Earth Day

Today is Earth Day... these days, there seems to be a lot of talk about taking measures to reduce our carbon footprints. However, humans aren't the only species to leave their mark on the environment - our dogs also leave carbon pawprints. So today, as we focus on saving energy in our homes, offices, and vehicles, let's not forget to think about where we can conserve and help the earth with all of the goods and services that we provide for our four-legged friends. Specifically, I'd like to focus this post on eco-friendly pooper scooping.

Did you know that America's 71 million dogs produce 29,000 tons of waste each day? Although not often talked about, one thing that all pet owners must deal with is poop. First of all, it’s important to pick up your pooch’s waste because, most likely, other people don’t want to encounter it while they’re taking a walk around your community. More importantly, dog waste that is not picked up contributes to water contamination. Basically, by not picking up and disposing of your pet's poop properly, you're adding sewage to our environment.

Here's the kicker: Think you're doing good by saving that plastic grocery bag and re-using it to pick up fido's poop? WRONG. When you pick up after your pup with a plastic bag, you are still harming our environment. According to poopbags.com, plastics are the fourth highest generated waste in the U.S., originate from petroleum which is non-renewable, do not biodegrade, and take thousands of years to break down.

So, what can we do? Biodegradable bags are the answer for greener pooper scooping. I always try to ensure that we have a supply of biodegradable poop bags on hand.  Although biodegradable bags are more expensive, I can't stand the thought of a plastic bag from Giant or Safeway, filled with my dog's waste, sitting on top of a hot and steaming landfill for years. It's just plain irresponsible.

Even I can take action to be more greener though... The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) actually advises people to flush pet waste. (One company, FlushDoggy, sells biodegradable, flushable pet poop bags.)

In honor of Earth Day 2011, join me and consider being more eco-friendly with your pooper scooping. Tahoe and Ashley say "thanks for woofing your part" and helping our environment.

Tahoe and Ashley, hopeful for a cleaner and brighter future