction of their nests. It not only provides physical structure, but also helps to insulate the nest and keep the growing chicks warm. Groom your dog outside and let the wind catch his fur. It will be out of the landfills, but it won't become litter. Instead, it will actually support the health of your local urban ecosystem.