
- Jul 09, 2025
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- 04 mins read
Dump the Drawer: 7 Secret Stashes You're Pretending Aren't Clutter
A humorous and practical guide to identifying and decluttering common hidden chaos zones in your home, from secret drawers to overlooked cabinets.
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It’s easy to forget that while we’re swapping our plastic wrap for beeswax and turning off the lights when leaving a room, our furry friends might be leaving a not-so-tiny pawprint on the planet. But going green doesn’t mean Rover has to give up his favorite chew toy or Fluffy has to go raw vegan (unless she insists, of course). With a pinch of curiosity and a scoop of intention, eco-friendly pet care is not only possible—it can be downright paw-some!
So let’s dive into the wonderful world of wag-worthy, waste-free pet parenting.
We love them to bits, but pets contribute to environmental issues in sneaky ways—through plastic packaging, resource-heavy food production, synthetic toys, and waste management practices. One 2017 study estimated that pets in the U.S. alone consume about 25-30% of the environmental impacts from animal production. Yikes.
But before the eco-guilt spiral begins, here’s the good news: small swaps and mindful upgrades can drastically reduce your pet’s footprint without complicating your life (or theirs).
Making eco upgrades to your pet routine can actually be fun, budget-friendly, and healthier for your animal companions.
Just like humans, our pets thrive on good nutrition—and there are more eco-conscious options available than ever.
Some sustainable brands even make their packaging recyclable via mail-back programs. Others focus on novel proteins with much lower environmental impact than conventional meat.
Check if your local pet store offers a bulk refill station! Bring your own container and scoop sustainably.
If you’re serving eco-friendly chow, don’t let the bowl spoil the party.
Choose:
Avoid bowls with excessive plastic and glittery graphics that flake off (your pet deserves better than microplastics).
Toys bring joy, but so many are made of plastic or synthetics that live in landfills forever after a few nibbles. Here’s how to eco-hack your pet’s toy chest:
Keep it fun with DIY projects too! Think upcycled sock squeakers, braided tug ropes, or even a cardboard treat puzzle.
Let’s talk bath time. Most commercial pet shampoos are full of synthetic fragrances and come in single-use plastic bottles. Here’s how to clean up their clean-up routine:
You can even DIY a gentle grooming spray using witch hazel, aloe, and distilled water. Because smelling like a chemical jungle isn’t really the vibe.
Combine 1 cup distilled water, 1 tbsp witch hazel, 1 tbsp aloe vera gel, and a few drops of lavender essential oil (pet-safe). Shake and spritz for a fresh-smelling furball!
Poop happens—and it’s a serious part of the pet waste problem. Thankfully, there are ways to handle business cleanly and greenly.
Kitty litter may seem innocent, but clay-based litters require strip mining and aren’t biodegradable.
Choose:
Remember to transition gradually to avoid litterbox protests.
You want your pets looking snazzy, but not at the cost of the planet. Luckily, the world is finally catching up with tasteful, earth-conscious options.
Look for:
Bonus points if you rescue a gently used accessory from a local buy-nothing group!
Adopting green habits also counts just as much as purchasing sustainable products. Here are a few to wag your tail at:
And if you’re packing for a pet-inclusive trip, check out our post on Smart and Eco-Friendly Travel Packing Tips—it’s perfect for road-tripping with your pooch or taking your cat on cabin getaways.
Absolutely! Sustainability and style go paw-in-paw.
Many high-end brands now prioritize low-waste packaging, fair-wage production, and eco fabrics. So whether your pup prefers a minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic or your cat is into boho organic cotton hammocks—there are options.
Want to give it a shot without overspending? Head over to our Sustainable Fashion for Every Budget post. The same cost-savvy tricks apply to pet parenting, too.
Living sustainably with pets is about making intentional choices that balance their happiness with the planet’s well-being. Whether it’s that compostable litter, a stylish hemp leash, or homemade apple-banana biscuits—you’re making a difference with each swap (your pet may just thank you with extra snuggles).
So go ahead. Love your animal companions fiercely—and tread lightly while you do.
Which eco-friendly pet habit will you start this week? Snap a pic and tag us on Instagram at @mysimple.life.official so we can cheer you and your furry friend on!
Chloe Greenfield
Chloe's journey into eco-friendly living began when she accidentally brought her reusable coffee cup to a meeting and was dubbed "the tree hugger" by her coworkers. Leaning into the label, she discovered a passion for sustainability and simple living. Now, she's on a mission to make sustainable habits fun, relatable, and easy for everyone—no tree-hugging required (though she still does it sometimes).
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