There are plenty of benefits to being a dog owner, one of which is that having a dog encourages you to be more active, which is great for your health. According to a 2019 study published in Scientific Reports, dog owners spend almost 300 minutes per week walking their dogs, which is a whopping 200 more minutes walking than non-dog owners.
However, did you know your daily walks with your furry companion can serve more than just your well-being? They can also have a positive impact on the environment.
As reported by Treehugger, the creators behind #DogsofInstagram have launched a new campaign called the #EarthsBestFriend Cleanup Challenge in partnership with Project Blu, a company that sells pet products made from 100 percent recycled materials. The campaign runs until May 22 and aims to galvanize pet owners to spend their dog walks picking up the trash that litters their local parks, beaches, trails, and neighborhoods.
General Manager of the @DogsOfInstagram account Rebecca Pollard says, “Our goal is to get at least 15,000 people to take action in cleaning up the planet, and we’ll be planting a tree for every submission we get.”
She adds that this campaign is “a great way for us to remind pet parents that they can participate in creating a cleaner world within their normal daily routines.”
The grand prize winner will receive $1,500 worth of products from brands that prioritize eco-consciousness and sustainability. To participate, just bring a couple of extra bags with you on your next dog walk and start collecting trash. Then, snap some photos or videos of you and your dog cleaning up the local environment and submit them to www.DogsOf.com.
