You’ve heard the popular Spider-Man mantra, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Well, it could also be said, “With pet ownership comes plenty of pet products.” Between the toys, cleaning supplies, potty tools, and so much more, you end up using a lot of stuff when you have pets. If you’re trying to live greener, then you’ll want to add eco-friendly pet products to your to-do list.
It’s Not Easy Being Green…Or Is It?
There’s a lot of information out there about living more sustainably. It’s easy to let it overwhelm you, especially when you start seeing lengthy lists of all the things you should be doing if you want to save the planet. Plus, the common assumption is that green products cost more.
However, while many green products may cost more upfront, they typically save you money in the long run. Typically, it’s because they consume less energy or last longer than their less environmentally-conscious counterparts.
But what about eco-friendly pet products? Honestly, it really isn’t all that complicated. Many companies have begun focusing on creating more sustainable pet lines. Plus, with these eco-friendly products becoming more readily available, they aren’t much more expensive than regular versions. In most cases, you might pay a few bucks more, but you’re getting a healthier, more durable item. And you have to ask yourself, isn’t your furry family member worth it?
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint With These Eco-Friendly Pet Products
Wanting to be more aware of the impact your pet’s things have on the earth is admirable. But it doesn’t mean you have to suddenly throw out all of your fur baby’s current belongings (which creates more waste). Instead, start transitioning to eco-friendly pet products as your dog’s or cat’s current items wear down and need replacing.
For example, if your pup’s favorite toy is finally on its last leg, toss it and replace it with one made from natural fibers. Does your cat need a refill on their litter? Consider testing out a few wood-based ones or other natural alternatives.
Here are a few eco-friendly pet products to help you make the switch to living a greener life with your pets.
FurDozer
One of the top things many pet parents consider a disadvantage to enjoying furry friends is pet hair. Sure, several breeds shed little to none, but plenty of dogs and cats leave behind enough fur to create their own mini-mes.
There are a bunch of products flooding the market that target cat and dog shedding. However, things like lint rollers contribute to waste thanks to the sticky sheets, empty rollers, refills, etc. Instead, opt for a reusable tool like the FurDozer Pet Hair Remover.
The FurDozer comes in several sizes and styles, making it a breeze to tackle pet hair in even the most hard-to-reach places. There are no sticky sheets to fuss with, and the only thing you’re tossing is your pet’s shed fur.
Lift N' Bag
When you think of picking up your dog's waste you probably imagine using one bag per load. Well, thanks to Lift N' Bag Dog Pooper Scooper you can now use one bag for multiple loads! Its innovative trap door design allows you to scoop while keeping the waste secure inside the bin without falling out. Save time, save money, and reduce plastic waste—all with less effort and a cleaner yard.
Natural Cat Litters
There are many types of cat litter, and some are better for the environment than others. If you’re trying to be more eco-conscious with your pet products, look for natural litters, like Ӧkocat Wood Clumping Litter or Frisco Grass Litter.
These litters feature all-natural materials that are safer for your cat and the environment. Verify that the litter you choose is non-toxic and free from artificial dyes, fragrances, and other materials. Many of these litters also mean very little (or no) dust, making them a lot cleaner and easier to maintain.
Hemp Pet Toys
Hemp fibers are durable, so they’re a great pick when making pet toys. Although nothing lasts forever, 100% hemp pet toys for dogs and toys for cats stand up to rowdy playtimes. Plus, hemp grows quickly, so choosing toys with this material is an eco-conscious choice.
Many companies offer hemp toys, and some refine their product line to only feature toys that are 100% hemp. Another benefit of hemp is that it is resistant to mold and bacteria, creating a healthier toy for your fur baby.
Rolly Cannoli
An interactive toy like the Rolly Cannoli is a great way to always give your pet a fresh, new toy without actually having to buy another one. You fill the Rolly Cannoli with something tasty like peanut butter and a couple of your favorite treats.
Your pet licks and roots and tries to get to the traits, enjoying valuable mental stimulation and playtime. Change up the yummy goodness inside to rock your pet’s world.
The design keeps the contents from ending up on your floor (a problem with many other similar toys), so you don’t waste time, energy, or towels cleaning up after your pet’s play session.
Jute Litter Mats
A litter mat is a must if you want to keep your floors and furniture litter-free. Positioning a mat outside of your cat’s litter box helps catch particles and debris that stick to your cat’s paws when they exit their box. Instead of tracking the litter through the house, it stays on the mat, significantly reducing your cleaning time.
Jute litter mats are made from an eco-friendly, plant-based material that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) calls “100% biodegradable and recyclable.” They’re also easy to keep clean with a shake-out and quick vacuum.
Eco-Friendly zBoard Cat Scratchers
Expecting your cat to keep their claws in check because you don’t want them slicing the curtains isn’t realistic. True, you can train your cats to respect the furniture, but cats will be cats, and cats have to scratch. Therefore, unless you want your kitty shredding the sofa, a scratching post, board, or similar items is essential.
You want to have a few good scratching options in place (especially if you’re transitioning an outdoor cat to being an indoor cat). Look for boards and posts made with durable and recyclable materials. Way Basics zBoard Paperboard Incline claims to be five times stronger than sisal and is free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals.
HempOrganicLife Pet Beds
For the same reasons hemp makes such a great eco-friendly material for pet toys, it’s also a win for pet bedding. HempOrganicLife features an entire line of bedding, cushions, and more for people and their pets. These beds, mats, and pet rugs deliver durable, strong options that last, with a soft, comfortable texture your pet will love.
Eco-Friendly Products That Are Good for Your Pets and the Earth
As with any new product, you may want to try out a few options before finding the one that’s perfect for you. If you have any almost-new items that don’t work out (for example, your finicky feline will only use one type of litter), don’t throw them away. Instead, donate them to a local animal shelter so you help them out and avoid contributing to the trash pile at the same time.
For other tips on living a healthy, happy life with your furry pal, check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog.