Are you a dog mom striving to embrace a sustainable lifestyle not just for yourself but also for your furrmily too? The quest for truly sustainable dog food alternatives can be a challenge in a market saturated with misleading greenwashing tactics. Fear not, for in this article, we aim to guide you through the maze of eco-friendly pet food options and equip you with five transformative tips to enhance your sustainable dog mom journey!
The Truth Behind Greenwashing in Pet Food
In the ever-evolving pet food industry, terms like "natural," "organic," and "sustainable" are liberally sprinkled on packaging to attract eco-conscious consumers. Kraft color packaging, green leaves and images of the earth are becoming more commonplace. However, the reality often falls short of these enticing labels. Many products claim to be environmentally friendly but lack true sustainable practices. How can you, as a discerning dog mom, navigate through these marketing ploys?
Decoding the Greenwashing Tactics
Look Beyond the Label
When you browse the pet food aisle again, look beyond the attractive packaging. Take a moment to investigate the company you are thinking of purchasing from. If their website does not provide information on their sustainability stance, growth plan, or details about their packaging, it's best to choose a different brand. You can also verify if they hold certifications from respected organizations such as B Corp or 1% For The Planet to confirm that the product reflects your sustainability principles.
Investigate Ingredient Sourcing
Transparency is key when it comes to pet food ingredients. Opt for brands that disclose where their ingredients come from and how they are sourced. Bonus points if you get to see where the animals are raised, how they're fed and even how they're butchered. But don't stop there, look for companies who will openly share how and where they manufacture their foods. Sustainable practices should encompass the entire supply chain.
*Analyze Packaging
Sustainable dog food extends beyond what's inside the bag—it includes the packaging, too. Seek brands that utilize reusable, recyclable or backyard compostable materials to lessen their environmental impact. Seeing the phrase "biodegradable" on a package really doesn't tell us much other than it will break down over time. This is an ambiguous word that, unless paired with the word compostable, simply means "this item will get smaller". On the other hand, seeing the word "compostable" means that the item will break down over time into organic matter - meaning no microplastics or other inorganic materials. The amount of time an item takes to break down depends on the material used to make it, the type of composting environment it is being exposed to, and how thick the material is. At Piggyback Treats Company, we opt for backyard compostable and marine degradable packaging because these dissolve when sitting in water for just a couple of weeks, our labeling too. There is a trade off though - our packaging is much less sturdy, can tear easily and should be handled with care.
5 Tips To Live Your Dog Mom Era More Sustainably
Now that you're well-equipped to spot greenwashing tactics let's dive into five practical tips to elevate your dog mom era sustainability:
Homemade Treats : Whip up delicious treats for your pup using foods from your own pantry. Homemade treats not only reduce packaging waste but also let you control what goes into your pet's diet. Want some easy recipes you can make at home? We'll be sharing a few Fall Fave recipes soon!
Switch to Eco-Friendly Toys : Opt for toys made from sustainable materials like natural rubber, recycled plastics or upcycled fabrics to reduce your carbon pawprint.
Meal Prep Mindfully : Preparing your dog's meals in bulk reduces packaging waste from individual servings and ensures you always have a healthy option on hand. Shopping with a local food-maker will often allow you the ability to bring your own containers or return theirs so they can be reused.
Support Local : Purchase dog food from local farmers or small businesses to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and support your community.
*Recycle Responsibly : Dispose of pet food packaging thoughtfully by recycling, composting or upcycling containers for storage or DIY projects. *We'll dive deeper into the mysteries of the waste-stream in a future blog post!
By incorporating these 5 Tips To Live Your Dog Mom Era More Sustainably into your daily routine, you're not only providing the best for your furry friend but also nurturing a more sustainable lifestyle. Do you have questions about greenwashing or how to increase your sustainability while living your dog mom era? Share your questions with us! We'd love to delve deeper!
Embrace the Essence of Dog Mom Sustainability
As you embark on this journey towards greener dog parenting, remember that every small change contributes to a more sustainable future for both you and your loyal companion. Together, let's ditch the greenwashing and opt for authentic, truly sustainable dog food alternatives that align with our eco-conscious values!
*We'll dive deeper into the mysteries of the waste-stream in a future blog post!
Until then, Treat Sustaianbly!
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