Protecting Our Oceans: Small changes make big waves.

The sea is magic. Salty air, sandy paws, wind in your dog’s ears. It’s where we go to breathe, to play, to switch off (and maybe to chase a few seagulls). 

But beneath the waves, all is not well. Every year, over 8 million tonnes of plastic ends up in our oceans. That’s a lorry-load a minute. And most of it comes from us: plastic wrappers, discarded fishing gear — even old dog toys — are washing out to sea and overstaying their welcome. Once they’re out there, they don’t just vanish. They stick around for centuries, slowly breaking down into microplastics and working their way into fish, water, soil, and eventually... us. 

That’s a hard truth to chew on. 

From Pavement to Pacific: How Plastic Enters the Oceans 

We tend to think of plastic pollution as something that happens far away. But most of it starts close to home. It flies out of bins, washes down drains, or is dumped in places it shouldn’t be. Before long, it's in a river, then a lake, then floating through the open sea, even in marine protected areas. 

80% of plastic waste comes from land-based sources, including single-use packaging, plastic bags, and synthetic fibres. Once it’s floating out there, it starts causing real trouble for marine species. Animals mistake it for food, get tangled in it, or swallow tiny pieces that mess with their digestion and make their way up the food chain. 

And it’s not just sea life being affected. Microplastics are found almost everywhere: in seafood, drinking water, Antarctic ice, and even the air we breathe. Once plastic enters the oceans, it doesn’t stay put. It breaks down, spreads out, and sneaks into places it absolutely shouldn’t be — including our own bodies. 

…But We can Turn the Tide 

…We really can. Every small switch adds up. And the best place to start? Right at home. 

Think about the things you buy every week: snacks, shampoo, dog toys. Now think about how many of those come wrapped in plastic or made from stuff that’s basically designed to be thrown away. With a few clever swaps, we can reduce the flow of waste long before it ends up at sea, protecting coral reefs, sea turtles, and marine ecosystems. 

None of us can fix the Great Pacific Garbage Patch overnight. But small changes make big waves. 

Can Eco Dog Toys Help Stop Ocean Pollution? 

Lots of dog toys out there are made from polyester, nylon, and other kinds of plastic. Some are marketed as eco-friendly because they use recycled materials, but at the end of the day, it’s still plastic. It still sheds fibres. It still takes centuries to break down. 

At Green & Wild’s, we take a different approach. Our eco toy collection is made from proper natural materials: things like jute, suede offcuts, and wool felt. That means no plastic stuffing, no weird dyes, and no dodgy finishes. Just toys your dog can chomp on happily, without leaving a trail of microplastics behind. 

Even the “crinkle” noise some toys make? We use an actual plastic bottle inside that can be taken out and recycled again. No sneaky polyester fibres to worry about. 

While your dog’s old chew toy might not seem like a big deal, multiply that by millions and it adds up fast. Reducing your plastic use, even in small ways, can help keep that stuff out of the sea. Natural toys are also safer for dogs, better for the planet, and way less stinky than some of those synthetic options. 

Protecting What We Love 

From rock pooling in Cornwall to beach runs in Brighton, our dogs love the coast just as much as we do. But it’s not enough to enjoy it. We’ve got to protect it. That doesn’t just mean joining a beach clean or signing a petition (though those help). It’s about being mindful of what we bring into our homes and what we leave behind. 

Buy fewer plastic bottles. Ditch the single-use bits. Choose brands that think about environmental sustainability, not just sales. And when your dog needs a new toy? Choose one that’s built with the planet in mind. 

And yes, we’ve got our very own eco explorer. You might’ve seen Simba, our sandy-snouted superstar, splashing in the waves or giving Stanley the Starfish a good old chew. He’s living proof that dogs don’t need plastic to have fun. What they need is love, stimulation, and planet-friendly play 

Speaking of sea-loving sidekicks... Sid the Squid, Larry the Lobster, Roger the Ropefish, and our other marine-themed toys aren’t just adorable, they’re a celebration of the real creatures we’re trying to protect. Made entirely of natural fibres, they let your pup play with the ocean in mind. 

Every Little Choice Adds Up 

We’re not here to guilt trip anyone. But we do believe in making things better: for our pets, our planet, and everything in between. That’s what sustainable development is really about: not just doing less harm, but doing more good. 

So next time you're by the sea, watching your dog sprint through the waves or roll in seaweed, take a second to think about what’s under the surface. The marine life we can’t see. The ecosystems holding everything together. The delicate balance we’re all part of. Let’s keep that world safe, clean, and thriving; not just for us, but for future generations of sandy-snouted, wave-chasing dogs. 

If you’ve made a small switch, joined a beach clean, or just picked up someone else’s rubbish on your dog walk, we’d love to hear about it. Tag us on Instagram or Facebook and share the love. 

And if your pup’s due a new toy? Take a peek at our eco toy collection. It’s a little thing. But little things, as we know, make big waves.