Dog mom sitting down at the park next to her Golden Doodle, celebrating Earth Day 2022!

7 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day With Your Dog

Help Your Pets Go Green

Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate your love of the planet, and your pup wants to celebrate with you!

Whether you have feet and hands or paws, we are all members of Planet Earth, the holiday where we show our love for the beauty and support that this planet offers us. Since we are all residents of this planet, and our dogs are included, we think that 2022 is the year that dog parents and pups alike should unite to celebrate Earth on this special day!

Dog Dad dressed in blue hoodie holds his Yorkshire Terrier who's wearing a matching blue dog hoodie, celebrating Earth Day 2022!
More of us together!

What is Earth Day?

Novia Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever traveling in a car with its head out of the window on a beautiful sunny day, celebrating Earth Day 2022!
The world is filled with wonder and beauty.

Since the 1970s, Earth Day has been celebrated on April 22nd every single year. This is to mark the celebration of the first environmental awareness movement, a time where people began to really look around and question what kind of impacts we have on our environment. Since then, the interest in environmental awareness is at an all-time high—and the numbers show us why.

Though Earth Day was first created as a celebration of our planet and what we can do to support it, the modern Earth Day means something pretty different. By this point, we know that humanity has done notable damage to the planet, and we know that it is up to each of us to do our part in keeping our planet healthy and functional, so it is as beautiful for future generations as it has been for ours. This year let’s make sure that we make Earth Day really count by embracing the planet through our every action.

What Does Earth Day Mean for Us?

On April 22nd, we're celebrating Earth Day 2022!
Giving back and protecting our planet is important!

Given the need for environmental support, Earth Day has taken on a new meaning. This isn’t just a day of awareness. It is a reminder that our actions have consequences, and that it is up to each of us to find ways to lessen our impact on the planet. This means different things for a lot of us. It might mean adopting new habits or supporting political movements that are in favor of our planet. But, this day is also a wonderful opportunity to sit down, relax, and remember just how beautiful our planet really is. Earth gives us so much, and this is the day where we can make changes to give back.

Ways to Observe Earth Day With Your Dog

Dog mom sitting down at the park next to her Golden Doodle, celebrating Earth Day 2022!
Let's make our earth a beautiful place to live!

As humans, we must admit that the problems going on with our planet are not really caused by dogs. Though the impact of key industries, like the pet industry, does have consequences for our planet, it isn’t as if the pups of the world have made these decisions. They didn’t ask for an endless supply of dog toys or the transportation problems that come with getting organic dog food into local stores.

Despite this, our dogs are here to be as supportive as ever. Your dog might not understand climate change, but they definitely understand getting the opportunity to do more fun things with their dog parents, and that is why celebrating Earth Day with your dog can be a wonderful opportunity for you, your pup, and the planet.

Help Your Pets Go Green

Choosing biodegradable and eco-friendly poop bags for dogs made from sustainable materials, is the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day 2022!
We love Pogi's eco-friendly poop bags and they are made from sustainable materials.

Having your pets ‘Go Green’ is easier than you might think, and it really all comes down to education and awareness. We know that single-use plastics are causing a significant problem for our planet, which is why products like dog poop bags can be a big point of concern. Most of them are made out of plastic, but as a pet owner, you can choose to take your doggy cleanup in a different direction with biodegradable poop bags, which can have a much smaller impact on the environment.

There are other doggy products that can help you to take your pup’s upkeep and make it more eco-friendly. Looking for dog toys and products that are recyclable or made from recycled materials is one of the ways that you can lower your pup’s environmental impact. Of course, sometimes your changes might be small, like investing in a more durable dog toy that will last longer so you don’t end up repeatedly throwing new items away as waste. Little decisions like this can have a huge impact, especially if we all do it.

Work in the Garden Together

Willow, a Bichon Frise, Maltese and Havanese mix wearing yellow hair bows and an Easter bandana, hanging out in the garden, celebrating earth day 2022!
When I am in nature, I am in peace.

Gardening is a wonderful opportunity to improve your home, and it is one pastime that is highly encouraged on Earth Day. All around the world, people celebrate this holiday by planting new vegetation, and this can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your pup.

Obviously, the immediate perk of gardening with your dog is that it is a good excuse to let them enjoy time outside—and if you trust them, they can also be quite helpful. Gardening involves a lot of digging, and there are good boys and girls all around the world that are helping their dog parents to build up their gardens with the help of a couple furry paws.

When we celebrate Earth, we want to do our part to support it. Gardening can achieve this in a couple of ways. In general, more plants will always going to be better for the planet. It helps us to support our environment and keeps the air full of rich oxygen. But, gardening can actually have a much bigger impact.

Choosing to grow your own produce and spices is a wonderful hobby that can also help you to benefit your home and your planet. Not only will you have access to your very own food supply, but you can also support the planet with this action. As much as we all like being able to run to the store, the fact is that transportation for products and food definitely plays a role in the health of our environment. By tending a small garden at home, you can cut down on how much you need to buy, which is good for the planet and your wallet.

Walk Everywhere You Go

Adorale Yorkshire Terrier wearing a sweater and a cool leash, celebrating earth day 2022!
Earth is what we all have in common.

There are few things pups love more than a good walk, and this is one passion that is great for Earth Day. Every year, people celebrate this day by choosing to walk, bike, or take public transportation rather than driving in their own vehicles. Little changes like this can help us to do our part in supporting the atmosphere, and this is one change that is best enjoyed with your favorite pup.

