April is sustainability month! As such, this month I would like to discuss environmentally-focused topics as they relate to horses and equestrianism. This week we are starting with 9 simple ways that equestrians can reduce their carbon footprint.
What is a carbon footprint?
According to The Nature Conservancy, “A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions.” This could be anything from driving our cars to using plastic bags at the tack shop.
Check out this Carbon Footprint Calculator to learn more about your impact on the environment.
How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
1. Buy bedding in bulk.
Many wood-adjacent businesses produce large quantities of sawdust as a production by-product. Call around to see if surrounding businesses would be willing to let you purchase truckloads of sawdust to use as bedding. This would limit the number of plastic bags used on prepackaged bedding at your barn.
2.Use LED lighting in the barn.
CFL light bulbs were only meant to be the stepping stone to get to LEDs. If your barn is still using these outdated bulbs (that don’t work well in the cold), be sure to switch to all LED lighting for better energy savings and brighter barns.
3. Buy tack and supplies secondhand whenever possible.
Not only will this typically help you save some money, but you can reduce the amount of new items you are creating a demand for.
4. Cut back on supplements.
Does your feed room look like a chemistry lab full of plastic buckets, bags, and jugs? Consider cutting back on unnecessary supplements and simplifying your horse’s ration. The money saved is just an added bonus.
5. Ditch equestrian consumerism.
Do you really need that saddle pad? Or are the 8 you already have just fine? Do you really need new brushes? Or should you maybe give the ones you have some TLC?
Avoid buying new items for your horse or yourself just for the novelty of something new. Always try to use what you have; when it breaks, you can replace it.
6. Reuse feed bags.
Check out our previous post, “10 Crafty Ways to Reuse Feed Bags Around the Farm“, for repurposing ideas for empty feed bags.
7. Compost your manure properly.
When farms and stables fail to compost their manure properly, the environmental impacts can be staggering. Runoff from poorly placed piles leads to groundwater contamination and can create an overpopulation of insects that spread disease.
8. Show locally (or don’t show at all).
I know this one may sting a little, but have you ever thought about the impact horse shows have on the environment? National shows and other large events invite hundreds of trucks, cars, and trailers on the road. Not to mention all the waste from hotel stays, restaurant visits, and temporary stall use. Showing locally often means less road time and makes packing a lunch and reusable water bottles more practical.
9. Use environmentally friendly fly control methods.
Many commercial fly sprays contain chemicals that are harmful to you, your horse, and the environment. Have you taken a peek at some of those labels? Holy warnings! Now, I will be the first to admit that fly sprays can be necessary for those extremely sensitive horses.
For example, we have found that Monarch is tormented by flies unless sprayed with some Endure. However, we also create chemical-free fly traps, clean up manure frequently, and feed garlic for added insect repellent.
Thank you for reading about 9 ways equestrians can reduce their carbon footprint! Did any of this information surprise you? Let us know! We’d love to hear from you!
We post new content every week!
Check out our previous posts here!
Follow us on Instagram!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel!