As responsible pet owners, it’s important to always clean up after our furry friends. But have you ever stopped to think about the impact dog waste has on the environment?
Traditional plastic poop bags are a major contributor to plastic waste, but there’s a more eco-friendly alternative: biodegradable poop bags.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what biodegradable poop bags are and how they can help us reduce our carbon pawprint.
What are biodegradable poop bags?
Biodegradable means that a substance can decompose or break down naturally without causing harm to the environment, specifically by leave little or no microplastics behind after decomposition.
Unlike traditional plastic bags that could take hundreds of years to break down, biodegradable poop bags are made from materials like cornstarch, vegetable oil, and compostable polymers.
In other words, they’re designed to decompose naturally in a shorter amount of time without the environmental damage of traditional plastics. Some biodegradable poop bags break down in as little as 90 days, whereas others may take up to two years.
Compared to the many thousands of years in can take traditional plastic bags to degrade, this is a huge improvement.
How do biodegradable poop bags help the environment?
By using biodegradable poop bags, you’re reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans.
Traditional plastic bags can take thousands of years to break down, and even when they do, they release harmful chemicals and toxic micro plastics into the environment. That means plastic that was produced at the advent of the technology is still out there, damaging the environment to this day.
On the other hand, biodegradable bags break down naturally, leaving behind no harmful residue. Additionally, some bags can be composted along with pet waste, which creates a natural fertilizer for plants.
Are biodegradable poop bags more expensive than traditional bags?
The short answer is yes, but not by much. You can expect to pay a few pennies more for a biodegradable poop bag compared to traditional bags.
However, the price difference is minimal when you consider the environmental benefits.
It’s important to note that not all biodegradable poop bags are created equal. Some brands may claim to be biodegradable but are actually “oxo-degradable”, essentially another term for standard plastic bags.
Search for a reputable biodegradable bag producer, preferably with certification to prove the degradability of the bags they sell.
What should you do with biodegradable poop bags?
It’s important to dispose of biodegradable poop bags properly. Some brands are designed to be composted along with pet waste, but others may need to be sent to a commercial composting facility.
Check the packaging for specific disposal instructions. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to dispose of the bag in the trash than risk contaminating a compost pile.
Conclusion
Making the switch to biodegradable poop bags is a small but impactful step towards a more sustainable future. By choosing a more eco-friendly option, you’re reducing plastic waste and helping to protect our planet.
It’s a simple change that any dog owner or dog walker can make. Remember to do your research to find a reputable supplier and dispose of biodegradable poop bags properly.
Together, we can make a difference, one poop bag at a time.
