Best of Green Awards 2021: Leading Eco-Friendly Pet Products
Discover top sustainable pet products making a difference in the world of eco-friendly pet care in 2021.
Our pets are beloved members of the family, but their carbon pawprints—through toys, bedding, food, and more—can impact the planet. The Best of Green Awards 2021: Eco Pets highlights the industry’s most innovative, sustainable, and ethical products, services, and companies driving positive change for people, pets, and the environment.
Why Sustainable Pet Parenting Matters
Traditional pet products often use non-recyclable plastics, synthetic materials, and carbon-heavy manufacturing. Transitioning to sustainable pet products reduces waste, supports ethical labor, minimizes pollutants, and creates a healthier world for both humans and animals.
- Eco-friendly choices minimize resource use, pollution, and waste generation.
- Supporting sustainable brands encourages greener industry standards.
- Pets benefit from non-toxic materials and ethically-sourced goods.
How the Winners Were Selected
The process combined Treehugger’s sustainability authority with The Spruce Pets’ deep pet care expertise. Nominations were collected from readers, contributors, staff, and outside specialists. Each nominee underwent rigorous vetting based on sustainability, innovation, efficacy, and ethical values. A panel of experts tested and reviewed products to ensure real-world performance and impact.
Judging Criteria
- Use of eco-friendly, non-toxic, or upcycled materials
- Resource-efficient and polluting-minimal manufacturing
- Durability, repairability, and recyclability
- Commitment to fair labor and sustainability goals
- Thoughtful packaging and distribution
Best of Green Awards 2021: Eco Pets – Winners and Highlights
The following products and companies stood out for their positive environmental, ethical, and functional contributions to modern pet care.
Best Dog Bed: Molly Mutt Dog Bed
The Molly Mutt Dog Bed takes sustainable pet bedding to a new level by allowing owners to upcycle old textiles and clothing for stuffing. The beds are crafted from durable, washable cotton canvas and omit synthetic fills or foams. This closed-loop design lets pet parents reduce household waste while providing comfort to their pets.
- Material: 100% cotton canvas; optional wool inserts available
- Main Feature: Owner-stuffed using upcycled clothes/blankets
- Benefits: Reduces landfilled textiles, machine-washable, customizable firmness
Best Sustainable Pet Food: Open Farm
Open Farm leads the way in ethical and eco-conscious pet nutrition. Ingredients are sourced from humane family farms and fisheries certified for sustainable practices, with transparent traceability for every batch. The brand also utilizes recyclable packaging and partners with TerraCycle, allowing consumers to return empty bags for responsible recycling.
- Uses premium, ethically-raised meats and non-GMO produce
- Animal welfare and sustainability certification
- Traceable ingredients for full transparency
- Recyclable packaging via TerraCycle program
Best Zero-Waste Pet Toy: West Paw
West Paw’s toys are crafted in the USA with proprietary Zogoflex® material, a durable, non-toxic, infinitely recyclable plastic. Designed for longevity and fun, their closed-loop recycling system accepts used toys to create new ones, embracing a circular economy model within the pet industry.
What others are reading
- Infinitely recyclable Zogoflex® toys: fetch, chew, tug variations
- FDA-compliant, latex- and phthalate-free
- Mail-back program for worn-out toys (Join the Loop®)
- Manufactured responsibly in Montana
Best Eco-Friendly Pet Grooming: Earthbath
Earthbath offers natural grooming products for pets, featuring biodegradable formulas and cruelty-free certifications. The shampoos, conditioners, and wipes contain plant-based, sustainably sourced ingredients and omit parabens, artificial dyes, or synthetic fragrances.
- Biodegradable, pet-safe formulas
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Packed in recyclable bottles with post-consumer resin
- Diverse products for various coat and skin conditions
Best Green Cat Litter: Sustainably Yours
Sustainably Yours offers a plant-based alternative to clay cat litter, using renewable corn and cassava for superior clumping and odor control. Compostability and rapid biodegradability make it a top pick for eco-conscious cat parents.
- 100% plant-based: corn and cassava blend
- Biodegradable and compostable
- Safe, gentle, dust-free
- Controls odors and clumps naturally
Best Eco-Conscious Dog Leash: The Found My Animal Leash
Found My Animal creates iconic, marine-grade rope leashes made from upcycled and hand-dyed materials. The brand’s mission promotes animal adoption and features durable construction, unique colorways, and solid brass hardware built for longevity.
