Is going green with Fido bougie or necessary? Just like humans, dogs and the resources we use to care for them have an impact on the environment. Non-biodegradable packaging and poop bags, wasted water and energy, harsh cleaning chemicals, and venturing off marked trails all contribute to the carbon footprint of a dog. The good news? There are simple measures you and your pup can take in your everyday lives to practice sustainable dog ownership and leave fewer “paw prints” on the planet.
Eco-Friendly Dog Care
All living beings take a toll on our planet just by doing everyday things like eating and drinking water. That’s why it’s up to each one of us to reduce our impact where we can. As a loving dog parent, you can start making small changes together by considering the ways your dog’s daily routines contribute to waste and how you can implement more eco-friendly practices.
To do that, we must first understand the difference between sustainability and environmental impact reduction. At its core, sustainability is about implementing systems that have a long-term impact on the environment without creating depletion or harm to our planet. Think using solar power or regenerative farming systems that replenish on their own. Alternatively, striving to leave less of an impact is about reducing harm to the environment while not necessarily creating systems that continue on their own forever. For example, switching from plastic packaging to recycled plastic reduces harm to the planet while not entirely eradicating the use of plastics altogether.
So, what does implementing sustainability and reduced environmental impact look like for dog parents? By considering the ways your dog’s daily routines contribute to waste and making small changes that implement more sustainable and eco-friendly practices, you can start making the world a greener place together.
Here are a few areas of dog ownership that have a big environmental impact and ideas for making more eco-conscious choices:
Nutrition
The production, packaging, and shipping of pet food contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, this 2017 study found that meat production for dog and cat consumption in the U.S. alone is responsible for releasing more than 64 million tons of greenhouse gases annually! Additionally, most kibble is sold in non-biodegradable and non-recyclable packaging, which contributes to waste and pollution.
Feeding your pet nutritious food is essential for their health, but you can practice sustainable dog ownership during mealtimes by purchasing dog food made in the U.S. to cut down on emissions from international shipping. Also consider choosing foods sold in biodegradable or recyclable packaging, making your own treats from home, and opting for proteins like chicken or salmon (which create less emissions during production than beef). Feeding the correct portion sizes and using up all the food before it expires can help minimize waste as well.
Waste Management
Let’s talk poop! The average 40-pound dog produces around 274 pounds of waste each year, according to the Department of Energy and Environment. When waste is not picked up, it can contaminate water sources, harming aquatic ecosystems and threatening water quality.
One of the simplest ways to implement eco-friendly dog care is to always pick up after your dog. It’s not just the considerate thing to do—it’s also necessary for the health of our planet. You can even go a step further in your commitment by opting for biodegradable poop bags to reduce pollution.
Grooming
Grooming and bathing your dog takes a surprising number of supplies and resources that contribute to waste and pollution, such as shampoos and conditioners, rubber gloves, grooming tools, and loads of water. Plus, many conventional grooming products contain harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens, which can irritate your dog’s skin and pollute water when rinsed down the drain.
Grooming your pup from home is a great way to reduce emissions released during travel to and from the groomer’s. You also have control over the products being used and can ensure each one is sustainable. Start by choosing shampoos and other cleaning products made from gentle, natural, and sulfate-free ingredients that are safe for your dog’s skin and leave less of an impact. Some great products to consider include Washbar, a soap bar for dogs, or the high-quality line of shampoos, dry shampoos, mists, and grooming wipes from Earth Rated.
By investing in high-quality grooming tools made from sustainable materials, you can also reduce your dog’s carbon footprint and save yourself money in the long run.
Pet Supplies
We know that spoiling your dog is half the fun, but overconsumption leads to more waste, especially when the products we buy are made from cheap materials that wear out quickly and end up in landfills. Plus, production to create pet supplies takes a significant amount of water usage, energy, harmful chemicals, and greenhouse gases.
A single dog collar can take over a century to decompose. If thousands of collars and other pet supplies like it end up in landfills every year, that’s a significant amount of waste harming the environment, decade after decade. Choosing to shop for pet supplies like collars, leashes, and harnesses made out of sustainable, durable materials like hemp, organic cotton, eco-leather, or recycled materials helps reduce your pet’s carbon footprint while still serving its purpose. It’s best to stay away from pet supplies made from unnatural dyes, cheap nylons, and plastics.
The same goes for dog crates, which are typically made from large amounts of plastic. When selecting the best crate for your pup, look for options made from more eco-friendly materials like metal, wood, and eco-textile fabrics. Another option is to purchase a lightly used crate rather than buying a new one to reduce the demand for companies to manufacture more products.
