I think Kermit the Frog said it best: it’s not easy being green. Especially as pet parents, we know it’s difficult to balance our pets’ needs and be environmentally conscious. And we’re not just talking to the proudly-eccentric eco-warriors out there – all of us can make a difference, even if it’s just pocketing our trash until we find a bin or picking up after our dog plops their poop in the park. It’s about making the world – even if it’s just our local areas – a pleasant place to be.
More and more companies are making a commitment to making the world a better place for future generations of both people and pets. This year’s largest pet trade show in North America, SuperZoo, saw several companies that are promising to provide great products while doing what they can to protect our planet. These products aren’t just for avid environmentalists – they’re making it easy for all of us to make a difference by choosing products for our pets that are made with Mother Earth in mind.
1. Earthborn Holistic
Earthborn Holistic is a brand that understands that though our planet is important, our pets need meat in their diets. They produce a variety of foods for both dogs and cats that contain high-quality ingredients including meat, grain, and superfoods like blueberries and butternut squash. Though meat production puts a strain on our planet, they’re hoping to make up for it in other ways, like using sustainable, recyclable packaging made from sugarcane. They also plant a tree for every UPC they receive from their consumers – so clip those barcodes and send them in to make the world a little greener. Kermit would be proud.
Get Earthborn Holistic dog or cat food on Amazon.
2. Chippin
There are few things I love more than a good burger, but I’m aware that meat production is taking a toll on the earth. Livestock farming consumes land, resources, and water, and produces a pretty hefty amount of greenhouse gases. And cows are pretty darn cute when you look at them. Unfortunately, our pets need protein to survive – but Chippin is helping reduce the “eco pawprint” by providing alternative-protein treats for dogs! Their treats (and coming soon: food) is made with more sustainable animal proteins, like silver copi carp and crickets. It may seem a little unusual to feed your pup insects, but according to studies, crickets are actually an excellent source of protein, pack a ton of nutrients, are hypoallergenic for sensitive dogs, and not nearly as cute as cows.
Get Chippin’s eco-friendly dog treats on Amazon.
3. West Paw
We don’t often think about what happens to our pets’ toys once they’ve been loved to death, but we all know what the answer is: the landfill (or ocean). The matted plushies with the missing squeakers and fluff sticking out would make pretty sad animals if they could all just Velveteen Rabbit themselves real anyway.
West Paw is making great products out of recycled materials including soft, comfortable beds and a variety of fun, durable toys that any pet would love! Got a pet that wants to cuddle? There are soft, fuzzy toys. Got a dog that likes to chew? There are durable toys made with thick plastic that will challenge your pup’s chew. I was most impressed with West Paw’s SeaFlex line, which is made from ocean-bound plastic. So far, they’ve saved over 17 million pounds of plastic from our oceans by reclaiming it from the water and turning it into something fun for Fido.
Help save our oceans and get your pet some sustainable fun from West Paw at Amazon.
4. Applaws
I think I can safely say that of all the eco-friendly companies at SuperZoo, no company is doing more for our planet than Applaws. Applaws is an all-natural pet food company for both dogs and cats that believes that quality starts with great ingredients. There are no additives and no preservatives, just good, healthy, tasty food. Unlike many pet companies who focus on dogs, Applaws is “cat-led”, having started their company making only food for kitties.
More than just making great pet food, Applaws is a pet food company that truly cares, and their commitment to do better business for our planet permeates their entire process, from the bottom to the top! Applaws is a certified B corporation – and that comes with some heavy responsibility to maintain. They’re choosing sustainable sources for their ingredients, recyclable packaging for their products, and they’re even encouraging their employees to make better choices so far as consumption and conservation go. They’re leading the pet industry by example. Their love of both animals and the environment is at the heart of their company, and they’re truly proud of this attitude being a big part of their culture.
Support Applaws, a company that truly believes in protecting the environment on Amazon.
5. The Marvelous! Company
I don’t know anyone who is genuinely excited about picking up poop – but I know I don’t want to live in a world where walking in the grass is a risk to my shoes, so I do my part. Still, I really hate the amount of plastic I use per each little Shih-poop. One of the things I was hoping to find at SuperZoo was a solution that would allow me to pick up after my dog without using so much plastic. I found The Marvelous! Company’s DooGood bags.
DooGood bags look and feel like regular plastic poop bags. They’re durable, they’re thick, and better than plastic, they’re made from corn flour, which is 100% biodegradable! They are 100% organic, vegan, and petroleum-free, so you can pick up poos and throw them away without guilt. The Marvelous! Company is also making pee pads for your elderly or potty-training pup (or, your dog who refuses to go in the rain, like mine). They’re made from bamboo, are durable and leakproof, and use as few chemicals as possible while still doing their job.
Do something truly marvelous. Ask your local retailer to add The Marvelous! Company’s line of eco-friendly pet supplies and vegan treats to their stock.
6. Impawfect
We humans are a picky bunch. Apple a little mealy? Throw it away. Bruised banana at the grocery store? Not for me. Potato looks a little too much like grandpa? Too weird, toss it out.
Food waste has become a huge problem, not just in our homes where we often shop too much and eat less than we buy, but also in stores. Your local grocery store knows you want the pretty fruits and vegetables, and won’t carry the homely, misshapen produce that is likely to sit at the bottom of the crate. These ugly items are still beautiful on the inside, and perfectly fine to eat, but get wasted and lost to rot. Globally, humans lose about a trillion dollars in food waste. But Impawfect is now “upcycling” these foods and “rescuing them from humans.” Instead of rotting in a landfill, these perfectly-imperfect healthy fruits and veggies are becoming treats for our pets and making the world a better place.
Save an ugly veggie. Get Impawfect treats from Holistic Health Extension.
