Becoming A Sustainable Pet Owner

by Katherine Khoo April 20, 2023 7 min read

As our world becomes more aware of the impact we have on the environment, many of us are making changes to reduce our carbon footprint and live more sustainably. However, one area that is often overlooked when it comes to sustainability is pet ownership. As dog owners, we have a responsibility to care for our furry friends while also doing our part to protect the planet. Here are some ways to become a more sustainable dog owner.

Choose eco-friendly dog products

One of the easiest ways to become a more sustainable dog owner is to choose eco-friendly dog products. Here are some suggestions on choosing doggy items that are both safe for your pet and good for the environment.

Eco-friendly dog toys

When choosing toys for your dog, look for toys made from sustainable materials such as recycled plastics, natural rubber, or biodegradable materials. Additionally, consider purchasing toys that are designed to last, such as durable chew toys made from tough materials like nylon or natural rubber. Choosing a long-lasting toy is more eco-friendly because it helps reduce the amount of waste generated from pet products. They can be used for a longer period, reducing the need to constantly replace them. This not only reduces waste but also saves money in the long run.

For parents with an enthusiastic chewer, you’ve probably seen your pup tear through a brand new toy in less than 15 minutes! Try this KONG Extreme Dog Toy. It's designed for the toughest of chewers, is ultra-durable, and is eco-friendly because it’s made from all-natural rubber. Go with the Red Dingo Durables’ soft toy range like this Red Dingo Durables Kangaroo Dog Toy if you’re looking for a soft toy that is non-toxic and built to last.

Eco-friendly poop bags

Our pups make a lot of waste. At least one or twice a day. And every time they do, we use the poop bag to pick up their waste and throw it in the waste bin. To be eco-friendly, use biodegradable or compostable poop bags. Compostable and biodegradable are both terms used to describe materials that can break down naturally, but there are some key differences between the two.

Biodegradable materials can break down into natural elements like water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter when exposed to the environment, such as sunlight, oxygen, and microorganisms. However, the term "biodegradable" is not well-regulated and can be used to describe materials that only break down under certain conditions, such as high heat or industrial composting facilities. In some cases, these materials can take a long time to break down and may still leave behind some harmful residues in the environment.

On the other hand, compostable materials are specifically designed to break down into organic matter and be used as a soil amendment or fertilizer. Composting is a natural process where microorganisms break down organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment called compost. Compostable materials are designed to break down quickly in a composting environment and leave no harmful residues. However, not all compostable materials are created equal, and some may only be suitable for commercial composting facilities.

It's important to note that both biodegradable and compostable materials are better alternatives to non-biodegradable or non-compostable materials, as they can help reduce waste and the environmental impact of products. However, it's essential to choose products that are certified as biodegradable or compostable by reputable third-party organizations to ensure that they meet certain environmental standards. If you are looking for a doggy poop bag that is certified to be both biodegradable and compostable in Singapore, check out the Clean Conscience Compostable Doggy Poop Bags. These are made from corn, 100% compostable, BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute), and ASTM D6400 certified.

Properly disposing of your dog's waste is important to prevent contamination of soil and water resources. Dog poo can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can cause diseases in humans, including E. coli, Salmonella, and Giardia. When dog poo is left on the ground, these pathogens can contaminate the soil and water sources, posing a risk to human health. Dog poo left on the grounds can also pollute the environment. Rainwater can carry the faecal matter into storm drains, rivers, and other waterways, leading to contamination of water sources and potentially harming aquatic life.

Many cities and towns have laws that require dog owners to pick up after their pets. Failing to do so can result in fines and penalties. In Singapore, under the Environmental Public Health Act, it is an offence to leave behind your dogs' poo and owners who do not clean up after their pets in public areas can be fined up to S$1,000 if caught. Use compostable or biodegradable poop bags and dispose of them in designated waste bins.

