An October, 2009 study published in the New Scientist that raised a lot of eyebrows (to put it mildly) as well as not a small amount of indignation among dog owners, suggested that owning a dog could actually be worse for the environment than driving an SUV. Two New Zealand architects who specialize in sustainable building tried to calculate the carbon cost involved in owning dog. For all of the innumerable benefits our pets bring to our lives, as responsible, earth-loving pet parents, as we think about ways to green-up our own lives this Earth Day, it makes sense to educate ourselves a bit more about how to make our pets “greener” too. Read on for 7 easy tips to ensure your dog or cat is eco-friendly!