PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A local small business is taking off in a big way, selling eco-friendly pet supplies worldwide.  Now, EcoBark Pet Supplies is a finalist for Amazon's Small Business of the Year Award.

"Dogs make a huge carbon footprint," said owner Tristen Gratz. "I was thinking what can I do to help."

Gratz, a single mother, started her company with just $1,500 in savings.  Products include harnesses, leashes and collars made out of recycled water bottles and shipped from a small warehouse in Largo.

"I was selling five a day at first and I thought wow," Gratz said. "Five a day I can pay my car payment!"

Fast forward four years and Gratz said EcoBark is set to close out 2019 with nearly a million dollars in sales, thanks to a heavy presence on Amazon.  It's that success that helped her become one of just 18 finalists nationwide for Amazon’s Small Business of the Year Award.

EcoBarks's line is set to expand next year with even more environmentally friendly products, including biodegradable pet waste bags, dog brushes made out of bamboo and harnesses made out of hemp.