Best of Green Awards 2021: Top Eco-Friendly Pet Products
Every year, the Best of Green Awards by Treehugger recognize the most progressive, sustainable, and innovative products designed for eco-conscious pet owners. The 2021 awards spotlight a new generation of pet products that protect both animal companions and the environment, paving the way for healthier, greener homes. Products are judged not just on function and design, but on their environmental footprint—from materials sourcing to packaging and corporate sustainability commitments.
Why Eco-Friendly Pet Products Matter
Pet care can create significant environmental impact, from single-use plastics and chemical cleaners to packaging waste and unsustainable sourcing of food or bedding. The Best of Green Awards set the industry standard by highlighting those brands that are pushing for greener, safer, and smarter ways to care for our pets, helping both pets and their people live harmoniously with the planet.
How Products Are Chosen
Products awarded by the Best of Green Awards are evaluated using strict environmental and ethical criteria, including:
- Use of natural, non-toxic, and recycled materials
- Manufacturing transparency and clean, ethical supply chains
- Resource-efficient production and reduced emissions
- Fair labor practices and social responsibility commitments
- Waste-reducing or compostable packaging
- Innovative solutions for reducing both pet- and human-generated waste
- A measurable commitment to climate or sustainability goals
Below, explore the 2021 winners and outstanding eco pet products, each excelling in sustainability, functionality, and companion animal wellbeing.
Best Eco-Friendly Pet Bedding: NaturoPet Natural Pet Beds
Choosing sustainable pet bedding reduces household toxins and single-use plastics. NaturoPet’s Natural Pet Beds set the standard for comfort and sustainability. Made in North America with premium natural wool and organic cotton, these beds are entirely free of synthetic fillers, dyes, or chemical flame retardants. The materials biodegrade safely at end-of-life, cutting down on landfill waste. Owners reported that pets find them exceptionally comfortable and easy to keep clean.
- Materials: Certified organic cotton, natural wool
- Benefits: All-natural, hypoallergenic, biodegradable, machine washable
- Sustainability: Wool sourced from responsible farms; manufactured in clean, energy-efficient facilities
Best Plastic-Free Pet Litter Solution: Eco Pet Box
Pet owners seeking a greener alternative to conventional litter found a top choice in Eco Pet Box. This award-winning litter solution is manufactured from recycled paperboard and ships completely plastic-free. It contains biodegradable litter made from a blend of hay and wood: ingredients that naturally absorb moisture and neutralize odors without added chemicals. This means less plastic and fewer toxins entering landfills, with compostable or recyclable packaging for closed-loop waste disposal.
- Materials: Recycled paperboard, natural hay and wood blend
- Benefits: No plastic or chemicals, effective odor control, fully compostable or recyclable
- Impact: Reduces landfill waste, safer for pets and humans alike
Most Innovative Eco Pet Toy: Bitti Gitti Wooden Sound System
In a pet product market dominated by plastics and disposable batteries, the Bitti Gitti Wooden Sound System shines for its ingenuity and zero-waste principles. While originally celebrated as a unique human speaker, its non-electric design, reliance on layered birch for resonance, and absolute lack of plastic make it an excellent choice for eco-conscious pet families who want ambient music or nature sounds in pet spaces, without electronic waste or energy use.
- Features: Boosts sound naturally via 7-layer birch; requires no power
- Sustainability: No electronics, all-wood design, recyclable and upcyclable
- Ethics: Made with fair labor; packaged mindfully; producer holds firm sustainability values
Best Sustainable Pet Grooming and Care Products
More pet owners are turning away from single-use wipes and harsh chemical cleaners in favor of green grooming supplies. Leading eco-friendly care products include:
- Compostable grooming wipes made from plant-based fibers
- Natural shampoos and grooming sprays with USDA-certified organic ingredients
- Accessories packaged in recyclable or compostable materials with zero plastic
Not only are these products safe for pets with allergies or sensitivities, but they also help eliminate microplastics and toxins from entering water streams when washed down drains.
