Sustainability and pet ownership can often seem at odds. The commercial pet industry generates over 300 million pounds of plastic waste annually, with 90% ending up in landfills and oceans. Pet food choices are frequently filled with unhealthy additives, and the carbon impact is significant. A hypothetical nation of the world’s dogs and cats would rank fifth in global meat consumption, producing up to 64 million tons of greenhouse gases. Additionally, novelty pet items contribute to landfills.
However, consumer demand for a circular economy is encouraging better alternatives, such as nutrient-rich pet foods and recycling programs for used items.
The Pet Food Scoop
Many mainstream pet foods use repurposed animal byproducts mixed with artificial preservatives, sweeteners, and chemicals. While using animal byproducts can be beneficial, pet food often loses nutrients due to high-temperature processing. Canine nutritionist Charline Touchard advises choosing brands that prioritize dehydrated meat over grains. Avoid products containing corn syrup, artificial colors, wheat, soy, and preservatives like BHA and BHT. Ensure pet food is approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials and suitable for your pet’s life stage. Brands like West Paw, Shameless Pets, Portland Pet Food Company, Brew Chewz, and Leashless Lab offer sustainable options.
A Packaging Paradigm Shift
Pet companies have lagged in recycling efforts, with most packaging in pet stores being non-recyclable. Seven states have implemented extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies, shifting waste management responsibility onto producers. Brands are adopting circular packaging, reducing virgin plastic use, and making packaging easier to recycle and compost. Companies like Chewy efficiently package pet products using biodegradable and recyclable materials. “You don’t need much packaging around a dog toy,” notes Caroline DeLoach, director of sustainability at Atlantic Packaging.
Recyclable Fun and Games
Instead of discarding old pet toys, consider recycling them. Companies like West Paw offer programs to recycle and repurpose used toys. Last year, West Paw collaborated with PetSmart to provide drop-off sites for used products. West Paw also invests in supply chains supporting rural economies and land conservation. Similarly, Benebone partners with TerraCycle to recycle nylon dog chew toys.
Creating a More Circular Pet Economy
To make a difference, encourage pet companies to adopt circular economy practices, such as reducing packaging and supporting drop-off hubs. Consider joining or creating pet gear libraries in your community. Charline Touchard notes that used dog gear is widely available on Facebook Marketplace. Donate gently used items like collars, bowls, and toys to underfunded animal shelters, offering both a reuse model and support for animals in need. Advocate for EPR policies in your state by visiting recyclingpartnership.org for resources.
Original Story at www.sierraclub.org