Protecting Our Oceans: Small changes make big waves.
Following on from World Ocean Day, here’s why we’re diving deeper into why sustainability matters — for our oceans, and our pets.
World Ocean Day was this past Sunday, and as we move into summer (beach days, sandy paws, and salty swims incoming!), we wanted to pause and reflect on what this means for us at Green & Wild’s — and for all of us who love the sea.
At Green & Wild’s, we believe that protecting our oceans starts with small, conscious decisions. And yes, even the toys we buy for our dogs make a difference.
The Plastic Problem
Every year, over 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in our oceans. That’s a lorry-load every single minute. And it doesn’t just disappear. Some plastics take up to 500 years to break down, slowly degrading into microplastics that are now found in marine animals, beach sand, and even our drinking water.
Even Recycled Plastic is Still Plastic
Lots of dog toys today are made from plastic, and some even boast of being made from recycled bottles. While that’s a better option than virgin plastic, it still means those toys will eventually break down into plastic waste, and fabrics made from bottle-based polyester can be tricky to recycle again.
At Green & Wild’s, we do things differently. Our Eco Toys are:
· Made with natural materials, plant fibre jute, suede offcuts, and natural wool felt.
· Either biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable.
· Completely natural inside and out, with no polyester stuffing.
Some of our Eco Toys do include a recycled bottle inside, to provide a satisfying crinkle, but crucially:
· The bottle can easily be removed or replaced.
· The toy itself remains fully natural.
· The bottle is easier to recycle again than plastic fabrics.
When it’s time to say goodbye, your toy won’t be haunting the planet for the next 500 years.
Why This Matters
Around 80% of ocean plastic comes from land-based sources. Even something as innocent as tossing away an old dog toy can become part of the problem if it’s plastic-based.
By switching to eco alternatives, we’re helping stop that flow before it begins.
A Sea-Loving Pup with a Purpose
If you caught our Ocean Week reel, you’ll have met Simba — our sandy-snouted star and loyal ocean explorer. Whether he's diving headfirst into the waves or joyfully chewing on Stanley the Starfish, Simba embodies the energy we want to protect.
His playful spirit reminds us that dogs don’t need plastic to have fun. What they need is love, stimulation, and safe, planet-friendly play.
A Better Summer, One Toy at a Time
From Stanley the Starfish to Sid the Squid, our ocean-themed eco toys are more than just cute; they’re a celebration of the sea creatures we want to protect.
With every toy you choose from our Eco Toy Collection, you’re taking a step towards:
· Reducing plastic in your home
· Supporting ethical, low-impact production
· Protecting the places our pets love to explore
Let’s make this summer a season of joy, play, and purpose. Our dogs may not understand microplastics, but they know what love feels like. And for us, love means doing better for them and the planet.
Together, we’re making waves.
