Picking up after your pet’s waste is an important thing to do as a pet owner who is ensuring a clean and healthy environment.

Many of us have started using biodegradable poop bags as an environmentally friendly alternative due to the growing concern about plastic pollution.

However, the issue of whether biodegradable poop bags are better for the environment still exists.

The pros and cons of biodegradable poop bags, as well as their effects on the environment, will be discussed in this blog post.

At the end of this article, you’ll have a better idea of how making use of biodegradable poop bags affects the environment and whether they’re the best option for you and your dog.

What are biodegradable dog poop bags?

Biodegradable Dog poop bags are bags made to decompose naturally in the environment within a few periods of time.

Purple plastic bag

Unlike the Traditional Plastic poop bags that can take hundreds of years to degrade.

Biodegradable poop bags are made with materials that are intended to degrade much faster than traditional plastic poop bags, reducing their impact on the environment.

There are numerous varieties of biodegradable poop bags available, each with its make-up and set of qualities.

Other biodegradable poop bags may be made of biodegradable plastics, which are intended to decompose more quickly than conventional plastics.

Some biodegradable poop bags are made from plant-based substances, such as corn flour or vegetable oils.

These substances are frequently mixed with additional compounds, like enzymes or microbes, to hasten the decomposition process.

Reducing the quantity of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and seas is one of the main advantages of biodegradable dog poop bags.

Conventional plastic poop bags may take hundreds of years to break down, and as they do, they may leak dangerous chemicals into the environment.

On the other hand, biodegradable poop bags are made to decompose far more quickly and are frequently disposed of in a manner that is friendlier to the environment.

Not all biodegradable poop bags are made equal. Certain biodegradable bags could degrade more slowly than others, or they might degrade completely in certain environments, where there are hot climates or excess sunshine.

However, depending on the materials and additives used in their production, certain biodegradable bags may still release dangerous chemicals into the environment as they degrade.

It’s important to conduct research and look for biodegradable poop bags that have been certified by third-party organizations, such as the Australian Bioplastic Association (BPA) or the Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA), to make sure that you’re making an environmentally friendly decision.

These certifications show that the bags have undergone testing and adhere to requirements for environmental impact and biodegradability.

7 Environmental Impacts of Biodegradable Bags.

Biodegradable bags may appear to be an eco-friendlier option than traditional plastic bags, but there are still several environmental effects to be aware of.

Seven of the most important environmental effects of biodegradable bags are listed below:

1. Production:

Much like any other product, biodegradable bags require energy and resources to be produced. Biodegradable bags may have a higher or lower environmental impact than traditional plastic bags, depending on the materials and production techniques employed.

2. Land Use:

The crops or raw materials needed in the creation of biodegradable bags frequently require huge amounts of land.

Deforestation, habitat loss, and other adverse effects on biodiversity and ecosystems may result from this.

3. Water Use:

Depending on the ingredients and manufacturing techniques employed, the production of biodegradable bags may also demand significant amounts of water.

Water scarcity and other environmental problems may result from this.

4. Transportation

Biodegradable bags must be carried from the producing plant to the consumer, just like any other product.

This may result in carbon emissions and other transportation-related environmental effects.

5. Disposal

Biodegradable bags must be properly disposed of for them to decompose in the environment.

They can still contribute to litter and pollution if they are not properly disposed of.

6. Breakdown

While biodegradable bags are intended to decompose in the environment, the rate and manner of decomposition can differ based on the components and additions employed.

While some biodegradable bags may decompose rapidly and entirely, others could contain dangerous components like microplastics.

7. Greenwashing.

Finally, when it comes to biodegradable bags, there is a possibility of greenwashing.

Without clearly stating their environmental impact or obtaining third-party certification, some businesses may promote their bags as being environmentally friendly.

Despite the possibility that biodegradable bags have certain advantages over conventional plastic bags, it is crucial to be aware of any potential environmental effects and to use and dispose of them responsibly.

Selecting bags that have received certification from independent agencies and correctly disposing of them helps reduce their negative environmental effects.

Eco-Friendly Ways to Dispose of Dog Waste/ Poop.

As pet owners, we must dispose of our dog’s waste in a manner that respects the environment and doesn’t cause pollution. Here are a few environmentally friendly ways to get rid of canine waste:

1.Composting

Composting is a great technique to turn your dog’s waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer for your plants if you have a backyard or garden.

But, because dog excrement can include dangerous bacteria and parasites that can hurt both humans and animals, it’s crucial to employ a specialized composting facility.

2. Make use of Biodegradable Poop Bags

Although not all biodegradable bags are made equal, using a certified biodegradable bag to collect your dog’s waste can be a more environmentally beneficial option than using conventional plastic bags.

To verify that the bags you choose will genuinely degrade the environment, look for certification from independent organizations like the Australian Bioplastic Association (BPA) or the Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA)

3. Make use of Flushable Poop Bags

You might be able to flush your dog’s feces down the toilet if you have a septic system or are linked to a municipal sewage system.

But, it’s crucial to confirm that your septic system is prepared to manage canine waste and to familiarize yourself with local laws.

4. Bury the Dog’s Poop

You can also get rid of dog feces by burying them in a hole in your yard, far from any water or food sources. To avoid contamination and to avoid putting the garbage in a spot where it might be dug up by animals, it’s crucial to make sure it is buried deeply enough.

There are some specialized systems available that are made to break down dog waste in a sustainable manner. Enzymes or other additives may be used in these systems to hasten the breakdown process and reduce smells.

5. Hire a Pet waste Pickup Service

There are pet waste collection services that will come to your home and pick up the waste for you if you don’t have the time or want to dispose of your dog’s waste yourself.

These firms might compost the material or use specialized disposal methods to get rid of it in an environmentally responsible manner.

By disposing of your dog’s waste using one or more of these environmentally friendly techniques, you may lessen pollution and safeguard the environment for future generations.

Conclusion

Although biodegradable dog waste bags may appear to be a more environmentally responsible choice, there are still several environmental effects to take into account.

To reduce their environmental impact, it’s important to select bags that have received certification from independent organizations and to properly dispose of them.

Dog waste can also be disposed of in an environmentally acceptable manner by composting, flushing, burying, utilizing specialized disposal devices, or hiring pet waste pickup services.

We can all do our part to keep our environment safe and build a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations by taking responsibility for our pet’s waste and making informed decisions about how to dispose of it.