Going Green is a popular battle cry this year in many industries. Many business' are working to become "more green", and many consumers are looking at their everyday lives, and trying to figure out ways for them to "Go Green". For those that may not be familiar with the term, Going Green is a lifestyle change that embraces recycling and a conscious effort to become less wasteful with our resources. Going Green is not only a "hip" thing to do, it is a great way to conserve resources and protect our environment for future generations.
There are many ways to Go Green with Your Pet Rabbit. The most obvious, and possibly the most wasteful, is the litter you use in the pan under your rabbit hutch or cage. The styles of litter made from wood shavings can be a little controversial. Some would say that cutting down trees to make litter is hurting our environment and buying them bagged in a store is not "going green". Others would say that the material used for litter is a by-product of other uses for the wood, and it's a great way to get rid of the scraps left behind. Whichever way you feel, you can become "more green" by how you handle the shavings once your bunny is done soiling them!
If you wish to really start "green", there are several great quality litters made from recycled newspaper, that are both safe for your rabbit, and allow for a second use of product that originally filled up landfills. Using recycled newspaper litter also eliminates the allergies that some small animals can experience from the oils that are in cedar shaving style litters.
Instead of dumping all the messy combination of litter and bunny-poop into your trash, to ultimately end up using more diesel fuel to transport in a garbage truck and find a home in a land fill, you can go green with your pet rabbit by starting a compost pile. Composting your used rabbit litter is a great way to go green with your pet rabbit. There are a number of ways to compost, which can be as simple as making a mound and turning it over on a regular basis to spread the composting process, or commercially made compost bins that swivel or turn to move the compost inside. The actual composting method you choose should involve considerations such as space, time and monetary budget. Also, the composting process occurs much more quickly when you use a compost accelerator. Organic options are available too. Most good garden centers will have compost products in stock and can provide specific composting advice.
Once composted, your rabbit litter can be turned into a rich soil that is high in nutrients and loaded with organic matter. You can add this compost to your garden, lawn, planters or anywhere else that rich soil would benefit your garden. Also, don't worry about spilled food mixed in the litter, as that will compost as well.
In addition to getting rid of the necessary waste that your bunny generates, going green with your rabbit can be fun as well. You can recycle an old phone book by allowing rabbits to chew and play with it in their cage. They love doing that. As with any toy, it is best to not leave the phone book unattended, so remove it in between play times. If you baby outgrows some toys made for small toddlers, some human baby toys can be turned into rabbit toys as well. Always consider a rabbit's ability to chew, so only give them toys you consider to be safe and only let them have it while being supervised.
Old sections of carpet may be recycled, to lie down on the floor of the hutch over the wire, to give the rabbit a place to rest his or her feet. The same is true for a square piece of thin wood, which could lie on the wire floor for foot protection or be fastened to the side of the hutch to provide wind protection or shade. Always use common sense while recycling these items. Only use wood that is not chemically treated, make sure it is lightweight and fasten it to the sides securely so it can't move and hurt your bunny. Make sure the carpet is safe, and watch for signs to make sure your rabbit is not eating it.
Going Green with Your Pet Rabbit can also include some less obvious ways, but none the less important. Most other items involving your bunny are probably made of metal or plastic. When the water bottle leaks, make sure the plastic and metal go into the proper recycling containers. The same could be true for the feeder, treat holders, salt wheel or veggie holders. If it can be recycled, then recycle it, even if it takes a little effort.
Lastly, if you decide to replace your rabbit cage or hutch for larger quarters, metal or plastic cages can be recycled like any other plastic or metal. Wood hutches could be more of a challenge. The dropping pan could be recycled with normal metal or plastics. Why not call a few rescue groups or animal shelters if you have an old hutch you wish to get rid of? Many operate on tight budgets, and could benefit from a donation. They might even know of someone with a rabbit that cannot afford new housing. Other considerations could be donate to a local school, 4H Program, ASPCA, local groups that rescue small animals, group or senior homes that have animals to help socialization, and I'm sure more that we have not named. Rather than adding to a landfill, go green by putting a classified ad in the papers or on the Internet and sell your old hutch, or offer to give it away.
Going Green with Your Pet Rabbit is easier than you probably thought. The small contribution you make to the environment is magnified when many people do it. So, stop wondering what all the buzz is about - Go Green and Start with Your Pet Rabbit!