The True Cost of Plastic-Free: What I’ve Learned as a Small Business
When I first decided to build My Pet Life, I knew one thing for certain: I didn’t want to contribute more plastic to the world. Our pets deserve better, and so does the planet and it was a key reason I started in the first place. Having multiple animals in the family, who all enjoy treats, I would have a mini heart attack buying packaging that is either straight to landfill when empty or allegedly recyclable, but only if disposed of correctly or to the correct place. It quite literally (if not actually having a mini heart attack) makes my heart ache.
Choosing plastic-free packaging as a small business, however, hasn’t been the “easy green swap” some might imagine. Well, maybe not so hard to imagine, there might be huge advances in this space but it is still not exactly easy to find a multitude of alternative options such as compostable packaging in all forms, sizes and varieties. It’s been a mix of stubborn commitment, trial and error, acceptance of greater cost, and hours and hours and hours of research. And banging my head against a wall at the frustration of realising how hard it is to source something that means I am practicing what I preach. In Australia at least. It might surprise some who have a view on this country that it is the happy go lucky, natural, laid back place and that that would clearly mean an environmentally friendly, green leading country - not an accurate picture am sorry to say. We are seriously behind in so many respects and sustainability is definitely one area that we could improve upon.
Here’s what else I’ve learned:
Compostable costs more upfront. Certified compostable pouches, sugarcane-based containers, or reusable jars are almost always more expensive than plastic.
Suppliers don’t always make it easy. Even when you source eco materials, they often arrive wrapped in plastic. Sooooooooooooo frustrating.
Customers care—but education is key. People love that our treats are good for pets, people, and the planet, but many still ask, “Will this bag really compost?” Transparency matters. Easiness matters. No one can understand what every bin symbol on the back of a pack means.
It’s worth it. Every time I hand over a treat in packaging I know won’t outlive the pet eating it, I feel proud of sticking to my values.
Plastic-free is harder. It’s slower. It costs more - but it’s the foundation of who we are at My Pet Life. Despite the fact that impacts my bottom line, for me, that’s non-negotiable.
#Sustainability #EcoFriendlyBusiness #PlasticFree #PetWellness #MyPetLife
