Written by: Yasmin Rojas Gayosso
LinkedIn: Yasmin Rojas Gayosso

Walking towards a greener path

Living a sustainable lifestyle is a choice we make as human beings. It makes us feel like we have a purpose beyond ourselves. It makes us feel useful. Every purchase we make is based on our values. Now imagine if you had to rely on someone to make these kinds of decisions for you. It would require a lot of trust, right? Well, that's precisely what our pets do. They trust us completely. And yes, it's a big responsibility, but it's not impossible to achieve. There's a rapidly growing market offering eco-friendly products, perfect for making the transition to a sustainable lifestyle for your pet much easier. Let's explore the possibilities it offers!

Play safely and ecologically

If you think of a puppy, you most likely imagine him with a toy by his side. Whether it's his favorite ball or a stuffed animal, you know that object will bring him extreme happiness. Toys are essential for our pets' well-being. That's why finding an environmentally friendly toy is equally important.

Upcycling

A great way to make your pets' lives more sustainable is by buying recycled products. The term 'upcycling' refers to the process of converting old, used material into something new, with a new function. It's not destroyed, but reused , and with a little creativity, it becomes a completely new product. In fact, this is exactly what the brand Rethreaded does . It turns upcycled cotton T-shirts into dog toys. In other words, it extends the lifespan of the base product. A sustainable process that's not only good for owners but also for dogs, as it contributes to a reduction in CO2 emissions.

B Corps

B Corps are essential to continue promoting a sustainable lifestyle. This business model meets the most demanding social and environmental requirements. The profits from its earnings are shared directly with the community, the environment, and its employees. West Paw Designs is a B Corps brand that uses Zogoflex, a recyclable, zero-toxic rubber that not only makes your pets happy but also provides environmental benefits. The Dash Dog Frisbee is designed to be chewed and played with by dogs for hours on end. Zogoflex rubber is a carefully treated material and something our pets can't afford to miss. By purchasing toys from companies like West Paw Designs, which are qualified as B Corps, we are financially contributing to a shift toward sustainability in the environment and the business world.

Post-Consumer Content

Making the decision to lead an environmentally conscious lifestyle demonstrates our commitment to the cause and our community. But making our pets' lives sustainable already puts us in the super-owner category. Post-consumer recycled treats are the perfect starting point. These treats are made from discarded materials that, once their optimal use has been reached, have been sent back into the manufacturing process. This prevents the materials from ending up in landfills. and therefore reduces the need for raw materials. Cycle Dog 's mission is to raise awareness about bicycle tubes ending up in landfills and uses post-consumer recycled content to create the best toys for our pets. Their ' High Roller Dog Ball ,' for example, is made with a rubber that floats in water. If you're planning a getaway to the beach, this toy is a must-have!

Fashionable… but sustainable

Two other elements that enhance our transition to a sustainable lifestyle for our pets are the collar and leash. Since our dogs are adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle, let's at least show it, right? Fortunately, there are brands that help our pets find the perfect "green" look.

Hemp

Hemp is a dioecious plant that, when processed, becomes a fiber. It requires little water, takes up very little space, and is biodegradable. Similar to bamboo, it contains no pesticides and therefore contributes to reducing human exposure to them . Furthermore, hemp is a durable and stable fiber that does not retain heat. Its thermal fabric keeps our pets warm or cool, depending on the temperature. Fortunately, Good Dog has turned this natural plant into an eco-friendly accessory for our pets. Its collars and leashes, made of 55% hemp, are soft and hypoallergenic, making them the most suitable products for the most sensitive pets. 

Cork

Cork is a sustainable material that is safe for the environment and our pets. 50% of the cork produced occurs in Portugal – turning its forests into the world's leading suppliers. This may seem to endanger wildlife, but the effect is quite the opposite, as the demand for cork actually helps protect species and forests. Another benefit of cork harvesting is that the tree bark is split rather than cut. Thanks to this method, the trees absorb more carbon dioxide and reduce global emissions. In terms of safety, this natural product acts as a fire barrier due to its thick bark. For this reason, Noggins & Brinkles vegan leashes and collars deserve to be at the top of your pet product list. Their sustainable accessories provide an extra layer of protection for your pet and add a touch of luxury.

Recycled plastic bottles 

Recycling plastic bottles is a great way to encourage people to create innovative and environmentally friendly products. Although only 9% of plastic is recycled worldwide, it's a small percentage that plays a very important role in promoting the circular economy. This process allows companies like Lupine Pet to explore creative ways to turn plastic into fashion. LupinePet offers a variety of collars and leashes for dogs of all breeds. Its slogan "Lifetime guarantee, even if chewed up" provides an additional promise to pet owners.

When choosing, choose the cleanest plate

Finally, something pet owners should consider is sustainable bowls. It may not seem like it, but it's very important for our pets' health. Most bowls are made with unnatural products and often contain toxic chemicals. Doing your research to find the best organic and eco-friendly bowl for your pet not only makes you a responsible consumer , but it also generates demand that pushes manufacturers to be more environmentally and ethically conscious regarding the products they sell.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a good natural material for your pet's bowls. It grows quickly, requires no watering, and can be used in many ways.  harvest in 3-5 years . Plus, it's great for the environment because it absorbs between 100 and 400 tons of carbon. It's also a safe home accessory. It's grown without chemicals and prevents bacteria buildup. Fortunately for pet owners, Beco has turned bamboo into eco-friendly dog ​​bowls. This brand, whose mission is to care for our planet and provide the highest quality products to our pets, has managed to bring sustainability closer to the lives of our pets.

Glass

Glass is a great candidate for the next bowl you buy. It's made from zero-toxic, 100% recyclable, and pure natural materials. Once recycled, glass replaces up to95% of raw materials, which means it preserves natural resources and reduces energy. All of this makes PawNosh a brand you can't miss. Co-founder Sachi Ushihara uses recycled glass to create dog bowls ethically and sustainably. Each of their bowls recovers and recycles a minimum of 0.23 liters of glass packaging and industrial glass. One of the many reasons why you should switch to glass and buy one of their bowls (and brighten your pet's day in the process).

Wood

Wood is a sustainable material that can be shaped to create a variety of products , including dog bowls. It's a natural resource that helps the earth reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Its manufacturing requires  less water, energy, and fossil fuels , proving to be a sustainable material for pets. While forest degradation and deforestation are a huge issue, companies like Whom have found a way to protect our trees through responsible sourcing. They source from suppliers that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and require them to plant 40 trees for every one harvested. This company is all owners need to customize their pet's sustainable lifestyle. Their ability to create products according to each individual's specifications while still maintaining their quality standards is something worth exploring.

Welcoming this new chapter

Incorporating sustainability into your pet's lifestyle isn't as intimidating as it seems. There are many resources available to make the transition easy and possible. Purchasing one or more eco-friendly products is an important step. It will expose your pet to a more ecological and ethical way of living, and will add value to their life.