It is not immediately obvious that man's best friend has a negative eco-balance. After all, many people "got into dogs" because they enjoy the company of their four-legged friends on walks in the countryside. Nevertheless, there are a few things to bear in mind when it comes to sustainable dog ownership
Caring for our beloved companions requires a certain amount of resources. As studies show, the carbon footprint of a dog is so high that you could fly to Mallorca for every year of the animal's life - but how does that happen and what can you do about it? We explain what is important when it comes to sustainable dog ownership.
Sustainable dog farming: no industrially produced food
One reason for your four-legged friend's negative carbon footprint is easy to identify. Industrial meat production is a climate polluter in all its aspects, from farming to the transportation of the animals and the finished products. However, there are already start-ups that focus on sustainable dog farming and promote it with their products - for example, they produce "meat" made from insect protein. Together with natural dry food, occasional vegetable meals and feeding your dog leftovers that are not overly salted and seasoned, you can find a good compromise. It is also possible to cook your own dog food for a week in advance and can promote sustainable dog ownership, as you can decide for yourself what is processed.
Sustainable dog ownership: the poop bags
An important aspect of sustainable dog ownership is dealing with dog waste. Due to its composition, this is a burden on nature and the environment, not to mention public roads or well-kept green spaces. However, picking it up in accordance with regulations is just as unsustainable - because the plastic bags accumulate. On average, a dog owner uses around a thousand bags a year, and they end up in landfill because neither bags nor poo are compostable. There are some alternatives, but even these are not a perfect solution. Owners must therefore assess for themselves what would be a viable way of keeping their dogs sustainably. You can do without bags when walking in the woods, but not in residential areas.
Sustainable dog ownership: the plastic accessories
The "accessories" you need for your dog are numerous, pretty and - often - not necessary. If you are committed to sustainable dog ownership, you can do without plastic equipment and supposedly useful care products containing chemicals. In consultation with the vet, all you really need in addition to a collar or harness and lead is a brush or comb that suits the skin and hair type and a well-tolerated shampoo. Much of what is offered to dog owners in specialist stores may make masters and mistresses happy, but the dog will still prefer playing with a stick and the attention of its owners. As part of sustainable dog ownership, baskets and blankets can also be made from natural materials and bought second-hand.
Sustainable dog ownership: offsetting the eco-balance elsewhere
Of course, despite sustainable dog ownership, a dog can never manage completely without consuming resources - just like humans. Nevertheless, it is worth making the effort to initiate small changes. Even small things like going for long walks on foot, by bus or train instead of using the car can help. At NIKIN , we also try to make a difference with many small things. For example, we use very little paper and when we do, we only use tree-free paper. Our shipping from us to you is climate-compensated and we have an electric company car. You can find out where else we save resources and how we live sustainability here.
