A Duty to the Earth: Why Sustainability is the Heart of Dogged
A Duty to the Earth: Why Sustainability is the Heart of Dogged
When Taryn and I first sat down to envision what dogged could be, we weren’t just thinking about better gear; we were thinking about the footprint we leave behind. We saw a disconnect in the pet industry: a cycle of disposable plastic and fleeting quality that didn’t align with the deep respect we have for the animals in our lives. To us, our dogs are family, and we believe it is our fundamental duty to protect the world they walk upon.
Sustainability is not a marketing strategy for us; it is our personal philosophy. We believe that caring for your dog should never come at the expense of the environment. If we don’t protect the earth today, the future of the outdoor spaces where we hike, play, and bond with our companions is at risk. Our mission is to ensure that the joy of the trail and the health of the planet last for generations of dogs and humans to come.
The Philosophy of a More Sustainable Feeding Routine
Feeding is one of the most consistent rituals we share with our dogs. It is a moment of connection, nourishment, and care. However, we realized that this daily ritual often generates hidden waste. When accessories reach the end of their life, they shouldn't just disappear into a landfill. As founders, we felt a responsibility to look at the entire lifecycle of our products, from the first meal to the final destination.
We believe in building a circular feeding routine. This means designing products that aren't just durable, but purposeful. By choosing gear that lasts longer and can eventually be repurposed, we reduce the clutter in our homes and the burden on our planet. It’s about being intentional with every choice, ensuring that our love for our pets is reflected in our stewardship of the earth.
Closing the Loop: Our Vision for a Circular Economy
Our commitment to the planet led us to create a way to close the loop on our products. We didn't want to just sell you a slow feeder; we wanted to be responsible for it forever. Our approach is built on three pillars:
- Intentional Longevity: We design our feeding systems to endure years of use, resisting the 'throwaway' culture of modern pet care.
- Material Responsibility: We utilize high-quality silicone that is safe for your dog and capable of advanced recovery.
- The Take-Back Promise: We established our recycling program to ensure no piece of dogged gear ever has to become permanent waste.
How the Dogged Recycling Program Works
The dogged recycling program is our way of taking accountability. If you use our slow feeder systems, you are already an active participant in this mission. We’ve made the process as seamless as possible because we believe that doing the right thing for the planet should be accessible to everyone.
- Request a Label: When your feeder has finally finished its journey in your home, reach out for a return label. We cover 100% of the shipping costs because we believe managing the end-of-life of our products is our responsibility, not yours.
- Ship It Back: Simply ensure your gear is clean. By returning items, you help us reduce the demand for new raw materials.
- Responsible Processing: We partner with Vitacore, experts in clean technology. They specialize in material recovery, ensuring your silicone is processed back into a usable state rather than sitting in a landfill.
- A Token of Thanks: To honor your commitment to the earth, we offer a 10% store credit for every slow feeder returned. It’s our way of saying thank you for helping us protect the environment.
A Shared Journey for Humans and Dogs
At dogged, we are proud to align our work with the United Nations sustainable development goals and the global Net Zero movement. But more than that, we are proud of the community of dog parents who share our vision. Every time you choose a sustainable feeder bowl system, you are making a choice for a cleaner, healthier future.
Thank you for trusting us with your dog’s daily ritual and for joining us in our duty to protect the earth. Together, we can ensure that every meal supports not just a thriving dog, but a thriving planet.
