One in three Brits now chooses a pet based on the size of their ‘carbon pawprint’, new research suggests.
More than half of UK adults (51%) own at least one animal and 34% were influenced by environmental concerns when choosing their companion, according to a survey of 2,000 people conducted by Opinium for 100% renewable energy supplier Pure Planet.
Smaller rodents were the most popular environmental choice, with 89% of mouse and rat owners saying their low impact on the planet made them appealing, while hamsters were the second most popular with 68% saying climate concerns influenced their decision.
The survey found dogs and cats were still by far the most popular animals, however, with dog owners more likely to choose sustainable food and toys.
The full climate impact of pets was revealed in a US study that found cats and dogs accounted for an extra 64 million tons of nitrous oxide and methane every year – a quarter of all animal agriculture emissions and equivalent to driving 13.6 million cars. Meat-based pet food was the largest contributor.
SUSTAINABLE
In the UK, according to the Pure Planet study, nearly half (47%) of dog owners choose to feed their pets sustainable meals such as meat-free, vegan or organic while 38% of cat owners do the same.
Overall, pet owners are also increasingly climate conscious when shopping for accessories, with 42% going for natural, sustainable or recycled toys and 45% preferring to source items locally.
And sustainability doesn’t end with the things Brits buy their pets – 45% of owners say they prefer to dispose of waste sustainably, for example by composting or using natural cat litter or biodegradable waste bags.
The energy efficiency of where the pet lives is also important, with 43% turning to renewable energy, double glazing and low energy bulbs.
ENVIRONMENT
Steven Day, co-founder of Pure Planet, said: “Pets are a huge part of people’s lives, as we can see more than half of households choose to share their lives with an animal.
“But some pets can have a surprisingly large impact on the environment which is why it is so good to see more and more people considering this.
“If you do want to help shrink your pet’s carbon pawprint the good news is there are a number of easy ways to help cut your pet’s carbon footprint with simple changes to diet, the things we buy them and of course the energy we use to heat our homes all make a difference.”
Pure Planet, the first supplier in Britain to be all-digital, with zero-markup on its 100% renewable electricity and carbon offset gas.
