For the eco conscious farm owner or animal lover, finding animal bedding that is appropriate for an animal’s comfort and wellbeing as well as being sustainable is important for upkeeping sustainability standards. However, it is also important in general, for all farm and small-holding owners, in a bid to cut the carbon footprint of their business. If you are looking for ways to improve your current approach to your farm’s sustainability measures, investing in eco-friendly animal bedding is a good place to start.
While the market is still growing and making space for eco-friendly animal bedding options, there is already a good selection to choose from.
Eco-friendly animal bedding
There are several eco-friendly bedding options that offer excellent comfort, absorbency, and odour control, all while minimising environmental impact:
- Recycled paper bedding: Made from recycled paper products like newspapers and cardboard, this dust-free option is highly absorbent and biodegradable.
- Hemp bedding: This naturally absorbent and antimicrobial material boasts superior odour control and provides excellent insulation. While slightly pricier, its longevity and compostability make it a sustainable choice.
- Composted wood shavings: Opt for composted wood shavings instead of fresh ones to reduce environmental impact and create a nutrient-rich material for your garden. Wood shaving is an incredibly viable bedding option for animals, from horses to poultry, they offer a number of additional benefits such as having higher absorption levels and being low maintenance.
- Soybean-based bedding: A sustainable and dust-free option made from recycled soybean hulls, offering good absorbency and odour control.
- Flax bedding: This soft and absorbent material is naturally dust-free and biodegradable, making it ideal for animals with respiratory sensitivities.
While shopping for eco-friendly animal bedding it is important to consider your storage capabilities and buy only what you need. This will make a big difference when it comes to managing your waste production.
The benefits of choosing eco-friendly animal bedding
Aside from having a positive impact on the environment, choosing to opt for eco-friendly animal bedding also offers you and your animals several benefits.
From being easy to dispose of, due to its biodegradable nature, you will have a lot less to worry about when it comes to managing your farm’s waste. While your animals’ health and wellbeing will also benefit. Due to the nature of eco-friendly bedding and the way in which some varieties are processed and manufactured, they are less likely to expose animals to harmful chemicals or bacteria, while being dust free and comfortable for their wellbeing.
Transitioning to eco-friendly bedding might require some adjustments, but the benefits for your animals and the planet are well worth it. Start by researching options suitable for your animal species and budget. Introduce the new bedding gradually, allowing your animals to adjust. Remember, even small changes can make a big difference.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.