Pets are joy, and also a surprising source of trash. Between single-use poop bags, snack pouches, cheap toys, and worn-out beds, it’s easy to feel guilty every time you take out the bin.
I felt that, too. Over time I learned that small, realistic switches add up. You don’t have to be perfect. You just need better choices that fit into daily life.
Below are eight things I tested in a busy, multi-pet home. Each one cuts waste, works well, and is simple to keep using.
Based on personal experience, I'll share with you what I replaced, why it helped, how I use it, and a few tips you should know so you don’t waste time or money.
Key takeaways
- Small swaps, durable bowls, sturdy toys, compostable liners, shrink your pet’s trash stream fast.
- Reuse what you have first; replace only when needed.
- Buy for durability and end-of-life options (recyclable, take-back, or compostable).
- DIY and bulk buys cut packaging and often save money.
1. The poop-bag upgrade - Earth Rated Dog Waste Bags
The Problem: Regular plastic poop bags last centuries and often leak into natural areas. Biodegradable labels can be misleading, many need industrial composting.
Why this helps: Earth Rated offers BPI-verified compostable bags that break down in commercial composting facilities. They’re strong, don’t tear easily, and the packaging is made from recycled materials.
If you can’t compost pet waste at home, the bag itself still breaks down more responsibly than normal plastic.
I use and recommend: Earth Rated Dog Waste Bags, they're certified compostable, thick, and reliable.
How I use it: I carry a roll in every coat pocket and one on the leash. For city use, I collect bags and drop them in municipal compost or a proper facility when available; otherwise I dispose of them in trash but feel better about the reduced plastic.
Trueecoliving tip: Keep a small bin in your mudroom for used bags until you can access the right disposal option.
Common problem: Not every area accepts compostable pet waste.
The Fix: Check local compost facilities or use the bags for other outdoor trash that is compostable (where allowed).
2. The “buy it for life” bowl - SodaPup stainless steel bowls
The waste problem: Plastic bowls get scratched, ceramic chips, and both can harbor bacteria. They get replaced often.
Why this helps: Stainless steel is durable, non-porous, dishwasher-safe, and fully recyclable at end of life. SodaPup bowls use food-grade 304 stainless and are built to last—no cracking, no chewing through, no frequent replacement.
You can use the SodaPup stainless steel bowls: They are sturdy, hygienic, and long-lived.
How I use it: One bowl for water, one for food. I run them through the dishwasher weekly and replace rubber feet if they wear out.
Trueecoliving tip: Choose heavier-weight bowls or ones with non-slip rings so clumsy drinkers don’t tip them.
Common problem: Stainless steel can clang. Fix: place a silicone mat under the bowl to soften the noise and protect floors.
3. The bulk food keeper - large glass jars with airtight lids
The waste problem: Dry food in thin plastic bags tears or gets stale; constant repurchasing in small packages creates endless packaging waste.
Why this helps: Large glass jars (repurposed or new) with airtight lids keep food fresh, block pests, and eliminate single-use packaging. Glass is inert and reusable forever.
You may use large airtight glass jars as it repurposes jars from food or buy a uniform set.
How I use it: I decant big bags of kibble into jars at the counter. Smaller jars hold treats and toppers for quick access.
Trueecoliving tip: Wash and dry jars thoroughly before filling. Label them with the type and date opened.
Common problem: Glass breaks. Fix: store heavy jars on lower shelves and use a sturdy plastic bin in high-traffic areas if breakage risk is high.
4. The indestructible toy - West Paw Zogoflex Hurley
The waste problem: Cheap toys shred fast and the pieces end up in the trash, or worse, swallowed.
Why this helps: The West Paw Hurley is built to survive tough chewers. It’s made from durable, non-toxic material and the company offers a recycling program (Join the Loop) so old toys can be returned and remade into new ones. That closed-loop option is rare and valuable.
I recommend West Paw Zogoflex Hurley - they’re tough, safe, and recyclable through the brand’s program.
How I use it: This is the go-to fetch and chew toy. I rotate it with softer toys to extend life and check it often for damage.
Trueecoliving tip: Teach “drop it” early so you can retire a toy before it becomes dangerous. Save worn toys for inspection and recycling.
Common problem: Even durable toys wear down over years.
Fix: mail back to West Paw or replace with a repaired/recycled alternative.
5. The natural grooming duo - bamboo brush + paw dunk
The problem: Pet wipes are single-use plastic. Many grooming products come in plastic bottles and use chemicals you might not want near your pet or your drains.