You can also be a more eco-friendly consumer by swapping out traditional cleaners made from harsh chemicals with pet-friendly cleaning products that offer safe, natural solutions. Brownie points if you make your own cleaners from home using everyday ingredients like vinegar and lemon peel.
Dog Toys
Playing with your dog and remaining eco-friendly is the best of both worlds. When you’re shopping for dog toys, avoid options made from cheap and harmful materials, such as plush fabric, ropes and strings, thin nylons, plastics, foam, spongy rubbers, and paper. Not only do these materials take years to break down in landfills and pollute the planet, but they also often get destroyed by dogs faster because of their low quality.
Alternatively, look for sustainable dog toys made from strong, ethically-sourced materials and packaging. Toys crafted out of thick natural rubbers, heavy-duty ballistic nylons, and dense rubber composites are created to last and reduce impact on the environment. KONG Company, WestPaw, and Nylabone have many great options for pet parents that allow dogs to have fun and reduce their environmental impact.
If you like to get creative, you may also consider making DIY toys at home rather than purchasing from a company. And if you already have a surplus of gently used toys and supplies your dog no longer needs, think about donating them to animal rescues or repurposing them rather than throwing them away.
Outdoor Adventuring
Spending time outdoors with your dog is a great way to bond and exercise, but if you want your favorite trails and parks to stay clean and beautiful, you and your dog should take measures to preserve them.
Always practice good trail etiquette by staying on marked paths and following posted signs to protect wildlife and delicate plants. Leave the locations you visit better than you found them by picking up after your dog and tossing out any litter you discover on your adventures. Plus, if you can, walk to your favorite destinations together instead of driving to reduce carbon emissions and get in some extra steps.
Responsible Resource Consumption
Some aspects of responsible dog ownership, such as providing clean water and a comfortable indoor space, naturally require resources. But with a few mindful habits, you can minimize the impact you and your dog make without compromising their well-being.
Water Usage
Your dog should always have access to fresh, clean water, but leftover water is often wasted and poured down the drain unnecessarily. If your dog frequently leaves water in their bowl, try offering smaller amounts and refilling as needed. You can also repurpose the water they leave behind at the end of the day by using it to water plants and grass.
Another way to practice sustainable dog ownership and act as a steward of Earth’s resources is by limiting water usage during your dog’s bathtime. When you’re not actively rinsing them, be sure to turn off the water so as not to waste any.
Energy Usage
Everyone uses energy to watch television, heat or cool the interiors of our homes, and keep the lights on. Our dogs also benefit from energy usage when they watch doggie television or utilize smart pet devices.
You can limit energy usage by taking advantage of natural light and spending more time doing outdoor activities with your dog rather than staying cooped up indoors using lights, electronics, and air conditioning when the weather is nice. You can also reduce energy by unplugging smart pet gear when it’s fully charged or not in use, and turning off unnecessary lights and electronics when you leave the house. Your dog won’t miss the TV while you’re gone, and your energy bill will thank you.
Supporting Sustainable Dog Brands
With the growing number of pet products on the market, it can be difficult to know which brands align with your values. However, supporting companies that are dedicated to sustainability helps create a larger demand for better products that have a lower impact on the environment.
Here’s what to look for in sustainable dog brands:
- Durable products: High-quality, long-lasting products reduce the need for overconsumption. Products made from cheap materials often degrade quickly and are easier for dogs to destroy, which contributes to waste and causes you to replace them more often.
- Clear commitment to sustainability: Look for indicators, mission statements, or certifications on packaging or company websites that reflect dedication to sustainability.
- Eco-conscious packaging: Be mindful of the packaging products are sold in, such as plastics that end up polluting the earth. Support brands that use minimal packaging made from recyclable or biodegradable materials.
- Transparent sourcing: Companies that emphasize sustainability often share how they source materials and ingredients. At Bernie’s Best, for example, we stay committed to sustainability by using carbon negative ingredients like miscanthus grass in our all-natural Perfect Poop, grown without pesticides and herbicides on small Midwestern farms we trust.
We also recommend supporting small, local businesses when possible and doing your shopping in-store rather than ordering online to reduce emissions released during the shipping process.
The Bottom Line
Caring for your dog and keeping the planet green don’t have to be at odds. In fact, it’s an important part of being a responsible human and pet parent! By making intentional choices to implement eco-friendly pet care, from the dog food you choose to the brands you support, you can reduce your dog’s carbon footprint while still giving them the happy, healthy life they deserve.
