Eco-conscious pet ownership: 5 green tips for pet owners

Amelia Fairgrieve

December 11, 2023

Caring for pets without costing the earth

When it comes to our furry friends, we all want to provide the best possible care. But how can we factor environmental responsibility into those decisions?

Eco-conscious pet ownership means making mindful choices, from the food our pets eat to the toys they play with and the waste they produce. Whether it’s dogs, cats, or even donkeys, there are plenty of ways to reduce your environmental impact while still meeting your pet’s needs.

Sustainable bites: Feeding your pets responsibly

The food we feed our pets, and how it’s packaged, is one of the most impactful places to start when trying to reduce your environmental footprint as a pet owner.

Sales of eco-friendly pet food are on the rise, with more choice than ever for even the fussiest pets. Buying locally produced and responsibly packaged food can help reduce emissions and increase recycling. You could even try making homemade treats to cut down on packaging waste and avoid unsustainable ingredients such as palm oil.

It’s always important to speak to your vet before changing your pet’s diet. Ultimately, food that is suitable, nutritious, and enjoyed by your pet leads to less waste overall.

Choosing eco-friendly and sustainable pet toys

With occasions like Christmas approaching, many pet owners consider buying new toys. Making informed decisions here can significantly reduce waste.

Did you know that rotating your dog’s toys can increase their novelty and reduce boredom? This simple habit can mean buying fewer toys overall. When you do need to replace them, consider toys made from natural or recycled materials such as hemp, organic cotton, bamboo, or recycled polyester rather than plastic.

Reusing or repurposing toys is another great way to entertain pets sustainably, just make sure items are safe, suitable, and that pets are supervised.

Reducing environmental impact on walks and outings

Every pet has different energy levels and needs. Walking dogs close to home instead of driving reduces emissions and supports eco-conscious pet ownership.

While many animals naturally want to explore or hunt, it’s important to keep dogs under close control, particularly in restricted areas, to avoid disturbing wildlife such as nesting birds.

Cleaning up after pets sustainably

Picking up after pets is essential. Dog waste should always be collected and disposed of correctly, whether at home or while out and about. Leaving it behind allows bacteria to enter drains, streams, rivers, and ponds, harming wildlife and water quality.

Where possible, research alternatives to landfill disposal, some animal waste may be compostable under the right conditions.

Pet food packaging should also be checked for recyclability. Flexible plastic pouches can be difficult to recycle, but drop-off points are becoming more accessible.

Some retailers, such as Pets at Home, accept flexible plastic packaging that can be bent, squeezed, or scrunched. Always clean packaging and check your local store’s recycling scheme.

Donating unwanted pet items

Donating unwanted but usable pet items to animal charities such as Dogs Trust, RSPCA, or Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is a great way to reduce waste and support animals in need.

Items you can often donate include:

• Collars and leads that no longer fit
• Blankets, towels, and bedding
• Puppy items your pet has outgrown

Each charity has specific requirements, so it’s important to check what they currently need. Some requests may surprise you, for example, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home accepts unused AstroTurf.

A greener future for pets and the planet

Pet owners have a duty of care to ensure their choices don’t cause unnecessary harm to the environment. From food and toys to waste and donations, eco-conscious pet ownership is about making thoughtful, informed decisions.

Be responsible, be smart, be creative, and be green. Small changes can make a big difference for both your pet and the environment.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author, Amelia Fairgrieve, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Recycle More, Valpak Limited, or any other organisation.