Where does it all go?

[MasSalvaje]

the amount of resources we use to care for animals is nothing compared to what we use as humans for ourselves. it doesn't even compare.

I don't think anyone would argue with you on that one, but does that mean it doesn't matter or that we shouldn't at least attempt to minimize our environmental cost?

As for the environmental impact of our garters, sure there's an impact, especially for any snake that isn't caught/bred locally. I can honestly say that the environmental considerations of my garters is not something that weighs heavily on my mind. I drive somewhere around 30k miles a year, compared to that the environmental cost of keeping some snakes is negligible. In an ideal world I'd have a nice house in a patch of countryside with wind and hydro power - but that's more so I've got a good place to hole up in the event of a zombie apocalypse.

By no means am I trying to tell everyone to get rid of their snakes and other pets in order to save the planet or even that you should sacrifice monetary cost efficiency in order to minimize your environmental costs. I am as much of an offender as anyone out there. I was merely illustrating the fact that monetary costs are only part of the larger picture.

-Thomas

[mikem]

i'm not sure where i was going with that. i think i was trying to say that we shouldn't worry so much about what we expend on our pets, but to step back, look at it globally and worry about reducing our impact on the enviroment overall. yes, you can do your best as an individual to minimize the cost, but it takes many brush strokes to paint a picture. i think that's what i'm trying to say, lol

[MasSalvaje]

Well said. Might I also add that a picture begins with a single stroke, you have to start somewhere.