Sustainability
Transparency Over Trends: How We Define Sustainability
Let’s be honest: "eco-friendly" has become a vague buzzword. At Poko & Oki, we don’t believe in empty promises or greenwashed marketing. We believe in transparency, verifiable standards, and continuous improvement. We don't claim to be perfect, but we do promise to be honest.
We intentionally partner with independent makers and small businesses. While many of our partners hold official third-party certifications, we know that smaller, independent brands often cannot afford expensive corporate eco-stamps, we review their ingredient lists and packaging materials.
Every single product in our shop must meet at least one of our four values:
1. Better Materials
We look closely at what goes into a product to keep toxins away from your pet and reduce the strain on the planet.
• Clean Ingredients: Whole, plant-based, or organic ingredients free from harsh synthetic chemicals.
• Second-Life Sourcing: Upcycled ingredients (like rescue food components) and recycled textiles or plastics.
• Renewable Resources: Materials made from easily replenished plants or responsibly managed forests.
2. Low-Waste
The pet industry generates massive amounts of trash. We seek out products designed to disappear responsibly or be easily repurposed.
• Responsible End-of-Life: Items and packaging that are safely compostable, biodegradable, or readily accepted in standard household recycling bins.
3. Lower Carbon Footprint
Every item has a journey. We prioritize brands that actively work to shrink shipping emissions.
• Regional Production: Items proudly manufactured right here in North America to drastically reduce transport distances.
• Packaging Efficiency: Minimal, lightweight, or zero-waste shipping materials that lower fuel burn during transit.
4. Responsibly Made
Social sustainability ensures that the people making these products are treated fairly and with absolute respect.
• Ethical Labor: Sourcing from partners who practice Fair Trade, support safe working conditions, and pay living wages.
• Mindful Production: Handmade, small-batch, and slow production models that purposefully prevent retail overproduction and waste.
• Giving Back: Brands with built-in charitable initiatives or shelter give-back program
Making a Pawsitive Impact
When our independent makers do carry official certifications, it’s just another way they are proving to be Pawsitive for the Planet. Here is what those trusted certifications mean.
B Corp Certification
Is a global badge showing a company meets high standards of social and environmental impact, transparency, and legal accountability. To get it, businesses must pass a strict assessment checking how they treat workers, communities, and the environment. Ultimately, it proves a company prioritizes people and the planet right alongside making a profit.
Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC)
Accreditation is the pet industry's only third-party verified sustainability credential. It guarantees that a pet brand or manufacturer meets rigorous, verified standards for environmental performance and social impact. Ultimately, it proves a business is actively working to reduce waste, source ingredients responsibly, and drive eco-friendly progress across the pet sector.
Green America Certified
Is a trustmark awarded to small-to-medium companies that use their business as a platform for social and environmental change. It is unique because it was among the first to strictly evaluate both environmental sustainability and social justice, ensuring fair labor and ethical sourcing. Ultimately, it assures consumers that a business operates responsibly across its entire supply chain to protect people and the planet.
USDA Certified Organic
Ingredients grown and processed according to strict guidelines addressing soil quality, animal raising, and pest control without synthetic additives.
Upcycled Certified
A global third-party credential awarded to food products and ingredients that actively prevent food waste. It gives consumers a trustworthy way to reduce emissions and support a sustainable, circular economy.
USDA Certified Biobased Product
This label guarantees that a product is made from renewable, plant, forestry, or marine materials rather than petroleum. Independent lab testing verifies the exact percentage of biobased content, which is prominently displayed right on the seal.
Ocean Bound Plastic (OBP) Certification
It drives the removal of Ocean Bound Plastic by turning intercepted waste into a valuable resource, ensuring it is collected and treated before reaching the sea.
ASTM F963
A strict safety standard ensuring materials (often used in toys) are completely non-toxic and heavy-metal free.
The Climate Label Certified
Is a global credential recognizing entire brands that take immediate, measurable financial accountability for their carbon footprint.
Fair Trade Certified
Ensures sustainable livelihoods, safe working conditions, fair wages, and community development funds for workers.
WBENC Certified
Formally verifies that a business is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by women, supporting diverse supply chains.
1% for the Planet
Businessescommit to donating 1% of their annual gross sales directly to environmental nonprofits.
