Written by: Red, The Rooster

An eco-friendly pet home is my vibe and I could cock-a-doodle-doo” about it all day long. Not only is it healthy for pets and people it is good for the planet. Enjoy this deep dive into ways to live a sustainable life with pets that will make you think twice about some the things you do every day. Now I want to make it clear, there is no ‘green’ shaming going on here, my philosophy is if we all do the little things they add up to big things. Making many of these eco-friendly habits a way of life is just plain environmentally smart for everyone!

I want to define Sustainable Pet Supplies from a Wild Love Tails point of view. These are pet products made with recycled materials, manufactured with renewable resources, products where effort is put into minimal and recycled packaging and pet products that reduce the carbon footprint in clever ways. While this is not an exact science, look for 🍃green leaves throughout the site that indicate a product worth an eco-friendly look.

1. Choose Sustainable Pet Supplies

When making purchases for your pets choose pet products that are made from recycled materials, renewable resources, or items that can be recycled. This reduces the carbon footprint and puts what is old into good use again. Choosing items that grow naturally such as rubber and bamboo make great eco-friendly options. Items that last longer are also a great choice. Visit our Eco-Friendly Toy Shop and look for a green leaf across site to choose sustainable pet products.

2. Recycle and Repurpose

While reusing a used pet toy may not be an option, finding ways to recycle, reuse and repurpose items like clothing, used water bottles and even used tires. While some recycled pet products must come through a manufacturing process, other pet toys can be made at home. Braid old jeans into ropes for dog play, make cat toys from cardboard shipping boxes, or sew pet clothing from old people clothing. Use existing toys and apparel as a pattern or pick up a pattern from our Fabric and Quilt Shop to help you get the job done.

3. Make Eco-Friendly Food Choices

Choosing products with less packaging is always a better option. Buying in bulk a great choice often reducing packaging and shipping costs. Cooking pet food at home with homegrown ingredients improves the quality and reduces transportation and packaging costs. Every choice makes a difference, even if it is just sustainable packaging that you can recycle or reuse when it is empty. Serving pets pre-made food without chemicals is also a great choice for body and mind.

4. Biodegradable Pet Waste Bags

There are so many great compostable, plant-based and recycled pet waste bags to choose from find one and support brands that are going the extra mile to do things right. While reusable pet bags are not ideal for most pet owners, choosing options that are sustainable is the only way to go!

5. Conserve Water & Energy

Incorporate pet walks into your daily task routine and accomplish at least one chore walking rather than jumping into the car. Use less water during bath time, clean paws to reduce cleaning requirements, and use an eco-friendly doggy door that does not allow too much heat or air escape.

6. Reduce The Use Of Chemicals and Non-Recyclable Products

We already know that we don’t need more chemicals in our lives or the lives of our pets, choose cat litter that is natural without harmful chemicals, choose non-aerosol pet sprays, and choose natural pet food and treats made without chemicals. This reduces the need for these products to be made, releasing chemicals or contributing new non-recycled products to the environment.

7. Buy Local

The fewer pet supplies, food and gear that have to ship across the country and the world the better. When we buy local we support small business, reduce transportation costs and eliminate the need to waste energy and add waste into the environment.

8. Engage In Recycling Efforts and Community Initiatives

Recycled both pet and non-pet garbage in your home, start a compost using pet waste, keep in mind that you want to keep it separate from compost used for vegetable gardens unless you properly remove any parasites, and join local events to help gather and dispose of products that can be recycled.

Below we are sharing some of our favorite sustainable pet products and brands to help you find the pet products that are not only great for your pet home but terrific for the environment.

Redmond “Red” is a witty and well-informed Rhode Island Red rooster who writes about rural living and green living with a focus on farm-to-bowl practices, organic supplies, and eco-friendly pet products. From backyard chicken coops to the latest trends in eco-friendly pet gear, Red’s engaging articles inspire readers to explore the charm and a sustainable lifestyle.