GOOD FOR DOGS AND THE PLANET

DURING lockdown, we discovered a new appreciation for nature and green spaces.

Air quality improved, pollution eased and, as a result, many of us are making changes to lessen our environmental impact on the planet.

But did you know that dogs have a bigger carbon footprint than cars?

Eco-friendly pet company Beco makes sustainable products to help owners reduce their pet’s carbon paw print.

I had a chat with its founder

George

Bramble, right, to find out more…

How did it all start?

After coming out of university, I wanted to run my own business. I wanted to cause the least damage to the environment and also give back. I grew up with dogs and thought what a wonderful job to be in!

In 2009, the business launched selling plastic-alternative pet products made from bamboo. We chose bamboo as it grows really quickly and breaks down naturally.

Tell me about your products.

We create plastic alternatives and also upcycle and reform plastic. Last year, we upcycled 1.7million plastic bottles and turned them into toys. That’s 1.7m items of plastic litter not heading for our oceans, not poisoning marine life.

We have three main objectives when creating our products. It has to look good, the dog must like it and it has to be affordable.

You shouldn’t have to spend more money to be sustainable.

Why should pet owners get involved? Our motto is love your dog, love our planet.

If you enjoy walking with your dog and love going to places together such as the countryside and beach, then you need to take care of those places.

Now is the time to care for our planet, just as much as we do our dogs.

All our materials help to lessen your dog’s environmental impact. We’re doing everything we can to allow dogs to be eco-friendly.

● To help reduce your pet’s carbon paw print, see becopets.com