These days, many people are seeking ways to live more sustainably and be kind to our planet. There are ways we can transform our consumption in all aspects of our lives – including those eco-friendly products that we use for our favorite fur babies.
What Are Eco-Friendly Products?
Eco-friendly products are natural, good for the earth, and good for our pets. Often they are biodegradable, meaning that they quickly break down into organic materials when thrown away. Biodegradable products are made out of plant materials like wood and fibers – they don’t include synthetic materials like plastics. These products are also generally made from renewable, readily-available resources.
Alternatively, these products are made from recycled plastics because it is long-lasting and reduces the amount of waste going to landfills.
Possible Eco-Friendly Materials
Bamboo products: Bamboo is a popular choice of sustainable material. It grows incredibly fast—some species can grow up to 3ft per day. Its quick growth rate and low water and nutrient requirements make it one of the most sustainable materials to produce. Bamboo also removes high amounts of carbon from the air each day, since it grows at such a rapid rate. As an invasive species in the US, any product that contributes to the removal of bamboo is welcome. This versatile product can be used in soft strands to produce fabrics, but can also be used for hard objects such as scoops, bowls and chew toys.
Hemp products: Hemp is a plant in the cannabis family that, like bamboo, is incredibly fast-growing and produces strong fibers with many industrial uses. The fibers are durable, soft, and easily washable, meaning hemp is a perfect candidate from which to make collars, harnesses, leashes, and toys.
Recycled plastics and rubber: Though plastics and rubbers are not sustainable to produce in general, recycling is one of the top ways you can be more eco-friendly–after all, the material has already been produced, so it is best to keep it out of landfills as long as possible. Many companies are now producing items from recycled plastics such as collars, leashes, and toys like frisbees and balls. The recycled plastics can be woven together for a sturdy material that is resistant to wear-and-tear and can be thrown in your washing machine whenever it needs to be cleaned. Recycled rubber makes excellent toys for tough chewers, mats for under water bowls, and collapsible bowls.
Leather: Leather items last for decades and are natural and comfortable. They are softer than any plastic or plant-based material, and are great for dogs with sensitive skin. You can often get your dog’s information stitched or burned into the collar so that you don’t have a large amount of tags hanging from it.
Eco-friendly poop bags: Plastic poop bags probably consist of the majority of waste when you own a dog. They can really add up–two potty breaks a day means your pup uses over 700 bags each year. Luckily, you have options other than plastics that are widely available. Plant-based poop bags made from corn and other biomaterials still feel like plastic, but are compostable and made to biodegrade within a year or two. There are also bags made from recycled plastics, so while they will not biodegrade, they have been produced in a more sustainable manner than the original plastic product.
When it comes to the health of your dog, you can trust Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training for obedience and play care. We are as committed to you are to the overall wellness of your pet.