This Earth Day, why not make the decision to really embrace this special day and see where your paws can take you by walking all over? Instead of driving to your local dog park, take your dog on an extra-long walk around the neighborhood. Instead of driving to your favorite fast-food place, consider walking to a local spot with your canine companion and eating outside instead. The more time that you spend walking and enjoying the fresh air, the better.

Eat Healthy Fruits and Veggies

Golden Labrador Retriever outside in the backyard eating cabbage and celebrating Earth Day 2022!
Good food is hard to find 😆

The research shows that one of the biggest contributing factors to the destruction of our atmosphere is related specifically to the meat and dairy industries. Though the transportation of other kinds of food can also have an impact, the meat and dairy industry are known to do a lot of damage to the environment, which is something that more companies are currently working on.

On Earth Day, it can be helpful to show the planet a little extra love by prioritizing fruit and veggies in your diet, both on this day and on a regular basis. Everyone has different dietary needs, but most doctors will say that eating more fruits and veggies is always a good decision for your health, so you can support your body and the planet at the same time.

Though dogs and other pets do generally need meat in their diet for their health, that doesn’t mean that they can’t enjoy this with you. There are a ton of fruits and veggies that are also good for your pup, so this can definitely be a shared experience.

Common Healthy Snacks for Pets:

  • Apples (without seeds)
  • Bananas
  • Blueberries
  • Cranberries
  • Peaches
  • Pears
  • Pineapples
  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Green Beans

Clean Up Waste

Dog owner picking up dog waste from adorable Shih Tzu in honor of Earth Day 2022!
Keeping our environment clean is the best way to pay tribute to Mother Earth.

Waste is a problem that impacts our planet in many ways, both on a local and global level. Pet waste, in particular, can be a problem that has a negative impact on our local areas. When owners fail to pick up after their pets, areas can get ruined very quickly, especially if the area is trafficked by a lot of dogs, like an apartment complex. Doing your part to pick up after your pet can have a huge and positive impact for you and your neighbors. To take this one step further, you can partner with neighbors to pick up residual waste that has been missed or left behind.

Though cleaning up pet waste is important, cleaning up waste in general can help to support the planet. No one wants to live on a planet that is piled high with trash, and that is why it is so wonderful when communities come together to clean up local spaces and natural areas. Picking up trash can keep it from ruining spaces and impacting wildlife—and this is another wonderful opportunity for you and your pet.

This Earth Day is the perfect chance to get out there and clean up your neighborhood or some of your favorite natural areas, like parks and beaches. You and your canine companion can just go on a walk to any of these locations, which your pup will enjoy. As you walk, simply collect any trash or other messes that you see and see that anything that can be recycled is.

Support Small Businesses

Young woman leaning against the wall wearing a plaid shirt and Heather Gray Dog Mom Defined Crewneck Sweatshirt from online outerwear and activewear clothing store for pet parents, they made me wear it.
Shop our Dog Mom Defined sweatshirt for those late night chilly walks.

As we’ve mentioned, transportation can be a huge drain on our planet’s resources, which is why choosing to support local businesses can be a great step to take. When we support local business, we lift up our neighborhood and our neighbors by allowing them to fill a need that we have. By supporting local businesses, you can help boost your local economy and support a world with less pollution at the same time.

You will find quickly that your furbaby is the perfect support for shopping local because they don’t even know what online marketplaces, like Amazon, are. This means that they will just be happy to go get new goodies from a local place, especially if it is a local pet shop that they can physically walk into and check everything out.

Small businesses can vary, and that is why there is so much opportunity here. Whether you opt to get meat from a local butcher instead of a supermarket chain, or you just decide to purchase some organic dog treats from a local baker instead of ordering online, you and your pup can support the planet.

Repurpose Your Kitchen Scraps With Doggy Help

Bernese Mountain Dog laying down waiting for kitchen food scraps, celebrating Earth Day 20221
Come on hooman, I'm hungry and I know you see me 😤

Food waste accounts for a shocking amount of waste, and this is something that more people are beginning to realize. For Earth Day, you can do the planet a service by simply limiting how much waste you actually have. This might mean using old vegetables to make a delicious vegetable stock or allowing your pup to enjoy some cooked hamburger meat because the meat in the fridge is about to go bad. Prioritize reducing food waste by using those food items that are getting close to being a little too old. Your pup will always be happy to help you clean out the meat drawer, we promise.

The Takeaway

Staffordshire Bull Terrier laying in the grass in the shade, celebrating Earth Day 2022!
Pair our adorable for the complete magical look 🦄

It is the responsibility of each of us to do what we can to support our planet, and there are more easy ways to do this than ever. This Earth Day, get together with your canine companion to share a day that is in celebration and support of the planet. You will find that celebrating nature is much easier when have a little furry friend to help you do it. Your dog might not understand why you’re making these changes, but you can rest assured that they are going to be happy to spend this day with you!

Until next time, thank you for reading!


About the author: Gabrielle is the loving pawrent to adorable pups Willow and Dilla. Growing up surrounded by dogs, she always dreamt of having her own. Willow and Dilla came into her life and changed everything. Now, she's crazy about pampered pooches, and her perfect day involves dancing with her husband, dressing up her furbabies, and cuddling them to sleep. For Gabrielle, life is all about spreading love and joy with her adorable canine companions by her side.