In an era where over half of the world’s population owns a pet, the pet industry is responding to rising concerns about the environmental sustainability of pet ownership.

In the face of climate change and its repercussions, the pet industry is taking a significant step forward.

According to an estimate, owning a dog can have a similar carbon footprint to a sports utility vehicle.

Colorado's Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) has recently unveiled the Packaging Pledge, urging the pet industry to shift to entirely recyclable or compostable packaging for all products by 2025.

Companies like Open Farm, Primal Pet Foods, and Stella and Chewy's have already signed the pledge and committed to the cause.

Previously, the coalition has created multi-level membership, from Advocate level to Icon members, that accredits companies' efforts in the sustainability journey.

A few weeks ago, a more famous company called Ziwi from New Zealand joined the coalition's highest membership.

PSC has grown to over 200 companies memberships now.

Purpose Global also launched partnerships with over 20 pet companies to reduce plastic waste in their products.

These companies include well-known ones like Earth Animal, Four Leaf Rover, and Nature's Logic.

Additionally, as pet food and meat consumption engender about 64 million tons of carbon dioxide annually in the US alone, the Pet Sustainability Coalition is teaming up with scientists and nutritionists to maximize environmental sustainability in protein ingredient selection.

The process of cultivating meat protein for pet food generates substantial carbon emissions across many stages.

Other alternative proteins include using fish and vegetarian sources.

A study from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies at the University of Tasmania indicates that carbon emission from acquiring fish is far less than carbon generated from red meat production.

Pet Sustainability Coalition's efforts are turning the tide in the industry.

The demand for more sustainable and environmentally friendly products has been rising in recent years on the consumer side of the market.

This results from the younger generation becoming first-time pet owners who are relatively aware of environmental concerns.

In response to all these movements, pet owners can take conscious actions, such as opting for sustainable products and training their pets to adopt a more sustainable pet culture.

For instance, potty pads, which are commonly used, have also been found to have environmental impacts.

They are typically made of synthetic fragrances, plastic backing, and other absorbent materials over thin blue plastic, which are not degradable.

To reduce the use of potty pads, dog owners can engage in outside potty training, which requires less plastic usage.

Moreover, raising awareness is required for pet clothing purchases.

While many pet owners treat their animals like children and indulge in clothing for various occasions, professional vets suggest that, in most cases, dogs and cats do not require clothing.

These small actions from pet owners contribute to an environmentally friendly pet culture, a direction the PSC is leading.

Overall, the Pet Sustainability Coalition's various efforts contribute towards a direction society and global pet culture should head towards and trigger awareness around sustainable pet ownership.

Jeemin Shim

Grade 9

St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju