Let Your Furry Friend Lend A Helping Paw for the Planet

Every family can take steps to reduce its footprint on the Earth, and for many of us, pets are part of the family. From litter to leashes to choosing a species, here are a few ways animal owners can get greener.

Pass on plastic. Don't toss Fido toys made with vinyl, which contains hormone-disrupting phthalates. Any petroleum-based item -- such as a woven-acrylic leash or a scratching post made with synthetic carpet -- is less than ideal, because oil is a dwindling resource and the refining process pollutes. (Plus, if your pet is the kind that chews everything in sight, it might ingest plastic bits.)

Large retailers such as Petco stock a range of pet products made with natural, organic and recycled materials. Online, Earthdog ( http://www.earthdog.com), Botanical Dog ( http://www.botanicaldog.com) and Purrfectplay ( http://www.purrfectplay.com) are good sources for canine and feline toys and accessories. For modern design hounds, Branch ( http://www.branchhome.com) stocks sleek, chemical-free cat trees made from corrugated cardboard.

Feed them well. Read the ingredient list on your pet food; if you wouldn't eat it, it's probably not good for your constant companion either. While it may seem extravagant to buy organic food for your pet, you'll be increasing the demand for sustainable agriculture for all creatures. Most pet stores and natural food stores stock organic pet food; even Newman's Own has a line. EarthAnimal.com offers organic bird food and vitamin supplements.

Scoop smart. Opt for biodegradable plastic bags to scoop droppings and to line litter boxes. The new breed of organic cat litter is biodegradable, compostable and flushable. Plus it traps odors effectively. In a Slate article, Kelly Alexander wrote of World's Best Cat Litter, made with corn kernels, "Smell: Nothing extraordinary after a week, even with a couple of lapses in daily maintenance." Another option: Swheat Scoop, made from wheat. Look for these at natural-products stores or find them online at Only Natural Pet Store ( http://www.onlynaturalpet.com).

Keep your cat indoors. According to a National Research Council report released this year, domestic cats kill hundreds of millions of birds in the United States each year.

Pick your pets wisely. The most caring choice? Adopt animals from shelters rather than contributing to the demand for species from breeders. If you're considering taking home an exotic species, do your homework: Some animals are better off in the wild.

Parrots, for instance, are often endangered species smuggled into the United States from Mexico; 75 percent of captured parrots die before reaching their destination, according to a report by D.C.-based nonprofit Defenders of Wildlife. Check for bands around a bird's legs, which should list information about its breeding facility.

And if you're a lover of tropical fish, look for a certification symbol from the Marine Aquarium Council to ensure that fish were harvested in a way that respects the health of coral reefs. Some collectors also temporarily stun the fish with cyanide, a poison that kills smaller fish.

-- Eviana Hartman