Eco-friendly dog accessories and grooming products

For a more eco-friendly option, choose dog leashes, collars, and other accessories made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, organic cotton, or recycled materials. These materials are not only environmentally friendly but also soft and comfortable for your pet. As for pet grooming products, as much as possible, avoid grooming products that contain synthetic fragrances, parabens, or sulfates, which can be harmful to the environment and your pet. Choose pet grooming products that are made from natural ingredients and come in biodegradable packaging.

All pet parents know that cleaning up after their dog is a necessary task, but many cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can harm the environment, wildlife, and the dog's health. When choosing cleaning products, look for pet-friendly, non-toxic options like this Bio-Home Pet Safe Lemongrass And Green Tea Multi-Purpose For Home. This multi-purpose cleaner is made from natural plant-based ingredients and is safe for baby and pets. You can also make your cleaning solutions using non-toxic, natural ingredients such as vinegar and baking soda.

Choose sustainable dog food

Sustainable dog food is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners who are concerned about the environmental impact of the pet food industry. Sustainable dog food is made from ingredients that are responsibly sourced and produced, with minimal impact on the environment. Here are some key features of sustainable dog food:

Ethical animal welfare practices

Sustainable dog food companies prioritize ethical animal welfare practices, which can include using meat from animals raised in free-range or pasture-based systems. This helps to ensure that animals are treated humanely and have access to natural living conditions.

Today, an overwhelming majority of commercial pet food ingredients still come from “factory farms” and mega feedlots, but a growing number of premium pet food manufacturers are using ethically-raised and sustainable ingredients in their products. Start by looking for quality pet foods that are made with ethically raised meats. Singapore-based pet food producer The Grateful Pet is one company that has put much effort into sourcing ethically-raised meats; preferring to use cage-free or create-free meats. Here’s one of the dog food made with grass-fed beef - The Grateful Pet Cooked Dog Food (Grass-Fed Beef).

Choosing dog food companies that prioritize animal welfare practices would also mean supporting those who run humane and sustainable farms. If you need help looking for the right, sustainable dog food for your pet, chat with us at goododgpeople.com.

Sustainable ingredients

Sustainable dog food often uses sustainable ingredients. A sustainable ingredient is produced and transported in a way that limits its contribution to global warming, which threatens our planet. Some companies will choose to use only locally sourced ingredients to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation.

Reduced food waste

Some sustainable dog food companies use "ugly" or "imperfect" ingredients that may be rejected by other food manufacturers. This helps to reduce food waste and promote sustainability.

Recyclable or biodegradable packaging

Sustainable dog food companies often use recyclable or biodegradable packaging materials to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of packaging.

In addition to these tips, there are several other ways to become a more sustainable dog owner. For example, consider adopting a rescue dog instead of buying from a breeder. This will help reduce the demand for pets from puppy mills and other breeding facilities, which often operate in environmentally harmful ways. You can also reduce your environmental impact by choosing to spay or neuter your dog. This can help reduce the number of unwanted animals that end up in shelters or on the streets, which in turn reduces the number of resources needed to care for these animals.

Support environmentally-friendly organizations that focus on animal welfare and conservation efforts. By donating to these organizations or volunteering your time, you can help protect the planet while also supporting the animals you love. Finally, do support our GDP Reusable Packing program. No registration required. All you need to do is to tick ‘Go Green’ when you add an item to your cart. This allows our drivers to leave your order at your door without extra packaging. This will certainly help to reduce packaging waste. Of the 1.6 million tonnes of domestic waste disposed of in Singapore in the year 2018, one-third is made up of packaging. Given the lack of space for another landfill in Singapore, we need to reduce the amount of waste we produce. We look forward to your support and let’s work together to prolong the lifespan of our landfill for as long as we can.

Becoming a more sustainable dog owner is not only good for the environment, but it can also improve your dog's health and well-being. By choosing eco-friendly products, choosing sustainable dog food, properly disposing of waste, and supporting environmentally-friendly organizations, you can help protect the planet while still enjoying the companionship of your furry friend.

Remember, small changes can have a big impact, and by making these changes in your own life, you can inspire others to do the same. Together, we can make a positive difference for the planet and all the animals that call it home.