our environmental pawprint
my journey towards sustainability and how little changes in our industry can make a big difference globally
A path to sustainable pet products
Here at Austin and Kat we are committed to creating the brightest future for our pets and the planet. We select farms, fisheries, and producers that uphold the highest ethical standards because of the clear difference in quality. We’re also just as passionate about finding the most sustainable and environmentally friendly ways to run our business, from sourcing the best packaging to working to reduce the footprint in our Seattle Makery.
Although we’re only a small company, we’re able to move quickly and make positive changes that we believe will influence others to step up and do the same. It starts by creating an awareness about the impacts of waste and pollution while spreading the word that small incremental changes add up to make a real difference.
We’re holding ourselves accountable to ambitious science-backed goals that will drastically reduce our carbon footprint over the next 5 years, but we still have a lot to learn about the most effective ways to reduce our impact. To help, we've partnered with the PSC, the leading voice in pet sustainability, to ensure we’re educated on the latest manufacturing and packaging insights.
Here at Austin and Kat we are committed to creating the brightest future for our pets and the planet. We select farms, fisheries, and producers that uphold the highest ethical standards because of the clear difference in quality. We’re also just as passionate about finding the most sustainable and environmentally friendly ways to run our business, from sourcing the best packaging to working to reduce the footprint in our Seattle Makery.
Although we’re only a small company, we’re able to move quickly and make positive changes that we believe will influence others to step up and do the same. It starts by creating an awareness about the impacts of waste and pollution while spreading the word that small incremental changes add up to make a real difference.
We’re holding ourselves accountable to ambitious science-backed goals that will drastically reduce our carbon footprint over the next 5 years, but we still have a lot to learn about the most effective ways to reduce our impact. To help, we've partnered with the PSC, the leading voice in pet sustainability, to ensure we’re educated on the latest manufacturing and packaging insights.
A message from Kat...
Austin and Kat began with a commitment to create the brightest future for pets and our planet. I started baking simple biscuits at home using my prized hemp extracts - popping them in a biodegradable cellophane bag with a handwritten(!) instruction card, before tying it all up with a piece of string and delivering to friends and local stores. Everything was so simple and innocent. As we grew and became the company we are today, I began to learn how the pet supplements “industry” worked, and the massive amounts of plastic that get consumed.
Since starting Austin and Kat I’ve had my eyes opened to not only the changes the pet food industry can make, but the changes that we can all make. Little things add up, and over the past few years I’ve been more conscious of the energy and consumer habits of my family.
Three of my four girls have all left home and I’ve been downsizing a bit, but this summer I’m changing things up. I’m packing Moxey, Blanca, Harper, and Austin up and getting on a converted school bus to drive across the country for a year. I can’t wait.
We’re building the bus to be as energy efficient and as self-sustaining as possible which means nights are spent reading up on everything from recharging batteries to getting the best shower using the least amount of water…There’s LOTS to do before we get going, but I remind myself everyday to make the dream happen…I’ve worked a lot of hours getting Austin and Kat to where it is (and I love it!) but the past few years showed me that the clock only goes in one direction, and I can’t wait to enjoy some time on the road with my dogs and take them out to some amazing places. I digress…back to the bus research.
A message from Kat...
Austin and Kat began with a commitment to create the brightest future for pets and our planet. I started baking simple biscuits at home using my prized hemp extracts - popping them in a biodegradable cellophane bag with a handwritten(!) instruction card, before tying it all up with a piece of string and delivering to friends and local stores. Everything was so simple and innocent. As we grew and became the company we are today, I began to learn how the pet supplements “industry” worked, and the massive amounts of plastic that get consumed.
Since starting Austin and Kat I’ve had my eyes opened to not only the changes the pet food industry can make, but the changes that we can all make. Little things add up, and over the past few years I’ve been more conscious of the energy and consumer habits of my family.
Three of my four girls have all left home and I’ve been downsizing a bit, but this summer I’m changing things up. I’m packing Moxey, Blanca, Harper, and Austin up and getting on a converted school bus to drive across the country for a year. I can’t wait.
We’re building the bus to be as energy efficient and as self-sustaining as possible which means nights are spent reading up on everything from recharging batteries to getting the best shower using the least amount of water…There’s LOTS to do before we get going, but I remind myself everyday to make the dream happen…I’ve worked a lot of hours getting Austin and Kat to where it is (and I love it!) but the past few years showed me that the clock only goes in one direction, and I can’t wait to enjoy some time on the road with my dogs and take them out to some amazing places. I digress…back to the bus research.
What is the PSC?
As a collaborative accelerator, the Pet Sustainability Coalition is a collection of like-minded and world renowned partners that educate, inspire, and push our industry on its journey toward sustainability.
The PSC has worked on a number of important projects, including developing guidelines for sustainable pet products, reducing the use of plastic bags by pet owners, and promoting adoption instead of buying pets. We're proud to join them on their quest to help more animals while supporting the environment.
