Sustainable Pet Toys
According to the Huffington Post, in 2014, Americans produced approximately 33 million tons of plastic. Pet toys are not solely responsible for this eye-opening amount of plastic. However, pet toys are disposed of fairly quickly since they are chewed to pieces on a regular basis. Several changes can be made when deciding to purchase toys for our fur babies so that we limit our environmental impact, and may even save us some trips to the store along the way.
Toys made from natural rubber and hemp
Toys made from natural materials are optimal for sustainability and your dog’s safety. Natural materials are biodegradable and free of toxic substances that could harm your pet or the environment.
My favorite brand that we have used is Beco. The Beco Ball and Beco Bone are made of natural rubber from trees and are scented with vanilla, so it smells great! The toys have holes for treat hiding, and has kept our dog, Forest, busy for hours! This company has a great variety of toys separate from what I’ve purchased for my dog, of which are all eco-friendly. They have toys made of natural rubber, hemp, and recycled plastic bottles.
An additional natural toy brand is Honest Pet Products. Their products are made from non-toxic hemp canvas and stuffed with organic cotton or eco-felt wool. The hemp is non-toxic and durable for lasting use. These cute plush toys are handmade in the USA, and the company contributes a portion of your purchase to a selected dog charity in need!
Made from recycled materials
Toys made from recycled plastic are not only sustainable, but are often long-lasting. Using toys made from recycled materials conserves resources and saves energy for production, making them eco-friendly!
A favorite and famous toy in the dog world is Planet Dog’s Recycled Orbee Ball. This ball is made from recycled plastic, so the color may vary. I tried out the value pack version of the product, which came with two balls instead of one. The balls are very durable, bounce, and have holes that you can put treats in. I would definitely recommend this toy and brand for those looking for a durable toy selection.
Cycle Dog is another great choice for those looking for toys made from recycled materials. This company offers plush toys, interactive toys, and fetching toys (balls and frisbees) all made from post-consumer plastic. Cycle Dog truly believes in the durability of their products and offer free repairs and replacements for specific items if they don’t live up to the expectation. As a result, not only are the toys made from recycled plastic, but prevent the consumer from requiring new toys.
Strong toys that last
A long lasting toy is a sustainable toy. Products that are able to withstand the grip of your dog’s jaw results in limiting the production of waste -- a big eco plus.
Don’t be fooled by the name, Skinneeez Dog Toys may be one of the most long lasting plush toys for dogs, or at least for Forest. These toys are like any plush toy, but are made without stuffing. The lack of fluff inside the toy prevents dogs from tearing into it, which allows the toy to last longer.
Also, Kong toys are a successful tough toy brand. The company has a section on their website dedicated to durable toys. There are a large variety of options (balls, ropes, plush, discs, etc.), and they are sure to keep your dog busy and out of trouble. Since these items are built to last, they prevent you from having to throw away shredded toys that create unnecessary waste.
Handmade toys
Handmade toys may be toys you purchase from a local business or make from your own home. Handmade items prevent the need for mass producing products which generate hazardous emissions and consume large amounts of energy. These toys are easy to make and entertain your dog. I’ve made my own dog toys for Forest from rags, braided shirt strips, pantyhose and old socks. No need to take an extra trip to the store for these toys!
Here is a step-by-step of how I make a rope toy out of an old shirt:
Step 1: Find an old shirt
Step 2: Cut the shirt into 3 strips
Step 3: Tie the strips together at one end
Step 4: Braid the strips and tie-off the end — Done!
Here is Forest enjoying his new toy!
Big Concept:
Hope you all enjoyed this post! Next time you go to the store, I encourage you to check the pet toy aisle and think about how many of those toys end up in the trash. Be conscious of the toys you choose. Even tap into your creative side if you choose to make your own! It’s a fun journey to creating a safer world, even for our pets! Please let me know in the comments if you tried the rope toy craft out. Until next time, let’s keep making a difference!
With Much Love,
