It's a topic no one really wants to discuss, but every dog owner must deal with daily- pooh. I don't mean the cute bear named Winnie either. Whether you are a city dweller who takes Fido for multiple walks a day or a suburbanite with a spacious back yard you know that eventually, all things (even socks, tennis ball pieces and earplugs) come to pass. And if it passes through your dog chances are you will be the one scooping up, picking up, stepping in it- or facing your neighbor's wrath.
I know many take the economically approach to dog waste and use plastic bags from the grocery store. This is, however, the least environmentally friendly option we have. Here are some statistics from Reusablebags.com and pethabitats.com about dog waste and the standard plastic bags we use:
- 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are used worldwide every year.
- Plastic bags, made from non-renewable petroleum based chemicals, do not biodegrade but rather break down into small pieces that can contaminate soil and water.
- A plastic bag filled with dog waste and tossed into the trash will eventually end up in a landfill, where the waste can also contaminate soil and water. In fact, pet waste is THE major source of bacterial watershed pollution in U.S. cities.
- Flushing dog waste is the most environmentally sound way to handle waste, as it allows for the waste to be treated in the same way human waste is handled.
When I first learned about flushable dog waste bags I was a little skeptical. I worried they would melt in my hand, or clog my pipes. I figured it was better to toss waste in the trash. I thought my biodegradable dog waste bags were earth-friendly enough. After using flushable bags and doing a bit of reading I have completely changed my opinion.
Meet Flusheze
Although biodegradable dog bags are a better option than standard bags, the waste still goes in the trash, and ultimately our soil and water. After learning all of this I pleased to find and try Flusheze bags from PetHabitats. These bags didn't leak, they are sturdy and didn't tear like many of the biodegradable bags and I had no issues with my pipes. I do recommend you follow instructions and be sure to roll as much air out of the bag as possible, since air floats and makes for one buoyant little poop bag!
A 60 count supply of bags runs $12.95, which is for most dog owners a month or two supply. For me the cost is well worth the convenience of being able to flush the waste and the assurance of being just that much greener with something I use every day.
You can try the bags out before you buy. Just send a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) to: A to Pethabitats Inc. - 565 Striped Moss St. - Roseville, CA 95678. They also have a free shipping special located on their website at http://www.pethabitats.com/specials/
Have a great eco-friendly option you use for pet waste? I would love to hear about it…
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8 comments:
Wow! That is a really neat idea! I think I'm going to try it. The only thing I would miss about my old bags is the bag holder I attach to the leash. Thanks for the great info!
Sniffs and licks,
Chase
I folded these up and shoved them into my leash baggie holder and it worked just fine for me, I love the little baggie leasah holder!
It's about time someone came out with something like this! Mommy is the queen of using grocery bags for my poop and then having to wait til trash day to get rid of them! YUCK!
I am going to have to give these a shot!
Do you know if they are safe for septic tanks?? That would be my only concern!
Thanks!
Hugs and Licks, Bruschi and his mama
Bruschi-
The site says they are perfectly safe for septic tanks. I believe it, because I accidently left one of the bags on the back of the sink today and when I found it little bits had dissolved where it got splashed. I don't think it dissolved immediately, but it definately did eventually! So if you try them, don't leave them out in the rain!
Oh thank you! Great! Now Mommy just has to convince Daddy to give them a whirl!! I could always give Daddy my puppy eyes face and he'll cave! BOL!
Thanks again!
Hugs and Licks, Bruschi
BOL Bruschi, my daddy is still skeptical. But so far Mom has been right...
checkout http://flushdoggy.com
We are excited to be on a collaborative journey with others who are interested in preserving our Earth and resources. Flushable poop bags are a perfect pairing to a Doodie Pack - a lightweight pack to carry both empty and filled waste bags until proper disposal at home is possible. Doodie Packs are for you, (dignity in your dog walk) your dog (give that pup and job) and good for the environment. www.doodiepack.com erfect "p
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