As a responsible dog owner, you probably pick up after your pet wherever you go. It is easy to carry along plastic bags for your pet, since they keep your hands away from the waste and can be tossed in the trash can. But, have you ever thought about how bad those plastic bags are for our environment? If you've paid any attention to the "green" movement, then you may have an idea. Lucky for you, there is a green way to dispose of your pooch's waste.
It seems that everywhere you go, companies are trying to reduce excess plastic consumption. Most grocery stores now offer an alternative to plastic when it comes to carrying your groceries home. Canvas (and similar material) bags can be purchased for a dollar at many stores. The bags are reusable, and help keep plastic out of the landfills. Even if you use a canvas bag to take your groceries home, you probably do not use one to dispose of your pet's waste, since you would also have to dispose of the bag. But, don't fret, a couple of eco-friendly companies have heard your concerns and have come up with a solution.
Poop Bags and BioBags are two companies that are offering environmentally-friendly dog waste bags. The bags are fairly inexpensive and can be purchased at a number of pet supply stores. The bags are made from biodegradable materials, such as corn. Although there are "safer" plastic bags, these bags do not contain plastic; so, they decompose easily without leaving behind harmful residue. You use the bag just like any other bag: collect your pooch's waste and seal the bag. The bags are somewhat breathable, allowing moisture the escape and reducing odors. So, if you place the bag in your kitchen trash can, you can rest assured knowing that you won't have to make an extra trip to the landfill before your scheduled trash pickup. Some people have expressed concerns about the shelf life of the bags, since they are not made of plastic. Just like paper products in your home (plates, towels, etc.), the bags can remain on the shelf for over two years.
So, how exactly do the bags work? First consider what goes inside the bags: your dog's feces. Your dog's waste is biodegradable, so it can break down in the landfill fairly quickly. However, if you place the waste in a traditional plastic bag, the plastic can take closer to 100 years to break down. The biodegradable bags take the same amount of time to break down as, let's say, an apple or tomato. They decompose the fastest when they are placed in a commercial composting system, taking anywhere from 60 to 90 days to decompose. Pay attention to the word "commercial." You may have a composting system at home, but it is never a good idea to dispose of your pet's waste in a home system. The waste can carry bacteria, especially E. coli, which makes it less than ideal for a home-use system.
In addition to the quickness and ease that the bags degrade, there are other advantages to using this alternative. You probably know someone who litters. No, I'm not saying that it's okay to litter if you are using these bags, but they can help short-term littering, especially when used in public areas. Not only will the bags break down, but they will not pose a choking hazard to other animals. If an animal tries to eat a biodegradable bag, then the bag can be digested. Dog waste also contributes to water pollution (via water runoff) when it is not properly disposed of. So, coming up with a way to remove the waste and dispose of it properly can keep some bacteria out of the water supply.
If you are looking for a way for you and your pooch to be more environmentally friendly, then consider purchasing a BioBag or a Poop Bag to clean up your dog's waste. These bags are biodegradable and do not leave behind any harmful residues. They are fairly inexpensive and can be used just like traditional plastic bags. Don't worry about shelf life; these bags survive just as long as paper towels and paper plates!
This article was provided by pet-super-store.com an online pet shop featuring the latest in earth friendly dog houses and energy efficient pet doors.
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