It’s Plastic Free July, and I'm challenging myself to find alternatives to single use plastic for an entire month - and to write a daily blog on the most interesting parts of the experience. Today I’m thinking about how my pets can go plastic free.
Yesterday while I was at the shops in O’Connor, I stopped at City Farmers to pick up food for Poppy my rabbit, and Marie and Josephine my rats. They’ve watched me go plastic free every day for the past seventeen days, and have mentioned that they’d like to go plastic free too.
I thought City Farmers would have what I needed, but unfortunately, Poppy’s hay only came in plastic. And she can’t eat the hay from bales as it’s dry and more suited to horses than rabbits. Does anyone know where to get plastic free hay for conscientious bunnies?
(Don’t worry, Poppy didn’t go hungry - I broke my challenge to buy her the bagged hay).
Thankfully, all my pets’ dry food comes in cardboard boxes, and I avoid the boxes with plastic windows. I also share my oats with them, which I bought during my first plastic free grocery shop.
I noticed that lots of the pet toys had little plastic loops on them, so that the store can hang them up in their displays. It would be great to see toys displayed on shelves instead, so that they’re not creating a need for more plastic.
The biggest plus about City Farmers? I’ve never been offered a plastic bag. Even when I’ve balanced hay, dry food, and toys in my arms, the staff have offered to help me carry them to my car - with arms, not plastic.
What are your recommendations for plastic free pets?