NEW YEAR, NEW DOG LUCK

Sustainability has many facets: ecological (i.e. nature and the environment), social and also economic. In general use, however, sustainability is used primarily in relation to nature and the environment, or social aspects, as these are related to the climate crisis, among other things. We also refer to ecological sustainability in this article, as the nature in which our furry friends love to jump around is very important to us.

At the turn of the year, you constantly read about “VEGANUARY” – a concept behind which the organization of the same name stands. Their goal is to motivate as many people as possible to spend January vegan. A great resolution!

And it's even more fun with your four-legged friend. Countless animals have to suffer and die for the pet food industry. In addition, many climate-damaging gases are released. A 15 kg dog produces CO₂ equivalents in its 13-year life, which is the equivalent of 13 flights from Berlin to Barcelona and back. The mostly meat-heavy diet plays a not insignificant role in this, because the diet actually makes up 90% of it ! But that doesn't have to be the case, because humans and dogs can also go vegan . This not only protects the environment, but above all spares many animal lives. On our blog you will find many tasty and healthy recipes with which you can give your furry friend great joy. Even beyond VEGANUARY.

Everyone is sure to have seen images of turtles with straws in their noses or fish swimming in a "sea of ​​plastic". And yet it still shocks us again and again. Plastic is a major problem that not only threatens our environment and especially our oceans, but also our own health. We humans consume up to 5 g of microplastics every week. That's about as much as a credit card. Shocking, isn't it? That's why we cooperate with CleanHub !

As in all other areas of life, a lot of plastic is produced and used for our pets. In food packaging, toys and especially in poop bags (of which more than one is usually needed per day). Around 500 million bags are used every year across Germany. And here's the crazy thing: a biodegradable product is packaged in plastic and cannot be recycled. It ends up in the residual waste and is burned. But there are now a few alternatives: instead of plastic bones, let your dog chew on coffee wood, and instead of conventional poop bags, use ones made of compostable material. Unfortunately, plastic dog poop bags are not biodegradable. There are currently no dog poop bags that can be made from 100% recycled plastic. Most are made from 80% recyclable polyethylene. However, there are poop bags based on corn starch, sugar cane or cardboard , which can be broken down more ecologically than plastic. And if you really can't do without plastic: it's better to get one large pack than several small ones. Why not try to reduce your plastic consumption together and reward yourselves with a long walk.

Shopping is fun. And even more so when you pay attention to sustainable aspects when shopping. There are now many manufacturers who are committed to protecting our environment. Alternatively, you can also buy second-hand and thus help to ensure that no new resources are used.
Another great way to do good with your shopping is to attend animal shelter festivals. There are great things to discover there - for both humans and animals. Leashes, toys, cushions... And the proceeds go to the animals. This way, you're not just making your own dog happy.

The most sustainable option is of course not to shop at all. Before you go shopping, ask yourself whether you really need to buy the fifth collar or the tenth ball, or whether your dog is happy with what he has. Even if we sometimes forget it, our dogs are more frugal than we think. It doesn't bother them if a corner of a toy has been chewed off, the leash doesn't look quite so new anymore, and a stone is missing from the collar. Sometimes we could learn a thing or two from that.

But you can make more than just toys yourself. How about a plastic-free, vegan paw balm for well-groomed dog paws ? It helps prevent cracked pads, especially in the cold season when there is ice and road salt.

In the end, the most important thing is that you and your dog have each other. And that you can enjoy every minute together. Whether playing, cuddling or going for a walk. We should always remember that it doesn't take much more than that.
Memories are long-lasting because we like to think back to beautiful moments, we can always recall them and they simply do us good. A relaxed, long walk through beautiful nature strengthens the well-being of humans and dogs (keyword: forest bathing ) and brings them closer together.
And if you can go for a walk by bike or, in the best case, start walking right from your front door instead of getting in the car, our environment will also be happy.

Would you like to know more about how you can make your dog's paw print greener? Then you'll find even more ideas in the book " Green Dog - Handbook for Sustainable Dog Life ". And who knows, maybe we've even found a place in it? 😉

We wish you and your furry friend lots of fun on your journey together, where you will hopefully leave lots of green footprints and paw prints 🐾