Top Waste-Reduction Solutions for Eco Pets
Pet waste contributes to landfill overload and water pollution. Award-winning waste reduction products include:
- Compostable poop bags made from cornstarch or plant-based PLA
- Pooper scoopers or litter systems made from recycled plastic or metal
- Training pads that are biodegradable or washable/reusable
Many companies honored in 2021 have adopted strict zero waste policies and encourage customers to return packaging or products for repurposing at end-of-life.
Best Sustainably Sourced Pet Foods
With pet food production a major source of agricultural waste and emissions, the Awards spotlight companies that prioritize:
- Human-grade, responsibly sourced proteins such as wild-caught fish or certified pasture-raised meats
- Plant-forward pet foods using pulses, whole grains, and vegetables as main ingredients
- Alternative protein sources like insect protein or upcycled food byproducts
- Packaging that is recyclable, compostable, or made from post-consumer materials
These brands are not only better for the environment, but often support pet health through higher ingredient quality and transparency around sourcing.
Noteworthy Green Pet Accessories
Many accessory categories, such as collars, leashes, beds, and bowls, have traditionally involved plastics, nylon, or synthetic dyes. 2021’s best accessories are made from:
- Natural fibers like hemp or organic cotton
- Recycled or upcycled materials
- Durable designs for longer life and minimal replacement
Companies also minimize their logistics footprint by using carbon-offset shipping and reducing packaging wherever possible.
What Sets the Winners Apart?
- Commitment to Zero Waste: Several honored brands encourage product take-back programs, upcycling initiatives, and even refill schemes for consumables.
- Resource-Efficient Manufacturing: Factories use renewable energy, water-reduction strategies, and ethical labor standards.
- Transparency and Traceability: Winners are upfront about sourcing, production methods, and social or environmental certifications.
- Education and Advocacy: Many brands don’t just sell green products—they educate consumers on sustainable pet care and advocate for broader industry change.
Comparison Table: Standout Eco Pet Products (2021)
| Product | Category | Main Material | Sustainability Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| NaturoPet Beds | Bedding | Organic wool & cotton | Biodegradable, no synthetics |
| Eco Pet Box | Litter | Recycled paperboard, hay, wood | No plastic, fully compostable |
| Bitti Gitti Sound System | Play/Environment | Birch wood | Zero-power, recyclable, long-lasting |
| Plant-Based Wipes | Grooming | Bamboo/cotton | Compostable, no microplastics |
| Compostable Poop Bags | Waste Disposal | PLAs/cornstarch | Fully degradable, no petrochemicals |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I look for in a truly sustainable pet product?
Look for minimal or biodegradable packaging, non-toxic and organic ingredients, transparency in manufacturing, zero waste practices, fair labor, and clear climate or social impact goals from the company.
Are eco-friendly pet products more expensive?
Many sustainable products do cost slightly more upfront due to higher production standards and better materials; however, their durability and long-term health benefits for pets and planet may reduce costs and problems over time.
Can switching to green pet products significantly reduce my pet’s environmental impact?
Absolutely. Choosing compostable litter, natural fiber beds, and sustainable foods can help curb landfill waste, cut pollution, and encourage healthier pet living, while sending important market signals for broader industry change.
How do I dispose of eco-friendly pet products at the end of their life?
Always follow label instructions: many can be composted, while other brands offer take-back or recycling programs. Avoid sending green products to landfill whenever a more sustainable end-of-life option is available.
Final Thoughts on the Green Pet Revolution
The 2021 Best of Green Awards show that sustainability in pet care is more than a trend—it’s the new standard. By choosing innovative, non-toxic, and responsibly sourced solutions, pet guardians contribute directly to a cleaner world and a healthier life for all. Each year brings greater attention to planet-friendly pet care and the remarkable brands setting new benchmarks for what sustainability looks like, one paw at a time.
