While there is much debate about the environmental impact of keeping pets (e.g. [1, 2, 3, 4]), one way of reducing the energy consumption and effect on the environment of products associated with owning a dog is to buy toys that minimise this impact. Two main aspects to this are choosing toys that use few or sustainable resources in the first place, and finding durable toys that won’t need replacing often. In many cases, these two features can be combined.

 

 

Strong plastic toys are often the most durable, and will therefore also cost less and use fewer resources in the long run than cheaper, less sturdy toys that break or become worn out easily. Brands such as Kong, Tuffy’s and Vibram K9 are popular toys specially designed to be durable. Such long-lasting toys can also be specifically eco-friendly; there are plenty of toys now available that are made from recycled plastic materials, often plastic bottles. Additionally, some softer toys may be made using recycled materials, particularly for stuffing and fillings. Soft toys with strong stitching, that can’t be easily destroyed, or that will be simple and safe to repair if they are torn apart, will last longer than less robust, possibly initially cheaper toys. Rope toys made from natural fibres such as hemp are also widely available.

 

 

Companies producing and selling environmentally friendly dog toys can be found online, and either sell directly, through pet shops, or both. Some products will have more packaging and transportation associated with them than others, but the durability and composition of the toy could outweigh these factors when compared to other products, depending on the needs of the individual dog or owner. Below are a selection of companies providing environmentally friendly dog toys (and in some cases, other products too):

 

 

·Planet Dog is a US company with a range of toys, such as plastic balls and bones, made from recycled materials. They are designed to be durable and some of the toys can also be recycled again after use. UK retailers can be found by searching on their website. The products have received good reviews online, particularly in terms of durability, and the company also runs its own non-profit foundation, funded by product sales, to support assistance dogs

 

·West Paw is another US company that makes non-toxic, recyclable and durable toys. Their products are on sale in the UK, for example from companies such as Pawsability, Stop and Paws (both of which also sell other environmentally friendly dog toys) and Collarways. They also make soft toys from recycled plastic drinks bottles. These toys also get good online reviews

 

·Becotoys, made by UK based company Becothings, are made from husks left over from farming of sustainably grown bamboo and rice

 

·Doggie Solutions are another UK based company with a range of environmentally friendly jute dog toys, and also sell other environmentally friendly brands such as Planet Dog

 

·Surrey-based The Eco Dog Company sells a range of eco-friendly dog toys made by various brands including West Paws

 

·Natural Dog Store is a UK store which will sell a range of eco-friendly dog products, including toys. It will support a charity working to help Thailand’s neglected dogs and as of November 2012, is launching soon

 

·Various other online stores also sell toys under categories such as “durable” or “eco-friendly”, and can be found using general search criteria or terms specific to the type of toy required

 

 

 

Additionally, household items that would otherwise be thrown away can be put to use as dog toys. Plastic drinks bottles can be used as temporary or short term toys (remove the lid if it is a possible choking hazard), as can old sports balls and boots, although this is only suitable if the dog is not prone to chewing on other shoes. There are also ideas online for making toys from recycled household materials such as fabrics (e.g. [5,6]).

Have a look at our range of sustainable products to help you reduce your energy consumption across the home.

 

[1] http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20427313.200-cute-fluffy-and-horribly-greedy.html

 

[2] http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/nov/13/ethical-living-carbon-emissions

 

[3] http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/blogs/healthy-food/pets-environmental-impact-47122303

 

[4] http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/the_green_lantern/2010/02/the_trouble_with_kibbles.single.html

 

[5] http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20100914/what-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-to-make-a-dogpuppy-toy

 

[6] http://www.craftbits.com/project/recycled-t-shirt-dogs-tugga-toy