Plastic-free Pets
Planet-friendly pets
It is no surprise that we (the UK) are a nation of pet lovers, with around 40% of households sharing their homes with a domestic animal. As much as we love them, pet ownership can come with some challenges, especially when it comes to living a plastic-free lifestyle. Â
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So many pet toys, food and wellness products are individually packaged in plastic or are made from plastic. To help you move away from the run of the mill plastic products, we are here to share some handy tips to help you find a more natural and sustainable alternative to some of your pet owning needs.Â
Grubs up
Most high street brands sell pet food and treats in convenient portion size pouches. But these are usually made from lots of different materials so they can’t be recycled. This means they’ll end up in the bin and then landfill.
Tinned food also poses a problem as the inside of cat food cans have been found to have a PVC-based coating while dog food cans have been discovered to have a BPA-based coating. Both BPA and PVC are types of plastic.Â
Instead, you could consider a raw food diet for your dog to reduce the need for tins or pouches. But do your research and also speak to an animal nutritionist for advice on the best way to do this or your local, independent pet food store. They are also a good place to buy natural dog chews and treats that aren’t wrapped in plastic like they are in many national pet shops.Â
Alternatively, making your own dog treats can be a brilliant way to feed your dog healthy snacks for good behaviour. As well as cutting down on unnecessary plastic packaging, you can also reduce your food waste by using vegetable offcuts, like broccoli stems, and if you have a dehydrator, you can use this to make dried treats with a variety of foods, such as chicken hearts bought from your local butcher.Â
Plastic pet bowls tend to be the norm for our furry friends to eat from. While they might be light, they are not as long lasting or healthy (for your pet or the planet) as ceramic or stainless steel. You can buy them in most pet shops or check out Freecycle or Facebook Marketplace for some being given away. Â
Play dateÂ
Of course, toys aren’t technically single-use – even for those dogs who are intent on instant destruction – but after inevitable chewing, scratching, sucking and the rest, even the toughest, most resilient dog toys come to the end of their lives. Plus, most are made from plastic which shed microparticles that can carry bacteria which can cause disease and illness in humans and animals alike. Exposing pets to bacteria via plastics can cause a variety of health problems or exacerbate existing conditions.Â
The good news is, there are plenty of plastic-free pet friendly toys on the market so we suggest going for those made of plant fibres and other biodegradable materials. Opt for toys made from organic cotton, hemp, natural rubber, wood, bamboo, or wool that ensures safety for your pet and planet. Steer clear of artificial fibres like polyester, nylon, and acrylics, as these materials can pose health risks to your furry companion as they shed microfibers that they will inhale. Â
Cleaning up
Could your cat’s litter be hurting the planet? While cat litter does often come in paper bags, the litter material itself might contain all kinds of nasty things. Clay and crystals are the most common budget litter, with clay needing to be mined and crystals holding silica. Switching to a litter product made from natural materials is the best option for your cat and the planet.Â
Cleaning up after your four-legged companion is a necessary part of owning a pet (if not the most glamorous!). Unfortunately, most poo bags found in pet stores are still made of plastic. However, Adios Plastic makes microplastic-free, home-compostable dog poo bags, made from non-genetically modified cornstarch, making them a more planet-friendly option. What’s more, you can get an exclusive City to Sea supporter discount of 15% off with the code SEA15.  Â
Pet grooming
After a good roll around in mud – or worse – you’ll need to hose down your dog and give their coat a clean. Opt for a plastic-free dog shampoo bar instead of shampoo in plastic bottles – ideally natural and unscented – and look for brushes made up of natural bristles that break down in the environment and that have a handle made of materials found in nature, like wood, to protect not only your pets’ health, but your own. Â
Given that most cats and dogs tend to shed, you’re likely used to sweeping or vacuuming regularly. But did you know that dust can be full of plastic fibres and microplastics too? And your pet is much more likely to be inhaling it, due to their proximity to the floor, so be sure to keep your floors and carpets as clean as possible.Â
Time for a cat nap
If you’ve ever had a cat sleep on an old jumper instead of the special cat bed you bought, you will know that often homemade and comforting beats brand new and wrapped in plastic packaging! Get creative with boxes, old pillows, blankets and towels to create dens for your little furry friend. Â
Avoid beds and bedding made of artificial fibres, which are almost certainly plastic and shed microfibers that can pose health risks to your dog or cat. Instead, choose bedding made from natural fibres, like cotton, hemp, and wool, which provide more breathability and are safer than their plastic counterpartsÂ
Alternatively, old suitcases from second-hand shops or markets offer a fun retro alternative to a pet bed when lined with soft pillows and blankets. And they can be easier to take apart and wash too.Â
Share your plastic-free pet tips!
Have you got any tips for caring for our four-legged friends in a more sustainable way? Let us know on social media, and help others keep their pets plastic-free.
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