This year, make it a green dog holiday!

This year is a great year to have a green dog holiday!

With over 74 million dogs in the US, you know your pups are leaving their pawprint on the environment during the holidays, just like the two-leggers can.

But by reducing waste, purchasing environmentally responsible pup products, utilizing environmentally safe household products and by taking other sustainable measures, you and your pup can have a healthier, happier holiday and environment at the same time!

Need some tips? Try these:

• Make your pup a fabulous homemade Christmas stocking, from recycled items around your home.
• Wrap your 'best friend's' gifts with reused and reusable materials, like paper sacks, and cut outs from old Christmas cards. Save what's left over and use again next year!
• Purchase your tree from a tree farm and help save forests and unnecessary cutting, and recycle it after the holidays. Or consider getting a live tree and then plant it in your yard after use.
• Make your own Christmas ornaments from recycled materials, string some popcorn and berries, add a solar powered wreath to your front door, use solar holiday lights for your outdoor decorating and purchase low energy LED lights to conserve.
• Send your pup pals an e-card, rather than purchasing cards. Or make your own with items and photos of your pup.
• Shop online and conserve energy.
• Donate to your local shelter or rescue group and give back this holiday season.
• Keep your dog from unnecessarily killing wildlife while enjoying the outdoors.
• Purchase gifts for your pup made with organic or recycled materials.
• Feed and give your pup foods and treats that have organic or all natural ingredients for a longer, healthier life.
• When getting ready for the holidays, use cleaning and other household products that are good for the environment and safe for you and your dog.
• Buy gifts made closer to home, and help lower the energy costs of shipping goods.
• Use environmentally friendly deicers on your drive and sidewalks - good for your pets and the environment.
• Buy sustainable and durable products that don't have to be replaced so often.
• Spend quality time with your pup teaching them tricks, like turning off the light when they leave the room, and putting items in the recycle bin.
• Install a Doggie Dooley and recycle that pet waste, and when on the road use biodegradable poo bags when cleaning up the doo.
• Buy products for your pup made out of all natural materials, like hemp dog collars and organic cotton clothing.
• Spend some time making some of your pups toys and goods - take an afternoon and turn those old socks or towels into a great tugging toy, or old blankets into bedding, or leftover material for a great dog bed!
• Cook for your pup, for a healthier dog and a healthier environment.

Need some more ideas? Check out my Green Dog Christmas Squidoo lens, for featured holiday products, toys, fun stuff and more.