Why this helps: A bamboo-handled brush is sustainable, sturdy, and compostable at the end of life (if the bristles are natural).
For dirty paws, a small “paw dunk” bucket with water and a pet-safe soap replaces endless wipes. Use concentrated, plant-based shampoos in recyclable packaging or try shampoo bars to avoid bottles.
My recommendation: Bamboo brush (solid handle) + a simple paw dunk setup (reusable bucket and pet-safe soap).
How I use it: I brush daily or every other day to reduce shedding. After walks, I dunk paws briefly, towel-dry, and store the towel for laundry.
Trueecoliving tip: Keep a microfiber towel by the door to dry paws fast; wash it with other towels to conserve water.
Common problem: Messy dunk water. Fix: empty onto soil or lawn (with pet-safe soap) or dispose of graywater per local rules.
6. The compostable cat-liner option - Beyond Green plant-based liners
The problem: Plastic liners and clay litters are heavy, non-biodegradable, and often mined or manufactured with big environmental costs.
Why this helps: Plant-based liners that are BPI-certified compostable break down in commercial facilities. Paired with compostable litters (paper, wood pellets, walnut shells), they reduce landfill burden.
Note: pet waste shouldn’t go to home compost used for edibles, use commercial compost when allowed.
I recommend: Beyond Green plant-based liners - strong, compostable, and designed to work in real boxes.
How I use it: I line pans for easier cleaning and use a compostable litter where my facility accepts it. If it’s not accepted locally, I still prefer a liner that breaks down faster than plastic.
Trueecoliving tip: Scoop daily and store waste in a sealed bin if you’re building a small collection for a facility drop-off.
Common problem: Not all municipalities accept pet waste in commercial compost.
Fix: call your local composting facility before switching and keep an alternative plan.
7. The DIY treat routine - Pawstruck stuffable treat holder + homemade treats
Single-serve treat pouches and commercial snacks create lots of small, unrecyclable plastic.
So, making treats at home from bulk ingredients removes packaging. A stuffable toy (like Pawstruck’s holder) turns a single jar of homemade mix into dozens of enrichment sessions, no new wrappers, just happy pets.
My recommendations: Pawstruck stuffable treat holder + simple homemade recipes (pumpkin + oat flour + dog-safe peanut butter).
How I use it: I bake a batch, portion some into the freezer, and fill the stuffable toy with soft fillings or frozen treats for long-lasting play.
Trueecoliving tip: Freeze stuffed toys for hot days and to extend the challenge. Use bulk oats, seeds, and peanut butter to minimize packaging.
Common problem: Time to bake. Fix: Make big batches on a weekend and freeze portions for weeks of treats.
8. The better bed to Frisco Bolster Bed with recycled fill
Many beds use virgin polyester and faux fur that shed microplastics and end up in the trash.
Meanwhile, Beds filled with recycled polyfiber give plastic bottles a second life. The Frisco Bolster Bed uses recycled fill and has a removable cover, so you can clean it and keep it longer.
It’s not perfect (it still contains plastic), but it’s a much better option than single-use, cheaply made beds.
I recommend the Frisco Bolster Bed with recycled fill. It's durable, washable, and made with post-consumer materials.
How I use it: I rotate bed covers regularly and wash them per instructions to reduce microplastic shedding. When the pad finally wears out, I cut fabric into rags rather than tossing the whole thing.
Trueecoliving tip: Use a removable, washable cover and an additional blanket to absorb daily wear, this keeps the filling fresher longer.
Common problem: Recycled fill compresses over time.
Fix: fluff the bed regularly and replace covers or add a thin foam topper for extra support when needed.
Making the switch without an issue.
- Start with one area. Pick the biggest source of pet waste you see, poop bags or snack wrappers, and tackle that first.
- Repurpose before you buy. Glass jars, old towels, and sturdy containers work great.
- Buy durable, not trendy. A slightly more expensive bowl or toy that lasts three years is cheaper than replacing cheap ones every few months.
- Plan for disposal. Know whether your town accepts compostable pet waste or if a take-back program exists.
Final thoughts
Caring for a pet shouldn’t feel like harming the planet. Small, tested changes, strong bowls, compostable liners where possible, refillable grooming tools, and durable toys, it make a real difference.
You won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. Do what fits your life, start with one swap, and build from there.
Less waste, happier pets, and a clearer conscience, that’s the goal.