Wildebeest's Guide to Being an Earth-Friendly Pet Parent

April is Earth Month and we want to bring awareness and reminders to making more earth-friendly choices as dog parents and helping reduce our environmental impact where we can. Beests add a lot of good to the world, but between waste, food and pet gear, the greenhouse gasses emitted just by providing for our furry friends can be significant.

The good news is, we’ve been digging into the research and we’ve found lots of ways we can help lessen the environmental strain of having pets. Making small changes and choices every day can make a big impact on the world we live in. Here are the most useful tips we’ve found on being a more earth-friendly pet parent:

Scoop That Poop

It’s about more than just being considerate of your neighbors! Dog poop can be toxic to other animals, water supplies, and even humans. Because of the legions of bacteria it contains, pet waste is a leading source of nutrient and bacteria pollution in urban streams and waterways according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Stormwater can pick up pet waste that pet owners leave on the ground and deposit it directly into nearby streams, lakes and rivers. Pet waste in waterbodies can make people and animals sick, promote weed and algae growth, and damage the health of the ecosystem in and around the water. 

Because of its hefty environmental impact, keeping outdoor spaces poop-free is one of the easiest but best things you can do as a responsible dog parent. Let’s not forget that using the right type of poop bags also matters. Did you know, one regular plastic poop bag can take about 500 years to break down in a landfill? Educating ourselves about products we use every day such as poop bags, and knowing what they are made out of can help prevent harm to the earth, check out our earth-friendly 100% Biodegradable Poop Bags and blog post, Guide to Poop Bags & Dispensers to learn more on the topic.

DIY Doggie Treats

The environmental impact of producing, packing, and shipping store-bought treats can add up, not to mention the post-consumer waste comes afterwards as well. A great way to cut down on this is by making your own dog treats - frozen or baked - out of tasty ingredients you already have around the house. This cuts down on packaging waste and ensures your Beest is only eating healthy, natural treats, too. If you’re like us, you may have some empty store-bought treat packaging that can be reused for snacks or homemade treats. :)

Consider Their Chow

While some dogs have dietary restrictions that prevent them from eating certain proteins, if your dog doesn’t have protein allergies, swapping their beef consumption for chicken or pork can have a significant impact on carbon emissions. Beef production emits almost five times’ the greenhouse gasses of chicken or pork, so that’s a simple switch that adds up fast! Also think about switching your brand of pet food and finding a more eco-friendly option. There is a broad range and growing number of pet food companies today who take sustainability seriously and still cater to keeping your Beesty well nourished with clean ingredients. We like this insightful list put together by Sustainable Jungle, including a DIY option at the end!

Go Green With Grooming

When deciding what cleaning products to use on your beest, consider using shampoos, conditioners, and sprays that are biodegradable and free of harsh chemicals. Not only will this help keep your Beest’s skin and coat healthier, but it will also keep our waterways clean and clear. Happy Bond’s: Why eco-friendly products are a better choice lists what to avoid while shopping for green grooming products. You can also try some homemade natural solutions like making your own dog shampoo with oatmeal or mixing olive oil and vinegar to help your pups dry skin.

Quality Over Quantity

When it comes to buying gear and supplies for Beest, there are plenty of options on the market to choose from. However, making a choice with longevity in mind can have a big impact on the environment. Textile manufacturing is one of the world’s biggest sources of pollution, so fast fashion — for humans and dogs — has a big impact. When deciding what to buy, consider gear and brands that put quality forward, therefore will last a long time instead of a season. We, for one, not only make timeless gear with the intention of serving you and Beest for a lifetime, but also provide free repairs and other awesome warranty perks on your existing Wildebeest product so you can get the most out of it for as long as you want and need.

These choices may seem small, but if every pet parent keeps them in mind as they go about their routine, they can add up to a larger positive change! As a product company, we’re making small changes to reduce our environmental impact, such as, slowly shifting into using recycled raw materials to make our products, reducing packaging waste and of course, continuing to support you and Beestie through your post-consumer journey with us via Wild4Life Warranty. And now as a member of 1% For The Planet we’re directly giving back to the global community fighting for positive change and a better future for all.

We hope you’ll join us in the efforts to become more Earth-Friendly today! Happy Walking.

Wildebeest creates everyday essentials that help you build that special bond, share adventures big & small and make amazing memories with your Beest. We'll be right there every step of the way, with our gear & Wild4Life Warranty in tow, supporting you & Beest all throughout the lifetime of your companionship!