Are Biodegradable Dog Poo Bags Really Eco-friendly?

Digging Up the Facts: What Does Biodegradable Really Mean?

First things first, when we talk about ‘biodegradable,’ we’re referring to the process by which something breaks down. So beware, dog owners, this is where it can get as tricky as a squirrel in a tree.

The word biodegradable does not specify when something will break down, or what material it’s made from… just that it will break down at some point. Biodegradable dog poop bags are often just a prettier way of saying ‘plastic.’

Biodegradable dog poop bags generally have some chemicals in to help them break down into small pieces the human eye can’t see. But just into millions of tinier plastic pieces called microplastics. These pieces can find their way into the digestive systems of animals and even humans. Yikes, that’s as welcome as a cat at a dog party! So, biodegradable? Yes. Eco-friendly? Not so much.

Technical Note: A compostable item can also be called biodegradable, as biodegrading is the process by which something composts, but not all biodegradable products can be compostable.

The True Colors of “Eco” Brands

As crafty as a fox in the henhouse, some brands use eco-sounding names to sell their biodegradable (plastic) dog poop bags. Without the composting logos, which certifies a poop bag is compostable, poop bags are no more compostable than your average tennis ball. They may be ‘green’ in colour, but not so much in spirit.

Tail or Tale: Are Biodegradable Dog Poo Bags Eco-friendly?

Dog owners, prepare for a ‘tail’ as twisted as your pooch chasing his own behind. Biodegradable dog poop bags often contain plastic, which we all know isn’t the best friend of our beloved Mother Earth. But hound-lovers, fear not! There’s another term to get your tail wagging: compostable. These are the truly eco-friendly bags that have passed rigorous government compostability tests.

Beware of Bag Breakage: Do Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags Work?

Sure, these bags can hold the ‘goods,’ but how well? Many poop bags are focused on being as cheap as possible (which is an understandable aim), but the only way to do this is to make wafer-thin poop bags to save on material costs. This means many biodegradable bags can leave you in a crappy situation.

However, here at Oh Crap, we’ve crafted our compostable poop bags to be three times thicker than the average pet waste bag. We aim to make the best dog poop bag in the world, so compostability and a nice pet parenting experience are key to that. No more mid-walk mishaps or feeling too close to your canine’s waste.

Decomposing the Decomposition: How Long Does It Take For Biodegradable Poop Bags to Break Down?

Let’s fetch the facts: biodegradable dog poop bags, though advertised to break down quickly, simply fragment into those pesky microplastics. All the plastic that’s ever been created still exists today, as the wise folks at Greenpeace remind us.

On the other paw, compostable dog poop bags are a different breed altogether. Certified compostable in Australia, these bags must be 90% decomposed in 12 weeks and entirely gone in 180 days. Now that’s a bag that respects the game of fetch – it gets the job done and then leaves no trace!

Conclusion

In the dog-eat-dog world of poop bags, knowing what’s really eco-friendly can feel like finding the right spot to pee. Remember, while biodegradable bags may seem like a step in the right direction, they often leave behind a trail of microplastics. Instead, keep your eyes on the prize: compostable dog poop bags, which truly degrade without harming our environment.

In the end, choosing the right bag helps us care for our environment as much as our furry friends. After all, there’s no poop-scoop law for Mother Earth, so it’s up to us to clean up after ourselves!