Eco friendly affordable tips for pet owners

Why Sustainable Pet Ownership Matters

With an estimated 470 million dogs and 370 million cats worldwide, our furry companions add up to a significant ecological presence. That includes:

• Plastic waste from packaging, toys, poop bags, and grooming products

• Emissions from transporting food and goods

• Overproduction of pet accessories that often aren’t built to last

While that might sound overwhelming, small actions really do matter—especially when done consistently. Sustainability doesn’t have to mean “perfect.” It just means intentional.

Eco-Friendly Pet Parenting — Realistically

Below are the most effective, affordable, and easy-to-implement tips I’ve used to reduce our household's pet-related environmental impact—without compromising care or convenience.

1. Buy in Bulk When Possible

Pet food packaging often comes in multilayer plastic that’s not recyclable. Buying in bulk reduces waste and can often save money long-term. If your pet food brand offers a large paper-based bag or recyclable container, choose that. Some pet stores even offer refill stations—especially in urban areas or co-ops.

Bonus tip: Reach out to brands asking about sustainable packaging. Consumer interest drives change!

2. Choose Better Poop Bags (or Ditch the Plastic Altogether)

Pet waste is one of the top concerns for dog owners trying to go green. While we obviously need to clean up after our pups, not all “biodegradable” poop bags are created equal—many still end up in landfills where they break down very slowly.

 Look for:

• Certified compostable bags (check for ASTM D6400 or EN13432 certification) https://amzn.to/3UEaMxv 

• Flushable dog waste bags (only if your plumbing and local waste system allows)

• Dedicated pet waste composters (for yards—not for food-producing gardens)

For cats, switch to natural litters like recycled paper, wheat, or wood-based brands instead of clay, which is strip-mined and doesn’t biodegrade.

3. Buy Fewer, Better Toys

I used to buy Bella new toys constantly, only to watch her destroy them in a matter of hours. Not only was it wasteful—it wasn’t good for my wallet either.

Now, I focus on:

• Durable, repairable toys (like those from West Paw https://amzn.to/4mdy3lR  or Beco Pets https://amzn.to/45kW7xs ) 

• Natural materials (like rope, hemp, or rubber)

• Rotating old toys instead of constantly buying new ones

• DIY toys from old socks, towels, or cardboard boxes

Cats, in particular, are easily entertained by things you already have—crinkled paper, paper towel rolls, or cardboard tunnels.

4. Choose Food Mindfully (Within Your Budget)

Food is a complicated topic—especially when it comes to balancing cost, quality, and sustainability. You don’t have to feed raw or switch to exotic proteins to make a difference.

Here’s what you can consider:

• Brands that use responsibly sourced meat or insect protein

• Recyclable or compostable packaging

• Limited ingredient recipes (often easier on your pet and the planet)

Tip: Some companies (like Open Farm, The Honest Kitchen https://amzn.to/4lRO2q2 , and Jiminy’s https://amzn.to/4kUAmsV ) focus heavily on sustainability and ingredient transparency. You don’t have to go 100%—even rotating in one better option can help.

5. Eco-Friendly Grooming Products

Many pet shampoos come in plastic bottles with ingredients that can harm aquatic life once washed down the drain.

Look for:

• Solid shampoo bars (less packaging and longer-lasting)

• Products with natural ingredients and no artificial fragrance

• Refill stations at pet boutiques or natural markets

You can even make homemade dog wipes with warm water, diluted apple cider vinegar, and soft cloths—great for muddy paws and post-walk touch-ups.

 6. Adopt, Don’t Shop — and Support Local Shelters

There’s nothing greener than choosing to adopt a rescue pet. Giving a second chance to a pet in need not only saves a life—it also helps reduce demand for mass breeding, which consumes significant resources.

Already have a pet? You can still support shelters by:

• Donating gently used toys, beds, or blankets

• Fostering animals short-term

• Volunteering for events or transport

 7. Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose

Think beyond the pet aisle! Some of my favourite eco-friendly swaps came from simply rethinking what I already had.

Ideas:

• Use old pillows as dog beds (with a washable cover)

• Turn old T-shirts into tug toys

• Cut up worn-out towels into paw wipes

• Refill treat containers from bulk bins instead of buying individually packaged snacks

8. Bundle Your Orders to Save Shipping Emissions

If you buy online (as many of us do), try:

• Ordering monthly instead of weekly

• Choosing eco-conscious retailers like EarthHero or Chewy’s “Go Green” options

• Supporting local shops that allow pick-up to avoid extra packaging

9. Walk Instead of Drive When You Can

This may sound simple, but it’s surprisingly powerful. If you can walk to your local park or vet, it reduces emissions and gives your pet extra exercise. If you live in a walkable or bike-friendly area, make that the default when possible.

10. Start Small — And Make It Sustainable for You

Here’s the honest truth: you don’t have to do it all.

Even one small change—switching poop bags, making your own dog treats, or donating instead of discarding—makes a difference. And the more sustainable your changes are for your lifestyle and budget, the more likely you’ll stick with them.

As I like to say, progress is better than perfection. Max doesn’t know the difference between a rope toy from the store or one I made from an old hoodie—but I do. And that feels good.

Final Thoughts: Sustainability, One Paw at a Time

Being an eco-conscious pet parent isn’t about being perfect or spending a fortune on organic bamboo dog beds (though, hey, if that’s your thing, go for it!). It’s about making thoughtful, realistic choices that work for you and your pet.

Start where you are. Choose one or two swaps that feel manageable. Celebrate the small wins. And remember: even the tiniest pawprint can lead to big change when enough of us walk the same way.