Recycled Plastic: Planet Protector or Paw-sible Problem?

“There is no such thing as ‘away’. When we throw anything away, it must go somewhere.” – Annie Leonard

At times, bringing up recycled plastic in a conversation can be as dicey as bringing up politics.

Is recycled plastic really eco-friendly? It's a tricky topic with lots of angles.

If you're a pup parent who cares about the planet, chances are you've noticed recycled plastic listed in the “ingredients” for everything from dog collars to clothes. It's marketed as a sustainable alternative to virgin plastics, promising to reduce waste, provide some relief for the oceans and help us tread a little lighter on Earth (paw prints included).

But is recycled plastic truly the eco-friendly solution it claims to be—or is it just a way to make us feel better while the planet continues to suffocate from plastic?

Like any good debate, we’re finding there are at least two sides to the story...

The Promise of Recycled Plastic: Why It Can Be a Good Thing

First, the good news. Recycled plastic isn’t just a trendy fad—it really does offer some important environmental benefits, especially when used mindfully.

1. Less Waste in Landfills

Each ton of recycled plastic saves over 7 cubic yards of landfill space (plasticsforchange.org). That’s a big deal when the majority of plastic waste still ends up buried (only ~5% of plastic is recycled in the US (roadrunnerwm.com)). With so many eco-conscious pet parents looking for sustainable alternatives, every recycled dog collar or t-shirt helps lighten the load.

2. Fewer Resources Used

Creating recycled plastic takes 75% less energy than making new plastic (plasticsforchange.org). It also conserves natural resources—like oil and gas—that are typically used in plastic production. Think of it as choosing walking instead of driving—it just makes more sense for the environment.

3. Lower Carbon Paw-Print

A significant global increase in plastic recycling (a 2018 study cites a rather optimistic increase of 70% of plastics being recycled) could reduce carbon emissions by millions of tons per year. While recycled plastic isn’t perfect, it certainly performs better in terms of emissions than new plastic made from fossil fuels. Point: step in the right direction.

4. Helping Keep Oceans Clean

Every uptick in recycling keeps millions of pounds of plastic out of our oceans. That’s great news for marine life and sporty pups who love beach days. Microplastics are being found everywhere now—from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains—the need to keep plastic out of nature compounds daily.

Bonus Points:

• Creative, Circular Design: Recycled plastic is finding its way into everything from leashes to eco-friendly pet beds. Big brands (and smaller, mission-driven ones) are using it in innovative ways that support a circular economy—where materials are reused instead of tossed out.

• New Tech on the Horizon: New recycling technologies like chemical and enzymatic recycling are making headlines for their potential to create truly reusable plastics. Enzymatic recycling, in particular, could allow plastics to be recycled endlessly without losing quality—sort of like your dog’s favorite toy that never wears out. Happy pup, happy planet.

  
  

“Only we humans make waste that nature can’t digest.” – Captain Charles J Moore

Reality Intrudes: Recycled Plastic Has Its Limitations

Ah, reality. Not always welcomed with open arms, but necessary to move forward. As eco-minded pet parents, it's important to see the full picture. Recycled plastic comes with its own set of challenges:

1. Not Enough Is Recycled

Despite the hype, only 9% of plastic gets recycled globally (Greenpeace, Plastics for Change). The rest is landfilled, burned, or ends up in our environment. That limits how much of a difference recycled plastic can actually make.

2. It Can Contain Harmful Chemicals

Some recycled plastics may have higher levels of toxic substances—leftovers from their previous life (Greenpeace). These can include flame retardants or other chemicals not ideal for pets or people. A good tip would be to look for brands that certify their materials and prioritize safety.

3. Microplastics Still a Concern

Even during the recycling process, tiny plastic particles—aka microplastics—can escape into the environment. These end up in soil, water, and even inside animals. A 2023 study cited by The Washington Post found that breaking down plastics for recycling releases microplastics, exacerbating environmental harm. While your pup might love digging, microplastics in the dirt aren’t part of a healthy ecosystem.

4. Exporting the Problem

A lot of recycled waste gets shipped to other countries, especially lower-income ones (Greenpeace). This can lead to pollution and social justice concerns. True sustainability should benefit everyone—not just the countries that can afford to outsource their trash.

Additional Points of Consideration:

• Not All Plastics Are Equal: While recycled plastic numbers seem low, plastic comes in different types, and only a few are widely recyclable:

  • Best bet: PET (#1) and HDPE (#2)

  • Harder to recycle: PVC (#3), LDPE (#4), PP (#5), PS (#6), and #7 (Other)

• Contaminated or mixed plastics often get tossed in the trash—even if they were put in the recycling bin. It's called wishcycling, and it’s all too common. The takeaway? Know your materials and recycle responsibly.

  
  

“If it can’t be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refurbished, resold, recycled, or composted, then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production.” –Pete Seeger

Recycled vs. Biodegradable: What’s Better for Pet Products?

Both materials have their place:

• Recycled plastic is strong, durable, and reduces the need for new resources.

• Biodegradable plastics can break down naturally but often require very specific conditions—and can still release microplastics if they degrade improperly.

  
  

Who wins the debate? It’s a draw. Nothing is perfect, but recycled plastic can be part of a smarter, more sustainable pet product lineup—if used thoughtfully.

Taking A Paw-sitive Path Forward

Recycled plastic isn’t a magical solution—but it is a step in the right direction, which The Earth Pup is fully in support of. It helps reduce waste, saves energy, and cuts emissions. But it also has limits, especially when it comes to toxicity, pollution, and low recycling rates.

As The Earth Pup’s journey continues, we’re finding real sustainability means more than just materials. It means rethinking how we produce, consume, and care—for our pets, our planet, and future generations.

So next time you’re shopping for your pup, remember: the most eco-friendly product isn’t always the trendiest or the newest—it’s the one designed with the planet in mind, from the first paw print to the last.