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In the garden and around pets, many plastic items can be swapped for clay, metal, wood or cork that last longer. Pick the items you use daily first.

What to look for

  • Drainage holes and the right size for pots.
  • Pet bowls in steel or ceramic that are easy to clean.
  • Natural materials that handle outdoor weather.

What to avoid

  • Unfinished wood outdoors without protection.
  • Pet products without clear material information.

Editor's pick

VBS

Unglazed terracotta pots with saucers, 10 cm, 10 sets

ceramic

Why it is on the list: The listing describes round, unglazed terracotta pots with a drainage hole, sold with matching saucers.

Watch out for: Porous terracotta dries out faster than plastic, so plants usually need more frequent watering.

Check price on AmazonDetails

Price and stock are shown on Amazon.

Quick comparison

ProductMaterialBest forWatch out for
Unglazed terracotta pots with saucers, 10 cm, 10 setsVBSceramicherbs, cuttings and small houseplantsPorous terracotta dries out faster than plastic, so plants usually need more frequent watering.
Terracotta flower pots with saucers, 10 cm, set of 6vensovoceramicsucculents and windowsill herbsThe pots are only about 10 cm across, so they suit small plants and need repotting as plants grow.
Galvanised steel watering can, 10 L, screw-on roseHRBmetalgarden beds and balcony potsGalvanised steel can eventually corrode at seams if left wet, so empty and dry it after use.
Wooden plant labels, 11.5 cm, 100 pcsKKSTYwoodseed trays and herb potsUntreated wood in damp soil will weather within a season or two, and the listing also shows a green colour option.
Green bamboo plant support stakes, 25 pcsHAINANSTRYbamboosupporting small potted plantsThe listing says the canes are dyed green and is inconsistent on length and on whether the material is bamboo or wood.
Coconut-fibre seed pots, 6 cm square, 24 pcsRombergcoconut coirstarting seedlings and cuttingsBiodegradation happens in moist soil over time, so any exposed rim can dry out the soil and should be buried.
Coconut-fibre plant pots, 150 ml, 50 pcsProFloracoconut coirseedlings and cuttingsThe listing's size variants share one description, so check the 150 ml / 50 pcs option is the one selected.
Stainless steel dog bowls, 900 ml, set of 2Rudelkönigstainless steeldaily dry or wet dog foodThe non-slip base is silicone, a separate material that may wear out before the steel bowl does.
Large stoneware dog bowl, 3.8 L, 28 cmK&K Keramikceramicmedium to large dogsCeramic can chip or break if dropped, and the bowl is large and heavy to move.
Raised cat bowl set with bamboo stand and ceramic bowlsPiuPetceramiccats and small dogsAnti-slip pads are included but their material is not stated, and the bowls hold only about 250 ml.
Cotton and hemp rope ball dog toys, set of 4Petaureuscottonfetch and gentle chewingThe seller states the toys are not suitable for aggressive chewers and are not indestructible.
Short-hair dog brush with beechwood body, horsehair and brass bristlesLILA LOVES ITwoodshort-haired dogsThe bristles include horsehair, which is animal-derived, and the brush is designed for short coats only.
Refillable glass soap dispensers, 2 x 500 ml, steel pumpBoBoUglasskitchen and bathroom sinksThe pump internals and the included silicone mat are not described as plastic-free, and the listing says hand wash only.
Amber glass spray bottles, 500 ml, set of 2Afufuglassplant misting and DIY cleanerThe material of the spray head is not stated and such heads are commonly plastic, and glass can break.

Our shortlist

We have not physically tested these products. Our shortlist is research-based: we check what the listing says, favour non-plastic main materials and name the limits we can see. Always read the listing for sizes, certifications and care instructions.

Common questions

Do terracotta pots dry out faster?

Yes, clay is porous so soil dries faster. That helps some plants and not others.

Are steel pet bowls a good choice?

They are durable and easy to clean. A non-slip base helps.