- Hand-spliced, upcycled rope & brass hardware
- Promotes rescue and pet adoption awareness
- Dyes and materials minimize environmental impact
- Promises decades of use with refill and repair programs
Best Compostable Dog Poop Bag: BioBag
BioBag’s plant-based dog waste bags break down quickly in composting facilities. Unlike traditional plastic bags, they’re certified compostable (meeting ASTM D6400 and EN13432 standards), making them a smart swap for zero-waste dog owners in regions allowing pet waste composting.
- Made from GMO-free plant starch
- Certified compostable (ASTM D6400, EN13432)
- No microplastics or toxic residues
- Durable but rapidly decomposes in right conditions
Best Upcycled Pet Accessory: Cycle Dog
Cycle Dog transforms post-consumer bicycle inner tubes into water-resistant dog collars, leashes, and toys. Their eco-tech range diverts waste from landfills and features innovative, non-toxic, tough products with a distinct upcycled aesthetic.
- Handmade from punctured bike tubes and USA-sourced metals
- Waterproof, durable, long-lasting
- Multiple size and style options
- Supports local artisans and reduces tire waste
What to Look for When Shopping Eco-Friendly for Pets
Understanding what makes a product truly green is essential. Here are some key guidelines for identifying environmentally responsible choices for your pets:
- Materials: Seek goods made from recycled, upcycled, or renewable sources.
- Manufacture: Choose items from companies with strong labor and low-pollution standards.
- Durability: Products designed to last reduce consumption over time.
- Packaging: Minimal, compostable, or recyclable packaging is ideal.
- End-of-Life: Opt for items that can be recycled, composted, or upcycled, reducing overall landfill contributions.
- Brand Transparency: Research company ethics, sustainability statements, and certifications.
Tips to Make Your Pet Lifestyle Greener
- Repurpose old textiles as bedding, toys, or enrichment materials.
- Compost pet waste where facilities exist—or use compostable waste bags.
- Consider plant-based litters and grooming products to reduce chemical use.
- Support local rescue or adoption organizations for supplies and services.
- Repair or donate used pet gear before replacing it.
Award Winners Comparison Table
| Category | Winner | Eco Feature | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Bed | Molly Mutt | Upcycled filling materials | Minimizes textile landfill waste |
| Pet Food | Open Farm | Ethical sourcing, recyclable packs | Animal welfare, low carbon |
| Pet Toy | West Paw | Recyclable Zogoflex® | Zero waste circularity |
| Grooming | Earthbath | Biodegradable, vegan | Safe for pets & planet |
| Cat Litter | Sustainably Yours | Plant-based, compostable | Biodegradable, low dust |
| Dog Leash | Found My Animal | Upcycled rope, durable | Longevity, adoption support |
| Poop Bag | BioBag | Compostable plant plastic | No microplastic pollution |
| Upcycled Accessory | Cycle Dog | Recycled bike tubes | Reduces tire landfill waste |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are eco-friendly pet products safe for pets?
A: Yes. Award-winning eco pet products undergo rigorous safety testing and avoid toxic chemicals, heavy metals, or phthalates. Always check for certifications or ingredient transparency before use.
Q: How can I verify a brand’s sustainability claims?
A: Look for third-party certifications, published sustainability reports, transparent labeling, and active take-back or recycling programs. Reputable brands provide this information openly on their packaging or website.
Q: Do green pet products cost more?
A: Some eco-friendly products may have a higher upfront price due to ethical manufacturing or materials, but their durability and reduced environmental impact often provide better long-term value—and peace of mind.
Q: Can I make my pet’s routine greener without buying new stuff?
A: Absolutely. Repurpose old clothes as bedding, DIY toys, or seek local pet gear swaps to extend the life of pet supplies. Compost pet waste and choose slowly degradable or recyclable packaging when possible.
Supporting a Greener Pet Industry
Choosing products and services that minimize harm and maximize benefit for the planet, animals, and communities is a powerful way to shape a more responsible pet industry. The Best of Green Awards 2021: Eco Pets celebrate brands forging that path—and empower conscious pet owners to make greener, healthier choices for their companions.
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