Eco-Friendly Dog Care: Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags

As responsible pet owners, managing our dogs' waste is a daily task that carries heavy environmental implications. To mitigate the devastating impact of so much plastic waste on ocean and air pollution, many pet parents are turning to eco-friendly alternatives like biodegradable dog poop bags. These are dog waste collection bags made from natural resources or renewable resources like paper or cornstarch. There are unfortunately a myriad of options on the market labeled as biodegradable or compostable that don't actually meet the criteria though. So how on earth do we discern which bags are truly environmentally friendly?

Check out the rest of the article for tips and suggestions for how to consume less plastic and protect the land, forests, and waterways from the scourge of single use plastic bags.

The Real Impact

It might not seem like that big a deal. What's one little plastic bag going to do the the environment? How is this tiny bit of trash causing climate change, or water pollution, or increasing emissions?

You have to think of the whole life of the bag. It starts as a petroleum byproduct, which has to be mined from the earth using industries that are well known to be devastating to the environment. Then it is transported using fossil fuels to a facility that uses more fossil fuel energy to convert them into a useable material.

This usable material is transported using more fossil fuels to a facility that manufacturers using the material. This material becomes a bag. This bag is exported using fossil fuels across the world to another country. Then it is trucked between stores 3-10 times before it is sold. Then it is used once and thrown away.

Traditional plastic bags can take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing significantly to landfill waste. The average dog makes two solid deposits a day. The average dog lives about 10-13 years. That adds up to approximately 8030 single use plastic bags per dog in landfills per dog in the USA.

In 2024 there were a whopping 89.7 million dogs registered in the USA. Per year, they are collectively producing approximately 65 billion plastic waste bags a year. In the USA alone. It adds up.

Understanding Biodegradable vs. Compostable

The terms biodegradable and compostable are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Here is the difference between them.

• Biodegradable: Materials that break down into natural elements (water, carbon dioxide, and biomass) over time through the action of microorganic ecosystems. However, without specific conditions like light, heat, and oxygen, the degradation process can be prolonged.

• Compostable: Materials that decompose into nutrient-rich compost under composting conditions, leaving no toxic residue. Composting conditions involve carbon emissions, energy, light, heat, earth, and time. Compostable products are typically designed to break down more quickly than biodegradable ones, especially in industrial composting facilities that can set the perfect conditions.

Challenges with Decomposition in Landfills

It's crucial to note that even biodegradable or compostable bags may not decompose effectively in landfill environment. Landfills often lack the necessary conditions—such as adequate air, oxygen and microbial activity—for proper decomposition. As highlighted in discussions among eco-conscious communities, biodegradable bags won't decompose in a landfill environment unless they have access to air or a compost facility that accepts pet waste.

Evaluating Eco-Friendly Poop Bag Options

When selecting an eco-friendly poop bag, consider the following factors:

1. Material Composition: Bags made from plant-based materials, such as cornstarch or other renewable resources, are preferable. These materials are designed to break down more efficiently than traditional plastics.

2. Certifications: Look for certifications like ASTM D6400 or EN 13432, which indicate that the product meets recognized compostability standards. You can also review the qualifications for the certificate online, and be sure that the company you have chosen to purchase from is adhering to the highest quality standards and uniformity in their production.

3. End-of-Life Disposal: Consider where and how the bag will be disposed of. If you have access to industrial composting facilities that accept pet waste, compostable bags are an excellent choice. Many municipalities already offer composting services. Check with your waste collection provider for compost pick up.

Spotlight on Yomp's Eco-Friendly Poop Bags

Yomp is a company dedicated to providing the world with top quality, sustainable, environmentally friendly pet products, so naturally they have a line of cornstarch compostable poop collection bags. Their bags are made from 100% sustainably sourced organic cornstarch, ensuring they are phthalate-free, BPA-free, latex-free, plastic-free, vegan and hypo-allergenic. These bags are designed to break down in 1-3 months under composting conditions, offering a viable alternative to traditional plastic bags.

Yomp offers their poop bags in various box sizes to cater to customers' different food packaging needs:

• 1-Month Supply: This box contains 6 rolls, each with 10 standard-sized bags, ideal for pet owners seeking a short-term solution.

• 2-Month Supply: This box includes 12 rolls of 10 bags each, providing a more extended supply for regular use.

• 8-Month Supply: For those looking to stock up, this box offers 480 bags, in rolls of 10 bags, ensuring an ample supply for an extended period.

To enhance convenience, Yomp also provides a 100% silicone bag dispenser that can be attached to your dog's leash or worn on your wrist, making waste collection more manageable during walks. Each dispenser holds one standard size roll of waste collection bags.

Alternative Waste Disposal Methods

Beyond using eco-friendly, compostable or biodegradable bags, there are other sustainable ways you can recycle and reduce your environmental impact:

Poop Digesters:

These mini septic systems allow pet waste to decompose underground, enriching the soil over time. Building a poop digester in your yard can be an effective and sustainable way to recycle and manage waste sustainably.

Flushable Systems:

Some products enable you to flush dog waste down the toilet, ensuring it is treated alongside human waste. However, it's essential to verify that your local sewage treatment plant or facility can handle pet waste before adopting this method.

Suction:

Some companies actually provide a service where they come to your house or community with a specialized truck that has a poop vacuum on it. They collect the waste with the vacuum and then take it all to a composting facility directly. This eliminates the plastic waste entirely.

Conclusion

Choosing truly biodegradable or compostable poop bags is a meaningful step toward eco-friendly dog care. Brands like Yomp provide sustainable options that align with environmental values, making it easier for pet owners to make responsible choices for both themselves and the planet. By understanding the differences between biodegradable and compostable materials, recognizing the challenges of decomposition in landfills, and exploring alternative waste disposal and reuse methods, we can all contribute to a cleaner, greener planet for ourselves, wildlife and our furry companions.