NEW YEAR, NEW DOG HAPPINESS

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

Around the turn of the year, you constantly read about "VEGANUARY" - a concept behind the organization of the same name. Its aim is to motivate as many people as possible to go vegan in January. A great resolution!

And it's even more fun together with your four-legged friend. Countless animals also suffer and die for the animal feed industry. In addition, many climate-damaging gases are released. A 15kg dog produces CO₂ equivalents equivalent to 13 flights from Berlin to Barcelona and back in its 13-year life. The mostly meat-heavy diet plays a not insignificant role here, because the diet actually accounts for 90% of this! But that doesn't have to be the case, because humans and dogs can also eat a vegandiet. This not only protects the environment, but also spares many animal lives. On our blog, you'll find lots of tasty and healthy recipesthat you can use to give your furry friend a huge treat. Even beyond the VEGANUARY.

Everyone has probably seen pictures of turtles with straws up their noses or fish swimming in a "sea of plastic". And yet it never fails to shock. 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. Scary, isn't it? That's why we're working with the CleanHub!

As in all other areas of life, a lot of plastic is produced and consumed for your pet. Food packaging, toys and, above all, poop bags (of which more than just one is usually needed per day). Around 500 million bags are used in Germany every year. And the crazy thing is that a biodegradable product is packed in plastic and cannot be recycled. It ends up in residual waste and is incinerated. However, 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 waste bags are not biodegradable. There is currently no dog waste bag that can be made from 100% recycled plastic. Most are made from 80% recyclable polyethylene. However, there are poop bags made from corn starch, sugar cane or cardboard, which are more biodegradable than plastic. And if you can't do without plastic: prefer one large pack instead of several small ones. Try to reduce your plastic consumption together and reward yourself with a long walk.

Shopping is fun. And even more so if 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 help to ensure that no new resources are used.
Another great way to do good with your shopping is z.BAnimal shelter festivals. There are great things to discover there - for people and animals. Leashes, toys, cushions ... And the proceeds go to the animals. So you're not just making your own dog happy.

Of course, the most sustainable way is not to store at all. Ask yourself before every purchase whether it is really necessary to buy the fifth collar or the tenth ball or whether your dog is still happy with what he has. Even if we sometimes forget it: Our dogs are more frugal than we think. She doesn't mind if a corner of the toy is chewed off, the lead doesn't look quite so new and a stone is missing from the collar. Sometimes we could take a leaf out of their book.

But it's not just toys you can make yourself. How about a plastic-free, vegan paw balm for nourished dog paws? Especially in the cold season with ice and road salt, it helps to prevent cracked pads.

In the end, the most important thing is that you have each other, you and your dog. And that you can enjoy every minute together. Whether playing, cuddling or going for a walk. We should always remember that we hardly need more.
Memories are 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 bonds them together.
And if you can go for a walk by bike or, ideally, start walking right outside your front door instead of getting into the car, our environment will be happy too.

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

Have fun with you and your furry friend on your journey together, on which you will hopefully leave lots of green footprints and paw prints 🐾