Zero Waste Week

It’s Zero Waste Week and a fantastic chance to take a fresh look at our everyday choices and see how we are doing. For those of us with pets, waste can build up quickly, from food packaging, cat litter and poo bags, to broken toys. At Agria, we know these everyday choices matter, because caring for animals also means caring for the world they live in.

We’ve already made changes in our own business, no single-use plastics in our head office, full recycling stations in every kitchen, and even our famous, snuggly Anton horse toy is made from 100% recycled plastic. Reducing waste is part of our purpose, to protect pets, people, and the planet, and Zero Waste Week is a great time to share some tips to help you along too.

Dogs and cats bring so much joy into our lives, but from treat wrappers to short-lived plastic toys, they can also leave a trail of waste behind.

• Food and treats: Buying in bigger packs or choosing brands with recyclable packaging cuts down on single-use waste. Refillable jars or tins for treats work well too, and switching from single pouches to tins reduces plastic waste (tins are easily recycled if cleaned).
• Toys: Instead of flimsy plastic, look for natural rubber, rope, or recycled materials. They last longer, which means less rubbish, and they’re often safer for chewing. Cats can be really happy with a cardboard box or scrunched-up paper bag as a new plastic toy. Repurposing things you already have is often the most sustainable choice.
• Waste on walks: Poo bags are essential, but what matters is proper disposal. Always put them in general waste bins, never recycling or compost. And certainly not left hanging from a tree.
• Litter: Wood and paper-based litters often have a lighter footprint than clay or silica versions. Always follow local disposal guidance.

Horses come with larger challenges - feed sacks, bedding, and equipment all generate waste. But the scale also brings real chances to make a difference.

• Feed and bedding: Buying in bulk reduces packaging, and many feed sacks can now be recycled at collection points. Some yards are trialling refill systems too.
• Manure: When composted properly, horse manure becomes a nutrient-rich fertiliser for gardens and allotments. Sharing with local growers is a great way to close the loop and make sure nothing goes to waste.
• Repair and reuse: Rugs, tack, and clothing often have plenty of life left. Repair services, swap groups, and second-hand sales keep them in circulation for longer.

Zero Waste Week isn’t about doing everything at once, you don’t have to be perfect!. Think about small changes that are realistic for you and your animals. Maybe that’s repairing your horse’s rug, refilling a treat jar instead of buying another bag, or sharing composted manure with your neighbour’s garden.

At Agria, we’re reducing waste in our own operations and helping pet owners do the same. From cutting single-use plastics in our head office, to supporting pet owners through our Carbon Pawprint and Hoofprint calculators, we’re working towards a future where pets can thrive without costing the earth.

Zero Waste Week is just one part of the plan. Our 10 Point Promise to the Planet guides how we reduce waste, cut emissions, and care for animals in a way that supports people and the planet too. If you’d like to learn more about our journey, and how you and your pets can join us, take a look at our sustainability page here: https://www.agriapet.co.uk/sustainability/