5 Easy Eco-Friendly Swaps for Dog Parents

At Ziippup, we believe in creating stylish, functional, and sustainable dog accessories that reduce waste and enhance every walk. So, if you're wondering how to make your dog parenting habits more eco-friendly this Plastic Free July, we’ve got you covered. Remember, the most sustainable choice is to use what you already have until it reaches the end of its life. Make these swaps when the time feels right for you, not just for the sake of buying new.

What Is Plastic Free July?

Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages millions of people to be part of the solution to plastic pollution so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and communities. For dog parents, it’s the perfect time to make small but powerful changes that benefit not just the environment, but also your pup.

Here are five quick swaps that make a big difference – all designed to reduce plastic, support circular design, and make your dog walks more sustainable.

1. Swap the Plastic Poo Bag Holder for a Lead with Built-In Storage

Let’s start with something you use every single day – your dog lead and poo bag holder.

Traditional plastic clip-on poo bag holders often break, rattle, and end up in landfill. Most are made from hard plastics that take hundreds of years to degrade. Not to mention, they’re fiddly and don’t exactly elevate your style.

The swap: Ziippup’s signature dog lead with a built-in storage pouch. This innovative design eliminates the need for a separate plastic poo bag holder. The storage pouch is sleek, secure, and big enough to hold your poo bags, treats, and keys without the extra bulk.

Why it’s better:
- No risk of losing or breaking the holder
- Fewer accessories to carry = simpler walks
- Durable and made to last
- Less plastic waste

This small swap eliminates a single-use mindset and replaces it with a smart, sustainable solution.

2. Swap Plastic Poo Bags for Compostable Ones

Poo bags are a non-negotiable part of dog parenting, but they don’t have to be part of the plastic pollution problem.

Most standard poo bags are made from polyethylene, a type of plastic that doesn’t break down naturally. Even biodegradable bags take years to degrade and often only do so under industrial conditions. Worse, they often break into microplastics that harm marine life.

The swap: Ziippup’s certified compostable poo bags made from plant-based materials like corn starch. These bags are 100% plastic free and break down in as little as 90 days in a commercial composting facility.

Why it’s better:
- Made from renewable resources
- Breaks down naturally without toxic residue
- Reduces reliance on fossil fuels
- Gentle on the planet

If you’re going to pick up after your dog (and you should!), doing it plastic-free is the way to go.

3. Swap Mass-Produced Treats for Hand-Made Ones

Dog treats are another everyday essential, but many of the big brands come in crinkly, unrecyclable plastic bags. These plastic packs go straight to landfill and contribute to household waste. In addition, mass-produced treats often include artificial ingredients and preservatives.

The swap: Support local makers who create hand-made, healthy treats. And bring your own reusable container when buying them at markets. A clean jar or airtight container works beautifully.

Why it’s better:
- Zero plastic waste
- Supports local businesses
- You know exactly what’s in your dog’s treats
- Fresher, more nutritious options for your pup

This is a swap that’s not just better for the environment – it’s better for your dog’s health too.

4. Swap Vegan Leather Leads for rPET Leads

Vegan leather sounds like the sustainable choice, but this isn’t the case. While it avoids animal products, most vegan leather is made from polyurethane (PU) or PVC – both petroleum-based plastics. These materials are not biodegradable, release toxins when broken down, and have a significant carbon footprint.

The swap: Ziippup’s stylish dog leads made from rPET – a material created by recycling post-consumer plastic bottles. It gives plastic a second life, keeps it out of oceans and landfill, and turns it into something beautiful and practical.

Why it’s better:
- Diverts waste from landfill
- Lower carbon footprint than virgin plastic or PU leather
- Durable, soft, and weather-resistant
- Safe for your dog, safer for the planet

An rPET lead gives you the same strength and functionality you need, but with a much lighter footprint.

5. Swap Biothane Dog Collars for rPET Dog Collars

Biothane is a synthetic material often praised for its durability and waterproof finish, but it’s still plastic-based and non-biodegradable. It’s often marketed as eco-friendly, but unfortunately, it doesn’t break down naturally and is rarely recycled.

The swap: Ziippup’s dog collars made from rPET. These collars are soft, strong, sustainable and made to last.

Why it’s better:
- Created from recycled plastic bottles
- Durable and lightweight
- Easy to clean and comfy for your pup
- Fully recyclable at end of life

By choosing rPET over plastic-based biothane, you help reduce demand for virgin materials and support a circular product lifecycle.

Final Thoughts: Small Swaps, Big Impact

Plastic Free July is the perfect opportunity to pause, assess, and make conscious changes. And you don’t need to be perfect. Every swap, no matter how small, adds up to meaningful change when it comes to reducing plastic waste and protecting our environment.

At Ziippup, we design eco-friendly and sustainable dog accessories that make these swaps easy. Whether it's a dog lead made from rPET, a collar that treads lightly, or compostable poo bags that break down naturally, we believe in doing better for dogs and the planet.

So, this July (and beyond), let’s choose better – for our pets, for the planet, and for future generations.