Better Buddies is an exciting new pet products company founded on three principles that are close to my heart: sustainability, philanthropy, and style.

Started by a trio of animal-loving friends, Better Buddies recently launched three lines of eco-friendly pet beds. The beds are proudly created in the U.S.A. and are produced using the highest quality Certified Organic Cotton and Hemp blend.  The filling is made with 100% Recycled PET fiber (recycled plastic bottles). The result is a comfy, durable, and stylish bed that you and your pet will cherish for years to come.

On the philanthropic front, Better Buddies has created a socially responsible program aptly named “Project Paw.” Through Project Paw, Better Buddies has pledged 10% of its profits toward promoting pet adoption and combating unnecessary euthanasia in shelters.

Sustainable manufacturing, fashionable products, and a compassionate corporate conscience – Better Buddies is a company that’s easy to dig ; )

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Better Buddies co-founder Mike Grady. Check out our conversation and share your thoughts below!

GS:  What inspired you to start Better Buddies?

MG: I’d say there are many things that have driven my life in this direction, but it all started at home for me. My wife and I own two dogs that make such an impact in our lives every day that it was hard not to do something on their behalf. We found ourselves purchasing cheaply made, yet overpriced, pet goods for them because there were no other options out there.  Once we envisioned creating products of quality, the idea of sustainability and giving back to animal rescue organizations fell in line with our ideal company model.

GS: How does BB distinguish itself from other pet products out there?

MG: We use a 100% Certified Organic Cotton and Hemp blend on our Pillow Bed covers.  To find a fabric that was both durable and soft was incredibly difficult, but both qualities are important when creating a bed that is made for dogs, especially large ones. We are so proud to have produced with this blend because it gets softer with every wash without wearing out.  Our beds are also filled with 100% recycled PET fiber (recycled plastic bottles).  Our designs are made in-house and are one-of-a-kind.  From beginning to end all of our vendors are located in the greater Los Angeles area.

GS:  What inspired the three designs you have currently? Who designed them?

MG: Our three designs came to life through the vision of Julie.  She has a keen eye for trends in fashion and home décor. ‘Green’ options often led to boring, plain results, so when we decided to begin this venture she wanted to be able to offer sustainable options that were also fashionable and chic. Our Small Mountains print designed by Lina Rennell was actually a printer mistake on our fabric during the development process.  We looked at the print, put it in a few people’s homes, and everyone loved it!  The design just has a way of popping in every home, particularly with wooden flooring.  With nothing to lose, we contacted the designer and asked her if she’d be interested in sharing her print with us, and loving our brand, she happily agreed!

GS: Please talk about BB’s commitment to sustainability.

MG: Our goal one day is to be a “Cradle to Cradle” company.  Although we may not always be able to be 100% sustainable, we will always strive for that mark and lead the pet industry in developing more sustainable pet products that reach closer to our goal each time.  However, affordability can be challenging given the increased costs in certain sustainable fabrics, and manufacturing in the USA to ensure quality control, but we feel these costs are necessary in order to produce environmentally conscious goods.

GS:  Anything else you’d like our readers to know?

MG:  Please check us out at www.betterbuddies.com and on facebook/twitter.  We understand there are many different companies to choose from when providing products for your pets at home.  However, with a Better Buddies product you are not only committing yourself to a more sustainable practice of manufacturing here in the USA but also giving back directly to help other animals with special needs become adoptable.  There’s a lot of love in this brand. I can’t imagine anything better!

Please click here to check out the very stylish pet beds by Better Buddies…coming soon to a store near you.

Happy Shopping!