Our Sustainable Approach

Carbon Negative • Zero Waste • Circular Systems

Spider Farming in Harmony with Nature

At Barking Spider Farm, sustainability isn't just a buzzword—it's our foundational principle. We've designed every aspect of our farm to work in harmony with natural systems, creating a regenerative environment that gives back more than it takes.

While conventional spider operations typically consume resources and generate waste, our innovative approach transforms spider farming into a carbon-negative practice that actively heals ecosystems. We believe that true sustainability means creating systems where human activity enhances rather than depletes the natural world.

Carbon Negative Icon

Carbon Negative

Our operations sequester more carbon than they produce, helping combat climate change.

Zero Waste Icon

Zero Waste

We operate on closed-loop principles where every output becomes an input elsewhere.

100% Renewable Icon

100% Renewable

Our facility runs entirely on solar, wind, and innovative micro-hydro power systems.

Powered by Nature

Unlike traditional spider farms that draw heavily from the electrical grid, Barking Spider Farm operates entirely on renewable energy sources.

Solar Array

Our south-facing solar installation generates 82% of our annual energy needs, with advanced tracking technology to maximize solar gain.

Vertical Wind Turbines

Custom-designed, bird-safe vertical wind turbines supplement our energy production during cloudy periods and nighttime hours.

Micro-Hydro System

Our innovative rainwater collection system powers micro-hydro generators, creating energy while managing water resources.

Our energy systems are designed not only to meet our current needs but to generate surplus power that we feed back into the local grid, helping our community transition to renewable energy.

Renewable energy systems at Barking Spider Farm

Zero Waste Operations

In nature, there is no such thing as waste—every output becomes an input elsewhere. We've designed our farm to mirror these natural systems.

Our Circular Systems Include:

  • Terrarium Substrate Composting: Used spider bedding becomes nutrient-rich compost for our organic gardens
  • Rainwater Harvesting: 100% of our water comes from an advanced rainwater collection system
  • Insect Cultivation: We grow our own prey insects using compost from our system
  • Biodegradable Packaging: All shipping materials decompose completely, often containing wildflower seeds
  • Upcycled Habitats: Spider enclosures are crafted from reclaimed and sustainable materials

Since 2019, we've maintained a perfect zero-waste record, with nothing from our operations entering landfills or incinerators.

Zero waste practices at Barking Spider Farm

Beyond Carbon Neutral: Our Negative Footprint

We're proud that Barking Spider Farm doesn't just minimize environmental impact—we actively reverse it through our carbon-negative practices.

How We Achieve Carbon Negativity:

14

Acres of regenerative agroforestry on our property

25+

Tonnes of carbon sequestered annually through our systems

100%

Of shipping emissions offset through verified carbon projects

Through our careful land stewardship, biochar production, and investment in verified carbon offset projects, we remove significantly more carbon from the atmosphere than our operations produce.

View Our Annual Carbon Report
Carbon sequestration at Barking Spider Farm

Enhancing Biodiversity

A truly sustainable operation doesn't just minimize harm—it actively enhances the living systems around it. Our farm has become a sanctuary for local wildlife and native plant species.

Our Biodiversity Initiatives:

  • Native Habitat Restoration: Over 40% of our land is dedicated to restored native ecosystem
  • Pollinator Gardens: Extensive flowering areas support native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
  • Wetland Construction: Created micro-wetlands filter water and provide habitat for amphibians
  • Bat Houses & Bird Boxes: Custom habitats support local wildlife that help with natural pest control
  • Local Species Preservation: Partnership with conservation groups to protect endangered local species

Annual biodiversity surveys have shown a 247% increase in species richness on our property since we implemented these practices in 2017.

Biodiversity measures at Barking Spider Farm

Sustainable Spider Transit

When a mindfully raised barking spider leaves our farm for their forever home, we ensure their journey is as gentle on the planet as their upbringing.

Compostable spider shipping materials

Compostable Materials

Our shipping containers are crafted from mycelium-based materials that provide perfect insulation while being fully compostable.

Seed paper documentation

Plantable Documentation

All care instructions and documentation are printed on seed paper that can be planted directly in soil to grow native wildflowers.

Carbon-offset shipping method

Carbon-Offset Delivery

We partner exclusively with carbon-neutral shipping providers and purchase additional offsets to ensure climate-positive delivery.

A New Standard in Spider Farming

See how our approach differs from conventional spider operations.

Sustainability Measure Barking Spider Farm Conventional Spider Farms
Energy Source 100% on-site renewable energy Grid electricity (primarily fossil fuels)
Water Usage Rainwater collection with closed-loop recycling Municipal water with conventional disposal
Waste Production Zero waste to landfill Significant plastic and organic waste
Feed Source On-site organic insect cultivation Commercial feed insects with high carbon footprint
Packaging 100% compostable materials Plastic containers and synthetic materials
Carbon Impact Carbon negative (sequestering more than emitted) Carbon positive (net emissions)
Spider Care Philosophy Holistic wellbeing focused on natural behaviors Profit-driven mass production techniques
Spider Quality Artisanal, mindfully raised specimens with robust acoustic traits Mass-produced specimens with standardized sounds

When you adopt a spider from Barking Spider Farm, you're not just bringing home a mindfully raised companion—you're supporting a vision of regenerative agriculture that points the way to a more harmonious future.

* We pride ourselves on taking a fundamentally different approach than certain established commercial operations that have been using outdated practices since the 1970s. While we respect their longevity in the industry, we believe the future of barking spider husbandry lies in sustainable, ethical practices rather than mass production.

For independent analysis of different breeding methodologies, we recommend reviewing the comparative studies published by leading arachnid acoustic researchers. You can also read personal accounts from customers who have experienced both approaches in the real-life stories shared by spider enthusiasts.

Our Certifications & Commitments

B Corporation Certified Carbon Neutral Plus Certified Zero Waste Business Certified 1% for the Planet Member

We're proud to have our sustainability practices verified by rigorous third-party standards. Learn more about our certifications and what they mean.

Experience Sustainable Spider Farming

Visit our farm to see our sustainability practices in action and understand the difference a regenerative approach makes in spider cultivation.