By Rebecca Rhoades and Jordan Gerard
Pets benefit humans, so we are more than happy to shower them in love and happiness. When it comes to our pets, there’s little we wouldn’t do to ensure their happiness. We feed them human-grade foods, buy them luxurious furnishings, and indulge their cravings for Puppucinos. But our commitment to their health and happiness doesn’t have to come at the expense of our planet.
Sustainability and environmental consciousness have made their way into the pet industry, as consumers demand products for their four-legged and feathered friends that feature natural ingredients, come in recyclable packaging, and are made with sustainable processes.
As always, make sure to always speak with your veterinarian before introducing a new food or supplement into your pet’s diet.
Nummy Tum-Tum Pumpkin
Pumpkin is an excellent source of nutrients and fiber and can be used to treat digestive ailments, such as diarrhea and constipation. Nummy Tum-Tum’s Organic Pumpkin puree is made from pumpkins that are grown on an independent organic family farm that is certified sustainable by the Food Alliance. It’s also the first farm in the U.S. to have a bio-gas plant onsite, which processes all manufacturing food waste and provides power to the plant. $2.99/15-ounce can, nummytumtum.com
Okocat Eco-Friendly Litter
Okocat’s eco-friendly litter ditches the clay and replaces it with sustainably sourced wood fiber that still clumps and masks odors with its slightly woodsy scent. The wood fibers absorb waste naturally, and the enzymes break down ammonia and odor-causing bacteria. This litter is 99% dust free, making it a healthier and easier choice over clay litter. It’s free of artificial dyes, fragrances, synthetic chemicals, and genetically modified organisms. It’s also a product that can withstand a house with multiple cats. There are four different kinds of wood litter: Original, Super Soft, Less Mess, and Featherweight. Okocat also offers litter made from reclaimed paper. $12.99 for 9.9 pounds, www.healthy-pet.com
Organic Dog Bed
Avocado, a Certified B Corporation and carbon-negative business, produces nontoxic organic mattresses and bedding, sustainable furniture, and natural sleep accessories for humans and canines alike. The PETA-approved Organic Dog Bed is made with GOLS latex sourced from the company’s own organic farm, coconut husks, and 100% GOTS-certified cotton. Not only is the pup bedding biodegradable, it’s also waterproof, hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and anti-odor. The cotton cover is easy to remove and clean. Use the mattress alone or add a wood frame handcrafted from upcycled FSC-certified reclaimed wood; or a Dog Pillow, filled with vegan buckwheat hulls. Bedding starts at $239, avocadogreenmattress.com
Find more Products featured on Green Living. Check our website throughout August for more eco-friendly products for pets.
