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As a responsible dog owner, it's crucial to prioritize the proper disposal of your furry friend's "leavings".
One of the most environmentally friendly ways to do this is using sustainable dog poop bags.
When you choose a waste bag made from biodegradable and compostable materials, it helps to reduce plastic pollution, protect wildlife, and reduce the consumption of fossil fuels.
In this article, I'll discuss why choosing sustainable poop bags is essential, and reveal the key factors to consider when buying them.
I briefly covered dog waste bags in my eco-friendly trash bags article, but now I've given them the complete Miller research treatment and compiled the ultimate list of the top eco-friendly dog poop bags in 2024.
These poop bags are compact for easy carrying but open to a super strong 13" x 9", which is big enough to cope with anything a large dog can push out!
Earth Rated bags come in packs of 8 or 18 rolls and can be used alone or seamlessly paired with a dispenser.
I don't bother with a poop bag dispenser. Each roll of bags is so compact that they easily fit into the pockets of my hiking pants or jacket. I also keep a few spare rolls in the back of the truck for emergencies.
I love that these bags are made from 65% certified post-consumer recycled plastic. Which, according to Earth Rated, gives a new life to over five million pounds of plastic every year that would have otherwise ended up in landfills.
I'm sensitive to fragrance, so I only use the unscented version of these poop bags. However, if you need to mask the smell of your dog's poop, a lavender-scented option is also available.
The price is right here too. At 15 bags per roll, you get approximately 4.5 months supply for a little over 13 bucks (based on standard use of 2 bags per day). So you can help the environment and feel good about yourself without breaking the bank.
Company ethics are also a key factor for me. So, I'm delighted that Earth Rated is a Certified B Corporation.
Eco product. Sustainable business ethics. Win-Win!
BioBag, a global leader in producing bags for organic waste collection, stands apart from its regular plastic counterparts.
Thanks to the plant-based (using renewable crops) and plastic-free construction, these Biobag pet waste bags are fully compostable.
These bags are approved by the Biodegradable Products Institute and are certified to meet the ASTM D6400 specification for commercial composting (you can read more about what that means later in this article).
They're not officially certified as home compostable, but that doesn't mean you can't do it. I have a very healthy compost heap in my yard, and in my experience, these bags break down quickly and leave no nasties behind.
Leave your waste worries behind with these USDA Certified Biobased top-rated poop bags. These eco-friendly bags eliminate 38% of the plastic, making your walks guilt-free.
I love that by buying these waste bags, I'm supporting a small business that significantly emphasizes community engagement. It's You Buy, We Donate partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute helps support vital conservation and animal welfare initiatives.
Quality assurance is also paramount with The Original Poop Bags. They undergo thorough quality checks, guaranteeing durability and functionality on every walk.
If you want to flush your dog's poop in your home toilet (even when out on long walks), you'll need a flushable and durable bag. Step forward, Doodie Flush!
You'll never get caught brown-handed with these bags (no matter the size of your four-legged friend's poop). They're thick and strong enough to get the goods home undamaged and ready for flushing.
I appreciate that these bags are also certified compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute. Giving peace of mind that they can be disposed of elsewhere if, for whatever reason, I can't get them to a toilet.
They also come in a cardboard bag dispenser, meaning the packaging is also home compostable.
One potential concern I anticipate with these bags is if your furry friend has loose bowel movements. Given the bags' water-soluble properties, there's a possibility that they may begin to disintegrate on the way back home, particularly if your dog has experienced a runny stool.
✔ As Seen on Shark Tank
✔ Oil & Grease-Resistant Coating
✔ Compostable
What if you want to ditch the waste bag rolls entirely? Introducing nature's sustainable alternative to single-use plastic dog mess bags...Pooch Paper!
This recycled, unbleached paper is made from softwood pulp and provides a guilt-free way to handle your furry friend's business.
Featured on Shark Tank, these sheets for picking up dog poop are crafted using renewable energy and a sustainable manufacturing process.
Pooch Paper ensures a mess-free cleanup while minimizing environmental impact with a corn-based oil and grease-resistant coating on both sides.
I was initially skeptical about this product as I feared it would be messy. But, my fears were soon put to bed.
Pickup is actually surprisingly clean, quick and easy to use. Simply grab the poop as if you were using a paper towel and then twist the top. I'm amazed at how long the paper stays twisted and secure (giving you plenty of time to get to a bin...or toilet/composter).
I tested over 30 types/brands of dog poop bags and narrowed the list down to the recommendations above.
My testing process for each bag included evaluating their durability, sustainability, ease of pickup across multiple surfaces (grass, sand, pebbles, sidewalk, etc.), convenience, eco-credentials, and cost.
When it comes to dog mess, traditional bags made from plastic are not a good option for the environment.
These bags can take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to the growing plastic waste problem in the US.
Sustainable dog poop bags, on the other hand, are designed to break down naturally over time, minimizing their impact on the ecosystem.
By choosing these bags, you can feel good about taking a small but significant step towards reducing your carbon footprint and preserving the environment for future generations.
To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the difference between biodegradable and compostable poop bags.
Biodegradable dog poop bags are designed to break down into natural elements when exposed to the right conditions, such as sunlight, air, and moisture.
Compostable bags, on the other hand, break down more quickly and can also provide valuable nutrients to the soil during the composting process.
When choosing a dog waste bag, look for the following certifications to ensure that it meets the required standards for biodegradability and compostability.
