Pets are lovable companions – and cherished members of the family! Now how do we make owning a pet more sustainable?
June 5, 2024
Globally, pets have been common companions for thousands of years. Estimates show that more than half of the global population has a pet at home. We also know that as consumers become more aware of how their decisions impact the environment, their desire to lead more sustainable and responsible lives increases. And this includes how to maintain and care for their pets.
In a report by NielsenIQ, the top 3 definitions of sustainability are:Better for the planet, protecting natural resources, and reduced pollution/ clean environment. It’s not a surprise then those sales of “ethical” pet products (products that don’t cause harm to its users or the environment) grew 48% to $11.7 million in 2023, while sales of “cruelty-free” products increased by 10% to account for $18 million in sales.
Apart from the products themselves, sustainable packaging is also high on the list of priorities for eco-conscious pet parents. People are looking for recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable pet food packaging, as well as packaging made from recycled materials.
As individuals, what can we do to reduce the environmental impact of our beloved furry friends?
Wet/ dry diets: According to Nature’s research, wet diets with more water content and softer ingredients represented a more negative impact on the environment for both dogs and cats, while dry diets were responsible for less environmental impact than the other types of diets. Though this feels counterintuitive, researchers measured carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, among other things. Scientists also estimated the carbon dioxide equivalent emission per 1000 kcal of diets for dogs according to breed/size. In the graph below, S means dry diets, and U means wet diets. We can see that the boxplot of U is much higher than the boxplot of S. (Cc means homemade diets, Cs represents website homemade diets.)
Sustainable Pet Food: As with humans, diet is obviously important to the health of your pet, but it also impacts the environment. If you want to decrease the carbon impact of your household, sustainable pet food can not only provide essential nutrients without artificial additives but also reduce the overall carbon footprint of your furry friends. Sustainable pet food can also helpwith allergy management, weight management, and digestive health. Although sustainable pet food can be more expensive, increased demand and improved manufacturing processes can help bring prices down over time, making it a more accessible option for all pet owners.
Wastes: Pet waste is a nuisance. The most common way to dispose of it is very simple: bag it and throw it away. But if you want to be a more responsible pet owner, you may want to use a biodegradable bag, make sure the bags are tied tightly, and throw them away in designated places. Flushing doggy waste might also be a choice, but this is ONLY recommendedif you are connected to the local treatment sewage system. Don't flush clay cat litter because it is unsuitable for the sewage system.
Toys: Before you buy pet toys, considertheir durability and whether they can be recycled. Puppies and kitties in clothes are cute, but before dressing them up, consider making costumes yourself or buying them second-hand.
By being responsible pet parents, we can enjoy our pets' companionship while protecting the planet through sustainability.
