What it Means to Be an Earth Positive Product
At Doglyness, our commitment to the well-being of our planet lies at the core of everything we do.
From sourcing sustainable ingredients and zero-waste packaging to cutting production and transport emissions, we strive to ensure that our earth-positive pet coat care range is the very best it can be. But why are these issues so important to us, and what does ‘earth-positive’ actually mean?
Earth-positive products create a lower ecological footprint through the use of sustainable materials and production methods. Not only are our natural products healthier for dogs, with fewer harmful chemicals and additives, but they also promote ethical practices within the pet industry. Earth-positive products also encourage conscious consumption, enabling dog owners to contribute to a healthier environment and a brighter future for both pets and people.
What is an Earth-Positive Product?
If you’re feeling bombarded with confusing terminology related to environmentally friendly products, you’re not the only one! Consumers are being increasingly baffled by misleading terms such as ‘green’ and ‘eco-friendly’ – a common tactic called greenwashing, used by corporations to make us think we’re buying something good for the planet. In fact, we’ve written an entire guide to greenwashing in the pet care industry. So, where do earth-positive products fit into it all?
Earth-positive means that every aspect of a manufacturing process aims to minimize environmental impact or, in some cases, even benefit the environment. Earth-positive products are crafted with sustainable materials and ingredients derived from renewable resources, replacing synthetic compounds with organic, plant-based alternatives wherever possible. Waste reduction and zero-waste packaging are key elements, as are employing sustainable manufacturing practices such as utilizing renewable energy, minimizing water usage, and operating energy-efficient production facilities.
Our entire product line is crafted with the earth in mind.
In addition, earth-positive products adhere to high ethical standards by being cruelty-free, never tested on animals, and avoiding ingredients sourced from animal origins. Clear labeling and third-party certifications ensure transparency and adherence to stringent environmental and ethical standards, empowering pet owners to make informed choices that align with their values.
The Importance of Earth-Positive Products for Dog Owners and Groomers
No matter whether you’re a dog owner, groomer, or both, sourcing the very best earth-friendly products for the animals in your care is hugely important. By utilizing sustainable ingredients, our earth-friendly products not only benefit the planet but also offer gentle care for your dog's skin and coat, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or irritation to the skin or eyes. Carefully formulated blends of natural, organic ingredients contribute to a shinier, healthier coat and nourished, moisturized skin, enhancing the overall health and well-being of your canine companions.
Many traditional pet care products are not just detrimental to your dog’s health and wellbeing – they also often contain components that contribute to water pollution and are supplied in packaging that adds to the ever-increasing plastic waste problem. In addition, if you are a dog groomer using dog shampoos and conditioners every day, earth-friendly products are kind to your skin and free from potentially toxic compounds. Although the pet care industry has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to environmental concerns, opting for earth-friendly products encourages the development of more sustainable practices within the industry as a whole.
Doglyness’s Earth-Positive Approach
So, what exactly do we do here at Doglyness to ensure our products are as earth-positive as possible? From the initial sourcing of ingredients through to how the end product is packaged, we’ve considered every aspect of our sustainable production process to ensure the impact on our planet is minimized and, in some cases, even benefits the environment.
The 3 pillars of our earth-positive approach
Earth-Positive Packaging
For us, packaging was one of the biggest challenges – there was no point in creating the perfect natural pet coat care range and then packaging it in plastic! To achieve earth-positive packaging, we cut out all plastic materials from the production, packaging, shipping, and storage of our products. As part of this commitment to zero-waste, we were the first pet brand in the industry to use the sugarcane-derived Veganbottle, made with 100% raw compostable materials. Created from nature, the Veganbottle fits perfectly with our earth-positive ethos.
Organic and Vegan Ingredients
Every ingredient we use is meticulously sourced from sustainable suppliers, providing us with an armory of botanicals that are carefully blended to create pet coat care products that outperform their traditional synthetic counterparts. These ingredients are certified by the ECOGEA Institute as organic and vegan, ensuring compliance with the strictest sustainability and quality standards.
We chose ECOGEA because it is an independent certification body with uncompromising standards. For a product to earn ECOGEA certification, it must meet strict criteria. Whilst this is undoubtedly a challenge for us and our suppliers, the result is a range of products with impeccable environmental credentials.