This European Standard ensures that products crafted from biodegradable and compostable materials adhere to specific guidelines for environmentally friendly disposal.
According to EN 13432, compostable plastics must disintegrate within 12 weeks and fully biodegrade within six months.
Globally, there are more than 12,000 ASTM standards in operation.
There are two noteworthy standards relating to compostability of poop bags:
The BPI Certification Mark signifies that manufacturers and brand owners have obtained third-party verification for the compostability of their products and packaging.
It serves as a reliable indicator for consumers, end-users, and composters to determine if a product or package can be composted.
BPI is the foremost third-party verifier of compostable products in North America, adhering to ASTM standards.
The material used in sustainable poop bags is crucial.
Look for bags made from plant-based materials like cornstarch, vegetable oils, or bioplastics derived from renewable sources.
In 2015, the FDA reported that greenwashing was an issue in the world of dog poop bags. Unfortunately, that's still the case today.
To ensure you get the best biodegradable dog mess bag, look for certifications or standards that guarantee the bags' biodegradability, such as the ones mentioned earlier.
For further reading on biodegradability, check out this 5-minute guide.
Consider the size and weight of your dog when choosing the thickness and strength of the poop bags.
Larger dogs produce more poop and require bigger and more durable bags to prevent accidental leaks or tears.
Some poop bags come with added scents to mask unpleasant odors.
Consider your preference and your dog's sensitivities when choosing between scented or unscented bags.
There are a variety of styles and colors to choose from when it comes to poop bags.
Whether you want handles or no handles, a classic plain bag, or something with a more eye-catching pattern, there's an option for everyone!
In addition to buying biodegradable and compostable poop bags, there are other eco-friendly solutions for managing pet waste.
This in-ground waste digester breaks down dog mess through bacterial digestion.
This system is earth-friendly and eliminates the need for plastic bags.
Choosing natural products instead of plastic bags is another clean and sustainable way to manage your dog's waste when out and about.
For example, scoop the poop into a big leaf and toss it into a designated dog poop bin or take it home to compost or flush.
You should be ditching the bags altogether when clearing up dog mess in your yard.
Grab a shovel and scoop the poop. You can add it to your compost heap, dig it into your garden, or even flush it if you have outside conveniences.
A poop scoop is another excellent way to collect poop in your yard.
The scoop is usually made of metal or plastic (some have long handles so you can easily reach into tight areas or deep piles).
Once collected, add it to your compost heap, dig it into the garden, or flush it away where possible.
Some poop scoops are even small enough to take on walks. But bags offer the most convenience for on-the-go pickups.
While switching to sustainable poop bags is a step in the right direction, it's essential to dispose of the waste properly to keep the environment clean and prevent contamination and pollution.
Try to avoid disposing of dog mess in regular trash bins.
Due to the lack of oxygen in most landfill sites, most dog poop bags will never fully decompose (even the ones labeled as home compostable).
If you have access to a toilet, consider using water-soluble bags and flushing the waste down the toilet.
This method ensures proper disposal and eliminates the need for landfill space. Be careful of large bags though as you don't want to cause a blockage.
If flushing is not an option, you can bury the waste in a designated area within your property.
Make sure to dig a hole deep enough to prevent animals from digging it up and disrupting the waste decomposition process.
Yes, you can compost dog waste.
The EPA has put together a handy guide to get you started.
However, be sure to only use your dog waste compost on plants and flowers (not fruits and vegetables you will eat).
Some companies offer services where they collect your dog's waste and dispose of it in an eco-friendly manner.
Consider using such a service if one is available in your area.
Why stop at poop bags? Your faithful hound (and the planet) deserves to be well treated, 24/7, 365!
Here are a few other ways I love to pamper Millie:
My favorite method is as follows:
Sustainable poop bags are made from sustainable and renewable materials such as cornstarch, plant starch, or other compostable substances.
These materials decompose faster and cleaner than conventional plastics.
Yes, good-quality eco poop bags are just as durable as regular plastic bags. They're designed to be robust and tear-resistant, so you can safely transport your pet's waste without worry.
However, some biodegradable materials may not last as long in extreme weather conditions or if exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. So be careful with storage and bulk buying.
Yes, eco poop bags can be more expensive than regular plastic bags. But the extra cost is worth it for the environmental benefits they provide.
ook for deals and coupon codes when shopping online to save a few bucks.
Choosing sustainable pet poop bags (for a small or big dog) is an easy yet impactful way to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier environment.
You can make an informed decision when purchasing these bags by considering factors such as material, biodegradability, and strength.
Remember to also follow proper disposal practices to minimize the environmental impact of your dog's mess.
It's also possible to skip the bag altogether. Opting for a hand-held scoop or shovel to transfer dog waste from the ground to a composting bin, toilet, or hole in the ground may be the most environmentally conscious choice.
However, for those of us walking our dogs every day in urban environments, the poop bag is the most practical solution. The key lies in using them appropriately.
So, let's be responsible dog owners and ensure our dog poop bags are made from sustainable materials instead of virgin plastic.
Your dog and the planet will thank you!
What's your favorite eco-friendly option when shopping for dog waste bags to clean up pet poop?
Do you only buy biodegradable pet waste bags? Or do you insist on compostable dog poop bags and nothing else? Or maybe you're a flusher? Drop me a line and let me know.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
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