5 things pet owners can do to be more sustainable
Hey there fellow Kiwi dog owners! In this post, we'll be discussing 5 things that you can do to make your pup's pawprint a little bit smaller. From the food you feed them to the toys they play with, there are plenty of ways to incorporate sustainability into your pet parenting routine. So without further ado, let's get started!
As animal lovers, it's only natural that we want to do everything in our power to make sure our furry friends have long and happy lives. But in today's day and age, that also means being mindful of our environmental impact. The good news is, there are plenty of ways to make sure your pet parenting routine is sustainable!
Here are 5 things you can do to get started:
1. Feed them sustainably-sourced food
When it comes to what we feed our pets, sustainability should be top of mind. Just like us, the quality of the food our animals consume has a direct impact on their health and wellbeing. Luckily, more and more pet food brands are starting to source their ingredients sustainably. Do some research to find brands that use sustainable livestock practices, grow their vegetables without pesticides, and don't use any artificial colours or flavours. Your pet will thank you for it!
2. Get them eco-friendly toys
All work and no play makes for a very dull pup indeed. But when it comes time to restock your furry friend's toy box, make sure you're opting for eco-friendly options. There are plenty of companies out there making dog toys out of sustainable materials like bamboo, jute, and even recycled plastic bottles. Not only will these toys stand up to all the chewing and fetching your pup can dish out - they'll also help reduce your environmental footprint. Win win!
3. Buy them eco-friendly bedding
Just like us, our pets need a comfortable place to rest their weary heads at the end of a long day (or after a vigorous game of tug-of-war). But did you know that conventional bedding options like cotton and wool use large amounts of water and other resources during production? If you're looking for an eco-friendlier option for your four-legged friend, consider investing in bedding made from sustainable materials like bamboo or recycled plastic bottles. Not only will these products help reduce your carbon pawprint - they'll also be extra comfortable for naps!
4. Choose environmentally friendly grooming products
From shampoo to conditioner to flea treatment, there are all sorts of different grooming products on the market for our pets. But not all of these products are created equal when it comes to sustainability. To make sure you're doing your part for the environment (and your pet), look for products that are organic, cruelty-free, and free from harmful chemicals whenever possible. These products may cost a bit more upfront, but they'll save you money (and heartache) in the long run by being gentle on both the planet AND your furry friend's delicate skin and fur.
5. Use eco-friendly dog poop bags
Last but not least, one of the best things you can do for both your pet AND the environment is using eco-friendly dog poop bags. Think of how many poop bags you go through in a year...
When looking for bags make sure you watch out for greeen-washing (products that pretend to be good for the environment, but aren't).
For most providers in New Zealand, ‘biodegradable’ means plastic with a degradable agent added. The agent breaks down in a few months but leaves behind millions of tiny bits of plastic known as microplastics that have a not-very-green habit of landing themselves in waterways and most definitely sh*tting on the environment.
We'd humbly suggest you use eco-friendly dog poop bags like our home-compostable dog poop bags. Whether they end up in compost of landfill, they won't degrade into micro.
There are plenty of easy ways to make sure your pet parenting routine is sustainable - from the food you feed them to the toys they play with (and everything in between!). By following these tips, you'll be helping reduce your carbon pawprint - and making sure your furry friend enjoys a long and happy life too. Thanks for reading!