What should dog owners now use to clean-up dog poop?

Recognizing the negative impact that plastic bags have on our environment, some eco-conscious stores, such as Whole Foods, have completely eliminated plastic bags at checkout. Many other stores are now charging customers for plastic bags ranging anywhere from $0.05 to $0.25 to discourage plastic bag usage. While most plastic bags are recyclable, the sad fact is that the majority of consumers do not participate in recycling, and these bags end up in our landfills. Since most plastics do not biodegrade easily (average estimates put the plastic life-span around 100 years), they become a lasting problem on our environment. In addition to the biodegradability concerns, approximately 100,000 whales, seals, turtles and other marine animals are killed by plastic bags each year worldwide, according to Planet Ark, an international environmental group. So here is the problem- dog owners that used plastic bags collected from grocery stores to pick up dog waste now need a different supply for dog waste clean-up. What are the new eco-conscious options? 1. Perhaps the most green option out there is composting. There are a number of different home-based composting units that are specially designed to accommodate dog waste. This is perhaps the most eco-conscious route to go, but it certainly takes some dedication from the dog owner to install and maintain these units.

2. Biodegradable plastic bags are now commercially available. These are designed for the task of picking up dog poop, so they are sturdy and won’t leave a mess on your hands when you pick up dog waste. Rascodog Readybags are 100% biodegradable bags and break down within one year of use.

3. Leave your dog poop on the ground. Completely unacceptable! You will be scorned by non-dog owners and dog owners alike. Pick up the poop!

Biodegradable bags, may be the most viable option for the majority of people. So, what makes bags biodegradable? In July 2000 the US Composting Council and the Biodegradable Products Institute announced a certification program based on ASTM Standard D 6400-99 for materials suitable for composting applications. By definition a biodegradable plastic is a degradable plastic in which the degradation results from the action of naturally occurring microorganisms such 
as bacteria, fungi and algae (ASTM D 6400-99). All Rascodog biodegradable Readybags fall under the ASTM D6400 Standard for biodegradable bags. So what is you weapon of choice? Do you have the time and energy to put into composting? Are you still using regular plastic bags or have you made the switch to biodegradables? For more information about ways to recycle plastics check out:

http://sfgov.org/site/frame.asp?u=http://www.sfenvironment.com

http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Plastic/Prevention/

http://www.enviroliteracy.org/article.php/1188.html

And for a great post about different dog poop disposal methods see: What to do with the doo? from Raise A Green Dog.

Sunday afternoon I found an article from the San Diego Union Tribune Online discussing the recent trend of homeowners replacing their lawns with artificial turf. Certainly there is concern about the environmental issues involved. But as I was reading the article what disturbed me was a tiny little line at the end of one paragraph listing the benefits of artificial turf: Pet waste can be scooped up or rinsed away.

Most people read right through this sentence without blinking, but it stopped me dead in my tracks.

Under no circumstances should you EVER wash pet waste into the street. This goes for both cats and dogs.

Storm sewers drain directly into lakes, streams and nearby oceans. When the waste hits water it decays, using up oxygen and releasing ammonia (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources). Especially in the spring and summer when water temperatures are warm this leads to the death of fish.

And the fish and shellfish that do survive… they’re probably carrying a disease from waste contamination. Now ask yourself how often you like to chow down on “fresh” seafood.

The trend of artificial grass has grown out of severe drought conditions in the West. However, there are plenty of healthier and natural options out there for people who still want that beautiful lawn.

Organic lawn care is one such option, but there are others. The Unleashed Pet Shop blog recently wrote a post on some great resources to help you get going with safe lawn care practices for people with pets.  And Raise a Green Dog is always a good source for tips on the best environmental practices for you and your dog.

So bottom line: Please Remember to Scoop the Poop! 

Nina