As a dog sitter, I find myself frequently dealing with dog waste. While I'm aware that using plastic shopping bags for poop removal is detrimental to the environment, I haven't made the switch to more eco-friendly disposal methods just yet. Typically, I use one bag as a glove and the other as a container to collect the waste when cleaning my backyard. Once the job is done, I toss the bags into the trashcan. Surprisingly, I consider those bags of poop to be a protective measure against identity theft. If someone were to search through my garbage in search of personal information, they would certainly be unpleasantly surprised by the foul-smelling contents!
When I'm out on the trails, I resort to using poop bags that claim to be "biodegradable." However, whether these bags genuinely live up to their biodegradability claims remains a matter of interpretation. In February 2015, the Federal Trade Commission cautioned 20 dog poop bag manufacturers about potentially deceptive claims regarding the environmental friendliness of their products.
With doubts lingering about the trustworthiness of poop bag companies, I embarked on a search for alternatives to the conventional poop bag. Here are five potential options I discovered:
Poof
The team at Poof sent me one of their products to try out. Poof stands out because it is not biodegradable—it is reusable. Yes, you heard that right. You can reuse it. I carried the Poof around in my purse for some time before taking it on a hike. During this period, I made sure to explain how it worked to anyone who asked.
"Here's how it goes," I would explain. "You place this nylon disc under your dog's rear end while they're defecating. Then, you pull the drawstring, and it forms a small bag. When you return home, simply open it, deposit the poop in the toilet, rinse, and voila! You're done."
None of my friends or family members were convinced. They raised concerns about getting poop on my hands when clumsily pulling the drawstring, the potential for odors due to the loose closure, and the unsuitability of the bag's size for larger dog droppings—like the ones my pack frequently produces. Nevertheless, two of my friends did conclude that the Poof would make an excellent hat (we may have had a glass of wine or two).
Despite the skepticism, I decided to give it a shot. I embarked on a hike with a friend and a few dogs. Almost immediately, I realized there was no convenient place to store the Poof, so I tucked it into the waistband of my hiking pack. Every now and then, I would exclaim, "That dog is about to poop!" and hastily grab the Poof, ready to put it into action. However, after a few false alarms, I reached for the bag again only to discover it was gone. The Poof had fallen out on the trail. I tried to retrace my steps and find it, but alas, it was lost forever. I can only hope that an environmentally conscious dog owner stumbled upon it and put it to good use, because let's be honest, it just wasn't for me.
The SCOOPEASY
The kind folks behind the SCOOPEASY reached out to the Dogster office to share information about their product. While they offered to send a sample, I decided against it after my previous disappointment with the Poof. However, I can still tell you about it.
The SCOOPEASY is a funnel made of recycled cardboard, complete with a removable scooper. To use it, you simply bend down, position the largefunnel next to the dog's waste, and use the small scooper to guide it inside. Once you're done, fold the funnel shut, similar to a takeout Chinese food box, and carry it to the nearest trashcan.
The inventor of the SCOOPEASY has great confidence in their product. In fact, they put it to the test with a "mayonnaise challenge." What does that entail? Well, it involves placing some mayonnaise on a surface and using the SCOOPEASY to clean it up, showcasing its effectiveness for dogs with digestive issues and their distinct waste consistency.
Although I haven't personally tried the SCOOPEASY, I can't help but envision myself covered in poop and any "mayonnaise-like" residue stubbornly sticking to grass and dirt.
Mutt Mitt
Out of all the dog-poop bags I've used, the Mutt Mitt stands as the best. A client shared some with me when dropping off their dog, and I instantly fell in love. The area where you place your hand is double-lined, the bag is spacious, and it can be easily tied off. According to the manufacturer's Facebook page, they are deemed "earth-friendly." While I'm not entirely certain about the exact implications, it's safe to say that when it comes to dog waste, my primary concern is its swift disposal, regardless of environmental considerations.
Flush Puppies
Flush Puppies proudly claim to be the "official dog doodie bag of mother earth" on their website. If such an honor existed, they might just earn it. With Flush Puppies, you can pick up your dog's waste using their specialized bags and then flush the entire package down the toilet!
However, I must admit that if I were to follow suit, I have a feeling my plumber would scold me during their next visit to clean the mainline sewer.
Hiring a Professional
Believe it or not, there are professionals who can come to your home and handle the task of picking up your dog's waste for you. Isn't that amazing? Although I'm unsure about the fate of the waste once they've collected it, at least it's no longer your problem.
So, what kind of bag do you use to clean up after your dog? Let us know in the comments section!