How your pet business can reduce its carbon footprint and thrive
- louise oneill
- Jun 10, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 6, 2023
If you haven’t heard about the government’s plan of reducing carbon emissions and creating a greener world, you’ve been in the doghouse far too long. Our pets are being blamed for being “part of the climate problem,” despite us being a nation of animal lovers. Can you believe it?
But the evidence speaks for itself. A survey by Rover found that 81% of pet owners said that looking after their pets in an environmentally friendly way was important to them. And 75% said that the environmental impact of a pet purchase or lifestyle decision has affected the decisions they’ve made in looking after their pet.
As a pet business, these figures you simply can’t ignore. Pet pawrents are being influenced into purchasing greener and more sustainable products to protect the environment. And if you’re not responding to what they want, they’re simply not going to give you their business.
By making green, sustainable choices, you can build trust and loyalty with customers and skyrocket your business in every way. Here are some ideas on how your business can become more sustainable and thrive from the carbon emission policy:
Contents
Be mindful of not-so-green pet food
The pet food industry is a disaster for the environment. Global production of pet food accounts for a whopping 106 million tons of carbon dioxide pumped into the atmosphere each year. And wet pet food is by far worse than dry food, which generates 8 times more emissions. To put this into perspective, a dog consuming a wet food diet could have the same carbon paw print as its human parent! Wow.
What? How does this happen?
Well, if the source of protein comes from livestock, it's responsible for emitting harmful methane gases into the atmosphere. So, what can you do? Manufacturers need to source alternative environmentally friendly ingredients, such as alternative protein sources. These can be found in more sustainable sources such as fish, insects and plant-based ingredients.
If you sell pet food, commit to stocking more sustainable cat and dog food brands. This will give your business an edge, making you stand out against the competition, and giving you a USP. When pet parents are specifically looking for ways to be environmentally friendly, your business will be inviting them in making your tills go kerching!
Sign up for a pet food packaging recycling initiative
Pet food packaging is notoriously difficult to recycle. This is because it's made of several layers of materials which include paper, plastic and foil.
Terracycle offers companies a pet food recycling programme called a zero-waste box. Available in small, medium or large boxes, companies purchase the box and customers drop off their pet packaging waste to you. Once the box is full, you arrange the collection of the waste by using the prepaid shipping label. The collection is carbon neutral as the carbon emissions of transportation are offset.
The beauty of this scheme is that any pet business can take part. However, you pay. But your customers use it for free. Prices start from £91.20 for a small box that holds approximately 55 units of waste.
Ecological pawrents will be attracted to this scheme, potentially increasing footfall to your business. The scheme should pay for itself through increased business. Try experimenting with offers and discounts. For example, a pet sitter could offer every client who uses the box an initial 5% discount to every new person they introduce to your business.
Choose sustainable pet products when running your pet business
Is your business using, sourcing, supplying and selling the most sustainable products? For every product that isn’t so green, there’s a product that is. Beds, toys, leads, collars… The list is endless. You name it and there’s a sustainable and green option. This is a massive market that most pet businesses can take advantage of.
Grooming businesses can take advantage of the many natural and organic products on the market. And enjoy all the benefits of using these such as shiny coats and reduced risk of skin irritation to your furry-pawed clients. Save the environment and have waggy tails everywhere. Happy pawrents mean outstanding testimonies, having the potential to catapult your biz into doggy stardom!
Pollution caused by doggie poo bags is a major environmental problem, contributing to 0.6% of total global plastic waste. If you’re a dog walker, you must do your bit and find more sustainable alternatives.
Biodegradable poop bags break down over time. But they aren't the best choice as they're responsible for water pollution. Compostable bags are the best sustainable option as they are made of natural plant materials and can be fully broken down.
Make sure that any sustainable products that your business uses are marketed clearly to your eco-conscious customers. And be aware of greenwashing, whereby companies give false information about the impact that their product has on the environment. Make sure you do your research and that all claims can be backed up to ensure no lawsuits.
Become a member of the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) Group
The PSC is a non-profit organisation dedicated to creating a more sustainable pet industry. Impress your customers by becoming a member. It'll show them your commitment to providing them with sustainable solutions to their wants, needs and problems.
The PSC will educate your business on sustainable practices. You'll get access to unique programmes and events such as Impact Unleashed. This is a 2-day conference where pet businesses all come together to share their expertise in making the pet industry more sustainable and eco-conscious.
What strategies will you implement in your pet business to help save the environment and reduce your business’ carbon paw print?
Want people to know about your biz's sustainability journey? Contact me and I'll create fur-tastic content that'll get customers through your doors.
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