Cat litter can be an expensive commodity, both to your wallet and the planet. The most common types of cat litter are made of clay and are sourced by strip mining (read: not eco-friendly). It's also very difficult and just ends up in the trash and being taken to a landfill. So, if you've got excess kitty litter you want to get rid of a more eco-conscious way, or if you're in the market for greener alternatives, read on.
Reusing litter:
Yes, you read correctly, there are ways to reuse litter that Fluffy has already made use of.
- Soak up oil spots on your driveway or in the garage.
- Fill in dangerous holes in your backyard or driveway.
- If you've got wood-based litter (i.e.: Feline Pine), use it as mulch to help your garden plants retain moisture. (Note: Do not use it on plants that you're going to end up eating.)
- If you've got a natural corn, wheat or wood based litter, throw it in the compost pile for use on the lawn and decorative, non-edible plants. (Note: First remove the fecal matter, then allow it to sit in the compost pile for at least a year before putting it in the soil.)
Eco-friendly cat litter alternatives:
Here are some kinds of biodegradable litter you can find at the grocery or pet store, or you could even try making your own.
This article appears in Oct 21-27, 2010.