Your guide to sustainable rabbit ownership

If you have ample space to store it, consider purchasing rabbit essentials such as food, hay and bedding in larger quantities. Not only will this save you money, it will help to reduce unnecessary packaging waste and transport emissions. Some sustainable brands use recyclable or compostable packaging, so make sure to check the labels before you commit to a purchase.

If you’re unsure, look out for the Mobius loop symbol (three arrows in a triangle), which means the item is fully recyclable. The Seedling logo ensures the product is suitable for most garden waste bins.

Bedding can be one of the most carbon-hungry aspects of rabbit ownership, as many of today’s options are made from bleached paper or wood pulp, which require energy-heavy processing and often aren’t sustainably sourced.

Instead, it’s often much kinder on the planet to choose organic bedding options such as recycled paper, untreated wood shavings or hemp, which break down naturally and won’t sit in landfill for years to come.

If you need to upgrade your rabbits’ home, consider shopping for an eco-friendly rabbit hutch.

Rather than going for the cheapest option, consider a sturdier hutch made from sustainably-sourced wood or recycled plastic. Make sure it’s well-insulated and weatherproof so it’ll last and is less likely to need repairs – which can ultimately save you money in the long-run

Cleaning products can be more harmful to the environment than we think, polluting waterways and introducing toxic chemicals that are harmful to marine life.

Concerned rabbit owners should look for eco-friendly pet cleaning products made from natural ingredients such as vinegar, bicarbonate of soda or plant-based cleaners.

Not only are these better for the environment, but they’re safer for your rabbits too – harsh chemicals in everyday kitchen disinfectants can cause issues for their respiratory systems.

Need advice on your rabbits’ health? If you have rabbit insurance with Petplan, you can access our Pet Expert Chat by logging into your My Petplan account and heading to the My Support area. From there, you’ll be able to speak directly with a qualified professional about any concerns you may have.

From tunnels and chew toys to litter trays and hay feeders, it’s always a joy to splash out on some new treats for your rabbits – but all that virgin plastic can really add up.

Thankfully, there are now plenty of eco-friendly pet accessories available, made from natural materials such as cardboard, seagrass and bamboo. You could even go one step further and create your own DIY toys from leftover cardboard.

If you’re new to rabbit ownership and are currently in the process of purchasing the things you need, why not avoid plastic feeding bowls and opt for a ceramic version? These are more durable and easier to recycle.

Rather than rushing to buy new, you could also look on second-hand resale sites for unwanted pet accessories. Just be sure to give them a thorough wash before use.

Instead of tossing old towels, unwanted blankets or Friday night’s takeaway containers, consider how they might be reused in your rabbits’ setup.

For example, an old shoebox can become a digging toy; an old blanket can become an eco-friendly pet bed that provides extra protection in winter, and a storage tub could be perfect for storing leftover carrot tops in the fridge. Just be sure any repurposed items are pet-safe – avoid sharp edges, loose threads, or materials that could be chewed and swallowed.

Did you know that rabbit droppings, hay and some types of bedding make excellent compost material? If you have a garden, setting up a compost bin means you can turn your rabbits’ waste into nutrient-rich soil that will benefit your plants and flowers. You can start a new compost bin at any time of year, and the best location is a sheltered spot in partial or full shade.

If you regularly spot clean your rabbits’ hutch using waste bags, one of the simplest ways you can reduce your impact is by switching to compostable varieties. These can be chucked into your compost bin with everything else during cleans, leaving no trace behind.

Even though rabbits keep themselves very clean, most need regular grooming from their owners to prevent their fur from matting. Rabbit grooming tools such as slicker brushes, dematting combs and ‘furminators’ are great for removing loose hair – but they can often be made from non-biodegradable plastic. Instead, keep an eye out for brushes made of natural materials like bamboo, which break down naturally and won’t pollute land or oceans.