Responsible Manufacturing
As we are based in the EU, we have the advantage of being able to follow the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines, ensuring our products are consistently produced and controlled according to stringent quality standards. While the GMP guidelines apply primarily to medicines, they also extend to cosmetic ingredients and products, giving us a rigorous production framework that guarantees the quality of our pet coat care range. In addition, we have built up excellent relationships with trusted manufacturing partners who share our unwavering commitment to sustainability, ensuring that our products are produced responsibly and meet our standards for quality and environmental impact.
How Dog Owners Can Make Earth-Positive Choices
Feeling confused about how to make the best choices for your pet and the planet? The bombardment of misleading information is a constant source of confusion for us all, and here at Doglyness, we’ve scrutinized every last detail of our manufacturing process to make sure we are on the right track.
Do your research and read labels when choosing products
As a pet owner, there are some key features you can look for when sourcing earth-positive pet care products that are not only beneficial for the environment but also for the well-being of your furry friend. Here are some tips to help you select eco-friendly products and practices:
- Research product labeling and certifications
Product labeling is one of the most confusing aspects when it comes to sourcing earth-friendly products. Many manufacturers use misleading terms or images to make us believe that their products are glowing with planet-friendly credentials when in reality they are packed full of harmful ingredients.
Sadly, product labeling isn’t straightforward, as it can vary according to your location. In the EU, the ECOGEA organic and vegan certified label is considered to be the gold standard, and all our products meet the rigorous standards of this industry-leading institute.
While Doglyness products can be shipped worldwide, it is also a good idea to learn the relevant labeling standards in your region for any other products you may need to purchase. As well as government organic standards, additional third-party certifications such as the Green Seal in the US or Environmental Choice Australia can indicate that the product meets a higher level of environmental and ethical standards.
- Support companies with transparent sustainability practices
Before making a purchase, look for companies with transparent sustainability initiatives and ethical practices. Choose brands that prioritize renewable resources, ethical sourcing, and environmentally friendly production processes.
- Select eco-friendly packaging
When choosing pet products, opt for those packaged in recyclable or biodegradable materials to minimize waste (hint – our Veganbottles are compostable!). Items with minimal packaging or packaging made from recycled materials help to reduce waste and conserve resources. Materials like cardboard, paper, and glass tend to be more sustainable and earth-friendly than plastics.
- Dispose of packaging and waste responsibly
Although we’d love a world free from packaging, in reality, there is always some waste that needs to be disposed of. Rather than just throwing your rubbish away, consider repurposing packaging materials or finding alternative uses for them to reduce landfill waste. When recycling, make sure to use the correct collection points – this is particularly important for plastics, many of which need specialist recycling facilities.
Our packaging is crafted to be zero-waste
- Cut out single-use products
Single-use products are hugely detrimental to the planet, generating unnecessary waste and using precious resources to create an item with a very short lifespan. Whenever feasible, choose reusable and durable pet care products that will stand the test of time, and stay away from disposable doggy pads, grooming wipes, and plastic toys that are destroyed in a matter of hours.
There is one single-use pet product that is hard to avoid – the poop bag! As a conscientious pet owner, you’ll no doubt want to clean up after your dog, so switch to compostable poop bags, made from organic materials for a more sustainable option. Beware of poop bags that are labelled "biodegradable" as this can be misleading. Biodegradable means that the bags will eventually break down into smaller and smaller pieces, but this can take a very long time, sometimes hundreds or even thousands of years. They often break down into microplastics, which can harm the environment and wildlife.
In Summary
Here at Doglyness, we feel that the importance of earth-positive products for dog owners and the planet cannot be overstated. By opting for sustainable, environmentally friendly options, dog owners promote the health and well-being of their furry companions and contribute to preserving our planet's precious resources. Every dog owner can make conscious choices for their pets and the environment, considering factors such as sustainable materials, minimal packaging, and ethical sourcing practices.
If you are interested in making earth-positive choices for your pets, we invite you to explore our range of earth-positive dog coat care products, crafted with the planet and your pet's health in mind. Together, let's create a brighter, greener future for our beloved dogs and the world they call home!
