Shopping for your animal? Shop sustainably!

Want to reduce your pet’s carbon footprint while making better choices for the health of your pet? Here are four simple ways you can. 

Everyone loves to spoil their pets. But the more you buy, the larger the environmental impact. In the United States alone, pet parents spent $69.51 billion on pet products! These days, shopping sustainably has never been easier! Here are four ways to reduce your animal’s carbon footprint.  

 1. Shop locally

Ever consider how much fuel it takes to ship overseas products to your door? It’s a lot! Purchasing products that are made and sold locally is the best option for the environment. When that’s not possible, invest in products made in the USA and Canada. You will be doing good for the environment while also supporting companies willing to spend more to produce domestically and pay fair wages. 

 2. Plan your online purchases 

When shopping online, consider all products you may want or need so you can purchase everything at the same time. Be prepared with a list, as if you were going to the grocery store, so you don’t wonder too far off track. Shop around for online sellers that can provide you cost savings for buying items in bulk that you use regularly. You will have fewer packages being shipped to your home, resulting in fewer boxes, tape, and transportation fuel required for online purchase deliveries. 

3. Skip the plastic 

Many dog, cat and horse supplies are made from or packaged in non-biodegradable plastic. The production of plastics, as well as discarded plastics, have a significant negative impact to our air, oceans, landfills, groundwater and wildlife. The chemicals in many plastics products can leach overtime, including those commonly used for pets. When shopping for your pet, reach for brands that manufacture responsibly using renewable and safe materials like bamboo, hemp, cotton, or natural rubber. It’s a healthier choice all around.  

4. Buy quality over quantity

 

Purchasing cheap products ultimately ends up being more expensive in the long run, and are often tossed in landfills within six months. Purchasing quality products on the other hand is simply a smart investment. When considering the purchase of a product for your deserving pet, choose a reliable brand that practices responsible manufacturing of high-quality products made from renewable materials or all-natural ingredients. 

 

Sustainably shopping is easier than you might think. By implementing just a few changes, we can dramatically reduce our carbon footprint to protect the health of our planet and the health of our pets.