Tips for more environmentally friendly poop scooping

  

It’s a fact of life—your pet has to “go”—and that means it’s up to you to provide suitable outlets for nature’s call. 

Being environmentally responsible is healthier for the planet, for us and for our pets. If you live on vast acres of land, the environmental impact of a single dog taking care of business may be insignificant, but if you live in an urban area with a small yard or no yard at all, it’s a different story. If you’re in a city where hundreds of dogs eliminate in a tiny green space, the environment really takes a hit.

Responsible dog owners know how to “scoop the poop” but may not be aware that their environmental responsibility doesn’t end there. Plastic waste disposal bags (both new and recycled) aren’t all biodegradable, which means these bags linger in landfills for years before decomposing. So even though your pet’s feces are organic matter, they can’t break down when sheathed in non-biodegradable plastic. 

How can you take a green approach to eliminations? Here are a few ideas:

• Biodegradable waste disposal bags: There are many varieties on the market. Some bags are even compostable, but you shouldn’t use compost containing pet feces around edible fruit trees or vegetable plants.
• Newspaper: A newspaper is a great alternative to plastic bags.
• Pooper scooper: Using a scooper eliminates the need for plastic bags—as well as the need to bend over to pick up waste with your hands.
• Septic system: Like a miniature septic tank, these use enzymes to break down waste.

It’s never fun to pick up after your dog’s droppings, but by using a green method to clean up, you can feel good that you are helping the environment one bathroom break at a time. 

Plus, make sure that your pet’s stools are free of any parasites that may affect you or other animals by keeping your pet routinely dewormed. 

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