What is the PSC?
As a collaborative accelerator, the Pet Sustainability Coalition is a collection of like-minded and world renowned partners that educate, inspire, and push our industry on its journey toward sustainability. The PSC has worked on a number of important projects, including developing guidelines for sustainable pet products, reducing the use of plastic bags by pet owners, and promoting adoption instead of buying pets. We're proud to join them on their quest to help more animals while supporting the environment.
we've made a committment
We've embraced sustainable manufacturing with an environmentally and socially responsible approach. We consider the full life-cycle of each product, from raw materials to end-of-life, and aim to minimize the negative environmental impact of manufacturing. This includes reducing waste, emissions, and energy
consumption.
We've Made a Commitment
We've embraced sustainable manufacturing with an environmentally and socially responsible approach. We consider the full life-cycle of each product, from raw materials to end-of-life, and aim to minimize the negative environmental impact of manufacturing. This includes reducing waste, emissions, and energy consumption.
We've Made a Commitment
We've embraced sustainable manufacturing with an environmentally and socially responsible approach. We consider the full life-cycle of each product, from raw materials to end-of-life, and aim to minimize the negative environmental impact of manufacturing. This includes reducing waste, emissions, and energy consumption.
Sustainable Development Goals
We've also partnered with the PSC to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. As a woman-founded company we are proud to regularly assess our social impact and look for ways to create opportunities for improving conditions for our employees and neighbors, from workplace diversity to increased living wages.
We believe companies must understand where they are today,
set science-based targets for reduction,
develop strategies to achieve their targets,
and always monitor their progress.
This year's focus:
Sustainable Development Goals
We've also partnered with the PSC to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. As a woman-founded company we are proud to regularly assess our social impact and look for ways to create opportunities for improving conditions for our employees and neighbors, from workplace diversity to increased living wages.
We believe companies must understand where they are today,
set science-based targets for reduction,
develop strategies to achieve their targets,
and always monitor their progress.
This year's focus:
Sustainable Development Goals
We've also partnered with the PSC to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. As a woman-founded company we are proud to regularly assess our social impact and look for ways to create opportunities for improving conditions for our employees and neighbors, from workplace diversity to increased living wages.
We believe companies must understand where they are today, set science-based targets for reduction, develop strategies to achieve their targets, and always monitor their progress.
THIS YEAR'S FOCUS:
Sustainable Development Goals
We've also partnered with the PSC to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. As a woman-founded company we are proud to regularly assess our social impact and look for ways to create opportunities for improving conditions for our employees and neighbors, from workplace diversity to increased living wages.
We believe companies must understand where they are today, set science-based targets for reduction, develop strategies to achieve their targets, and always monitor their progress.
THIS YEAR'S FOCUS:
So what does sustainable manufacturing look like?
That's a really important question! Responsible manufacturing extends far beyond delivering safe products with high quality ingredients - pet companies should do everything they can to limit their carbon footprint and to try and make a difference for the environment. We're all in this together! At Austin and Kat we've always put pets before profits and we're super proud to provide support to dogs and cats that don't have a voice of their own. Mother Nature also needs our help and we're working to give the planet a voice, too. It all starts with developing a keen awareness about the long-term impact of waste and pollution while spreading the word that small incremental changes can add up to so much more. From ethically sourced ingredients to sustainable packaging, we're working to reduce waste and limit the amount of trash contributed to landfills.
An incredible 99% of pet food and treat packaging goes to landfills each year. Most plastic packaging is cheap and cannot be recycled which means a staggering 300 million pounds of plastic waste ends up discarded, but there are new alternative solutions that are gaining awareness.
A lot of companies spend a little cash to connect themselves with 'greenwashing' initiatives that are better at marketing than they are at actually making a difference. Not us - we're truly invested in learning about our impact and finding solutions that matter. We are taking steps to limit the depletion and damage of natural resources where we can, and we're putting a major emphasis on using less energy and reducing waste. We are constantly improving our supply chain to source sustainable ingredients, and we manufacture our products in a responsible manner that preserves the planet. Below are a few goals that we are currently focused on - take a look!
Our Packaging Pledge
We've fully embraced sustainable manufacturing and we consider the full life-cycle of each product, from raw materials to packaging.
Our Packaging Pledge
We've fully embraced sustainable manufacturing and we consider the full life-cycle of each product, from raw materials to packaging.
Empowering Employees
Reducing & Managing Waste
Offsetting Emissions & Giving Back
Our Lowest Impact Product
We want to reduce the footprint associated with every one of our products, but for those looking to make the biggest difference we've done the carbon calculations to determine what products have the lowest impact when purchased. What goes into this analysis? Everything from the distance and shipping method of our ingredients to the packaging components and manufacturing process. We look forward to reducing the impact of all of our products, but this is a great place to start!
