A slobbering advice column written by a dog for eco-minded dogs & their owners
Dear Lola: Finally, its summer again! Time to hike, run, and play with Buster at the park or on the trail. Are their any eco-friendly options out there to pick up that squishy stuff?
Sincerely, CONSIDERATE DOGWALKER
DEAR CONSIDERATE DOGWALKER: First, let me give you a big paw on the back for picking up after Buster. Like many dogs, a walk to the park, around the neighborhood and on the trail makes my day, but sometimes nature calls (no, not the howling of the wild). Whether it’s in the brushes, on the sidewalk, near a hydrant (a dogs version of the port-a-potty), or on a neighbor’s lawn it is important to do the right thing and pick up. Because no one likes the reminder of what your dog ate for dinner last night. Not to mention, it’s a dog owner no-no to leave piles behind, so beware you can be charged a heavy fine for not picking up. So be courteous of those joggers, law-abiding dog walking citizens, neighbors, and speed walkers out there because no one likes to step in dog poo.
I know many people opt to use an empty grocery bag, just please keep in mind these take 100’s of years to break down. Possibly clogging the throats of poor innocent earthworms and dung beetles. Luckily, there are eco-friendly alternatives out there. The two I recommend and use are Skooperbox & Spike Brand Business Bags. Trust me, the earthworms and dung beetles will thank you for it.
The Skooperbox is made from 100% recycled paper, hooks conveniently onto your leash, just scoop and toss. So say good-bye to that squishy feeling, and hello to no more grabbing because with the handy scooper your hand never has to touch that mess again. Best of all it is 100% biodegradable and breaks down in 30 days.
Spike Brand Business Bags are made from corn, are strong, compostable and biodegrade without a trace in 45 days.
So go ahead, enjoy the walk! Now every business trip you make with Buster can help make for a cleaner planet & a cleaner conscience.
Barkingly yours,
Lola the eco-dog
You can find this and other eco-friendly products at www.pawlux.com. Paw Luxury specializes in selling earth friendly products. We offer quality products that are stylish, durable, all natural, organic, holistic, sustainable, biodegradable, fair trade, and Made in the USA. Our motto is “healthy dog, healthy earth, and happier life”.
If you have a question or need advice from Lola the eco- dog on ways you & your dog can go green just email her at asklola@pawlux.com. Lola the eco-dog is here to help!
May 2nd, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Hey — great post Lola…it HAS been bugging me this whole plastic-bag-choking-the-earthworms thing. With two fabulous dogs i’ve been looking for a Green alternative to pick up the squishy stuff. heading out to order now (and to recommend that my local boutiques carry!)
Ciao
Peggie (and Kiera and Deuce)
May 2nd, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Glad to see this topic being addressed! We spend a lot of time in Mexico, where the level of dialogue on dog poo is minimal. Next time I’m in the US, I’ll try these things.
May 2nd, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Good topic! I am glad to know about this option - I’ve been using sandwich bags, but that means the poop is probably preserved forever in the landfill, which makes little sense. I will check out the Spike Bags for sure!
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:45 pm
This is an issue of concern. Not only do I not want to leave a yuck filled plastic bag to set for years - what happens if someone’s little kid happens to dig it up and … ! My local store just doesn’t carry eco friendly pet items. Many things seem to be made in third world countries where the workers make 13 cents a day. I checked out Lola’s store. They quickly got back to me with an answer to my question.I think I will stop trying to convert my local stores and just stop online from a store with a conscience.
May 3rd, 2008 at 5:21 am
I loved this post! I really feel that this is a GREAT column as it is timely for dog lovers and the entire eco community. “Ask Lola” should be regularly featured! I think Pawlux is heading straight to the top!
Thanks for bringing this product line to market!! Bless you.
May 5th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
You know, I don’t have a dog, but I have seriously puzzled about this problem during my walks in the park with my kids. They even have plastic bag dispensers at the park by my house so people don’t even have to bring their own. I have often wondered what could be done about this. Now I know!
Think Folger’s Crystals Commercial…
“We’ve secretly removed the regular plastic poopy bags from this park and replaced them with bio-degradable Spike Bags. Let’s watch the reaction from people when they realize they don’t have to preserve their dog’s poop for the next ten billion years!”