10 Tips for Keeping Pets in a Sustainable Way

Pet ownership brings joy, companionship, and responsibility. Yet, it also has an environmental impact that many owners overlook. From the production of pet food to the waste generated by everyday care, pets can contribute to environmental challenges. Pet owners need to adopt eco-friendly practices to minimize their pets’ carbon footprints.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 practical tips for keeping pets in a sustainable way, helping you provide great care while also being kinder to the planet.

Understanding the Problem

The environmental footprint of pets is larger than many realize. Commercial pet foods often rely on resource-intensive ingredients like beef or fish, contributing to deforestation, overfishing, and high water use. Additionally, pet waste, non-biodegradable accessories, and the disposal of pet products contribute to pollution and landfill waste. If not managed properly, pets can even impact local ecosystems, such as cats hunting native wildlife or the excessive water use required to clean their spaces and accessories.

The waste generated by a cat or dog can be substantial over time, affecting the environment in various ways. Here’s a breakdown of common types of waste and their environmental impact:

1. Pet Food Waste

  • Cats: A typical cat consumes around 300-500 grams of food per day. Over a year, that’s about 110-180 kg of pet food, much of which comes in non-recyclable packaging like plastic pouches or cans lined with materials that aren’t easily processed.
  • Dogs: Dogs, depending on their size, can consume anywhere from 500 grams to over 1.5 kg of food per day. This adds up to 180-550 kg of food per year. Most commercial dog food uses packaging similar to cat food, contributing heavily to plastic and metal waste.

2. Pet Waste

  • Cats: On average, a cat produces around 20-30 pounds of feces per year. If clay-based cat litter is used (which is non-biodegradable and obtained via strip mining), this can add over 300-400 pounds of litter waste per year per cat. Since clay litter doesn’t break down, it accumulates in landfills.
  • Dogs: Dogs can generate about 275-365 pounds of waste per year. If not disposed of properly, dog feces can contaminate water sources with bacteria like E. coli, creating environmental and health issues. Additionally, many people use plastic bags to dispose of the waste, which takes hundreds of years to decompose.

3. Accessories and Toys

  • Cats: Cats can accumulate a variety of toys, many of which are made from non-recyclable plastics. A typical household might purchase several toys per year, most of which eventually end up in landfills. Scratching posts, beds, and other accessories, when made from synthetic materials, also contribute to waste.
  • Dogs: Dogs often chew through toys and accessories quickly, leading to frequent replacements. Cheap plastic toys or bedding may only last a few weeks or months, contributing to plastic waste. Over the dog’s lifetime, the total amount of discarded toys and accessories can be substantial.

4. Cleaning Products

  • Cats and Dogs: Pet owners use various cleaning products to maintain hygiene, especially in homes where pets shed fur or have accidents. Many commercial cleaners contain harsh chemicals and come in plastic bottles, further contributing to environmental waste. Products like pet-safe disinfectants, shampoos, and deodorizers also add to the waste stream.

5. Water Consumption

  • Cats: Water is needed to clean bowls, litter boxes, and even for baths if the cat requires one. While cats don’t need frequent washing, maintaining a hygienic environment still uses water and cleaning resources.
  • Dogs: Dogs, especially large breeds, require more frequent baths. Cleaning their bedding, bowls, and toys also consumes water. Over a year, a medium-sized dog may need several hundred gallons of water just for hygiene purposes.

10 Tips for Sustainable Pet Ownership

1. Adopt, Don’t Shop

Adopting from shelters reduces the demand for breeding, preventing overpopulation and minimizing the resources used by puppy mills and breeders. Each adoption helps address the overpopulation crisis in shelters, where many animals are euthanized due to lack of space.

2. Choose Sustainable Pet Food

Not all pet foods are created equal. Look for brands that prioritize sustainably sourced ingredients, such as plant-based or insect-based proteins, to reduce the environmental burden. Avoid products linked to factory farming or overfishing, and opt for companies that use eco-friendly packaging.

3. Use Biodegradable Waste Products

Traditional plastic waste bags and non-biodegradable cat litter contribute heavily to landfills. Switch to biodegradable waste bags and eco-friendly litter made from materials like corn, recycled paper, or wood chips. Composting certain types of pet waste can also be an option if done safely.

4. Limit Overconsumption

It’s easy to overbuy toys and accessories, leading to unnecessary waste. Stick to what your pet actually needs and prioritize quality over quantity. Well-made, long-lasting items not only reduce waste but also save you money in the long run.

5. Sustainable Toys and Accessories

Many pet toys are made from plastics that can’t be recycled and often break quickly. Choose durable toys made from sustainable materials such as hemp, recycled plastics, or organic cotton. Alternatively, make your own pet toys using repurposed items from home, such as old clothes or household items.

6. Spay and Neuter Your Pets

Spaying or neutering prevents unwanted litters, helping reduce the number of stray animals and the strain on shelters. It also decreases the environmental resources needed to care for and house unwanted pets.

7. Green Cleaning Products

The chemicals used in some pet-safe cleaners can be harmful to both the environment and your pet. Opt for natural, non-toxic cleaning products or DIY solutions made from simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. This ensures that your pet’s environment remains clean and eco-friendly.

8. Reduce Water Usage

Pet care often involves water usage, whether it’s cleaning their bowls, toys, or bedding. Use water-efficient cleaning practices by reusing greywater (from baths or laundry) when possible. You can also fill your pet’s water bowl from filtered tap water instead of relying on bottled water.

9. Keep Pets Indoors or Supervised

Outdoor cats, in particular, are known for hunting birds and small mammals, disrupting local ecosystems. To minimize this, keep your pets indoors or supervise them outdoors in controlled environments, such as secure garden areas or cat enclosures.

10. Support Eco-Conscious Businesses

When purchasing pet supplies, support brands that commit to sustainability. Look for businesses that prioritize low-impact production methods, use recycled materials, and are transparent about their environmental practices. Certifications such as Fair Trade, cruelty-free, or eco-friendly packaging are indicators of their commitment.

Small, Thoughtful Changes make a Huge Difference

Sustainable pet ownership requires a mindful approach. By making small, thoughtful changes in how you care for your pet, you can contribute to reducing their environmental impact. From choosing eco-friendly products to adopting from shelters, every action counts. Sustainable pet ownership not only benefits the planet but also improves the overall well-being of your pet, creating a healthier and more responsible relationship between you, your pet, and the environment.