Did you know that the most common pets have outsized carbon footprints? That’s due to the carnivorous diet we feed dogs and cats. If you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly pet, you might want to take a look at rabbits.
These guys thrive on a diet of hay supplemented with veggies and leafy greens — no meat for them! They even go for the parts we toss away—like stems and carrot greens — which you might be able to get for free at your grocery store. What’s more, a rabbit’s droppings can be composted or used as garden fertilizer. That’s not the case with cats and dogs.
But before you bring a bunny home, do your homework. In addition to a vegan diet, rabbits need safe roomy housing, companionship and routine veterinary care. As with any pet, a good match is key.