In these worrying times of climate change, weird weather events, and depleted natural resources, we need to do all we can to save the planet. With a little help from you, your pets can also help the environment and look after Mother Earth by becoming more eco-friendly!
Read this guide to discover nine sustainable pet supplies that you can use.
1. Buy Eco-Friendly Pet Beds
Many dog mats and cat beds are filled with synthetic fibers and plastics that eventually end up in landfills. So, some eco-smart manufacturers are making the leap to using more environmentally friendly products to make pet beds instead.
Now, you can buy pet beds that are made from recycled materials. Choose from a huge range of bed types, including bolster, outdoor, orthopedic, and pillow. Some companies even use recycled plastic bottles to create soft, plushy stuffing for their pet beds!
There are even some manufacturers that will take your old dog or cat beds and recycle them for free.
2. Make Your Own Pet Beds
If you’re handy with a needle and thread or a sewing machine, you might want to make your own eco-friendly pet bed.
Use an old sheet or towel for the outer layer of the bed and fill it with raw sheep’s wool batting. That’s all natural and is necessary for the sheep’s welfare. The result is a cozy, warm bed that your dog or cat will love to snuggle down into.
3. Choose Eco-Friendly Dog Treats
Dogs love treats, and it’s important that you choose eco-friendly dog treats for your pet.
Eco-friendly treats come in thoughtful packaging and are made from only safe natural ingredients. So, be sure to choose treats that don’t contain any added preservatives, dyes, chemicals, or artificial flavors, all of which can be bad for your dog’s health, as well as for the environment.
Unless your dog has a sensitive stomach, you could give him natural, wild-sourced antlers as a treat, which make a great substitute for chemical-rich rawhide and pigs’ ears.
4. Make Upcycled Pet Toys
Sustainable dog toys are not easy to find. However, it’s perfectly possible to make your own DIY doggy toys from unwanted household objects.
For example, an empty cardboard box can make a wonderful toy for a puppy or kitten to explore, and a toilet roll tube can be stuffed with hay and treats to entertain a cat or rabbit.
You can even convert an unused plastic bottle into a treat-dispensing puzzle toy for your dog. Just remember to wash the bottle thoroughly before use and stick to using drinks bottles rather than those that previously contained chemicals.
Finally, unwanted T-shirts can be upcycled to make great tug-of-war toys for dogs.
5. Build A Dog Crate
If you’re good at DIY, you could build a dog crate rather than buying one from a pet shop. A quick Google search brings up plenty of DIY ideas and plans for dog crates, which can double as dog crates and pieces of functional household furniture.
Add a homemade bed or some preloved dog bedding to create a cozy den that your dog will love to retreat to when he wants some quiet time.
6. Use A Secondhand Dog Crate
Of course, you could consider buying a secondhand dog crate for your pup. That’s a good idea if you have a puppy that might quickly outgrow his crate or you’re working on a budget.
Often, you can pick up a wire crate for your dog in the preloved columns of your local paper, which can save you quite a bit of cash, as well as keep an item out of the landfill. Before using any secondhand pet supplies, be sure to check the item for damage and clean it thoroughly.
7. Choose Eco-Friendly Poop Bags
Dog poop bags are an essential item for all dog owners. In fact, dog parks and many state parks insist that owners pick up after their pups.
Unfortunately, many poop bags are made from plastic, which is a disaster for the environment. However, in recent years, many manufacturers have started producing compostable, zero-waste poop bag rolls. These are fabulous products, provided that you dispose of the waste properly.
Alternatively, you might want to use old newspapers to grab your dog’s waste. Just be careful that the paper doesn’t disintegrate in your fingers at the crucial moment! At home, an old dustpan and brush work well as a pooper scooper. Simply pick up the waste and pop it straight into the toilet; flush, and you’re done.
8. Sustainable Kitty Litter
Tibbles’ toilets can also be made more sustainable by switching to sustainable kitty litter, such as that made using wood, grass, or corn.
9. Canine Grooming Products
Dogs need bathing every couple of months to keep them smelling sweet and keep their coats and skin in good condition. Choose dog shampoo and conditioning products that are made using all-natural ingredients.
You should also clean your dog’s teeth every day or so. Rather than buying regular dog toothpaste, switch to eco-friendly, vegan toothpaste that contains no chemicals or preservatives, using coconut oil and vanilla bean instead.
Final Thoughts
Your pet can make a valuable contribution to caring for the environment and saving the planet by using more sustainable pet supplies. Of course, you’re the one who actually sources and either makes or buys those products, but we’re sure your pet will thank you for your efforts!
Instead of buying regular dog and cat beds that are stuffed with plastics, look for products that use recycled materials. Alternatively, make your own beds from upcycled bits and pieces you can find around your home. Choose preloved dog crates or get crafty and build your own from recycled wood.
Finally, use biodegradable kitty litter and dog poop bags to keep plastics out of landfills.
