Olivedogma

Olive Dogma makes chew sticks for dogs out of olive wood. The wood comes from the pruning offcuts of the farm's own olive trees in Ourém, and each stick is soaked in olive oil. It started with a simple question. Branches left over from pruning olive trees are usually burned, a common practice that produces carbon emissions nobody needs. Why not give them a second use instead? Since the branches would otherwise go on the fire, turning them into chew sticks cuts carbon emissions and closes the waste loop on the farm. Olive oil, a natural local product, is the only treatment the wood gets. That keeps the sticks entirely natural and free of synthetic additives, which makes them safe and appealing for dogs. For now, no equivalent product is made in Portugal, so every similar item on the market is imported. Making them locally removes the emissions that come with importing and supports the rural economy around Ourém. The project follows the principles of the circular economy and zero-waste living, and shows that a traditional olive farm can get value from more than its oil. Olive Dogma has been recognised for its contribution to sustainable local production. It's also a partner of the Apadrinha Uma Oliveira platform.