“Plastic bags look very similar to a jellyfish in the water and jellyfish is a thing that all sea turtles love to eat.” - Kathy Townsend, animal ecology lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
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What does picking up our product mean?
Choosing our product is more than just supporting local business and saying no to plastic. You're choosing a product that gives a sh*t - in it's most literal sense! You're selecting a product that represents a complexity of relationships weaved, carefully sourced materials, non-toxic dyes, and thoughtful designs which are all just the start of our commitment to reducing our impact on the environment. Our choice of ethical materials allows our product to break down into H2o + Co2.At our core, we believe that pet products should embody beauty, durability, and sustainability without compromise. By designing and creating stylish, laid-back, durable products that have a minimal impact on the environment, we ensure that each purchase from us is an ethical, sustainable, and responsible choice.
We're not just talking the talk about ecological footprints either - we're walking the walk (and our furry friends are strutting along with us). By ditching plastic waste bags, we're taking a stand for Mother Nature, one doo-doo at a time. So, pull up a seat, grab a box, and join us in this movement. Let's show the world that we give a sh*t about the planet we call home.
The "why" behind our product
We started this journey driven by two loves - our pets and our planet. Our goal was simple yet ambitious: to transform a mundane task into a daily commitment to sustainability. We're here to prove that even the smallest actions, like picking up after your pet, can contribute to a greener, cleaner world. We're not just creating bags; we're fostering a movement towards mindful pet ownership.
Our impact on the environment
Our earth friendly poop bags are 100% compostable. They are made from Cornstarch + PLA + PBAT (polymers from cornstarch). These materials are fully compostable, meaning they can break down naturally over time.
Additionally, our packaging is made from kraft paper, a sustainable material. We also use non-toxic dyes and paper stickers, ensuring that the entire product is compostable. By choosing our poop bags, you can contribute to a healthier planet by reducing plastic waste.
How your purchase helps animals in need
We are delighted to share that for every box purchased on our website, $1 is donated to an animal welfare organisation in the Northern Rivers region. This contribution directly supports the efforts of animal welfare organisations in providing care, shelter, and assistance to farm and/or domestic animals in need. When making a purchase, you contribute to our goal to create a positive impact on the lives of animals and promoting their well-being.
What does recyclable, oxo-degradable, biodegradable and compostable actually mean?
Ah, the ever-present eco-friendly terms that tease us at every turn! We've all been there, standing before the formidable bin, gazing at our rubbish with a perplexed expression. It's like a riddle wrapped in a mystery, disguised as a logo. What on earth does it even mean? Can I confidently toss this into the recycling abyss? Am I really supporting the planet by buying "biodegradable" or "oxo-degradable"?
Let's break it down:
- Recycling involves collecting and repurposing materials that would otherwise be discarded as waste.
- Oxo-degradable plastics are designed to break down quicker when exposed to light, heat, and oxygen due to special additives. However, they often degrade into tiny pieces, or microplastics, rather than fully disappearing. These microplastics can persist in the environment and potentially harm wildlife and ecosystems, making oxo-degradable plastics controversial and not an ideal eco-friendly solution.
- Biodegradable refers to materials that can naturally decompose due to the activity of living organisms in the environment. In simpler terms, biodegradable materials break down into smaller, natural components like sugars and gases.
- Compostable materials are certified to decompose fully into non-toxic components (water, carbon dioxide, and organic material) without harming the environment, given appropriate conditions.
Remember, all compostable products are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable products are compostable.
Which types of dog waste bags are most eco-friendly?
The most environmentally friendly option for dog waste bags are those that are compostable. Compostable dog waste bags are designed to decompose into organic matter within a period of 6 months. It's important to note that terms such as 'biodegradable' or any other labeling that doesn't specifically state 'certified compostable' typically indicates the bag is essentially plastic.
What are our bags made from?
Our bags are made from plant-based materials like cornstarch and PBAT (a compostable ingredient that helps enhance the bag's durability). We're committed to ethical sourcing, ensuring our materials are both kind to the earth and strong enough to handle your pet's business.
Why corn?
Corn is a renewable resource, meaning it can be grown and harvested repeatedly without depleting the earth's resources. It is a widely cultivated crop and can be sustainably managed through responsible agricultural practices.
Traditional plastic bags are derived from non-renewable petroleum, whereas corn-based materials offer an alternative that utilizes renewable plant-based resources.
The production of corn-based materials generally has a lower carbon footprint compared to petroleum-based plastics. Corn is a plant-based material, and its cultivation and processing emit fewer greenhouse gases compared to the extraction and refining of fossil fuels used to produce traditional plastics.
What do our bags decompose into?
Our bags are designed to decompose quickly, reaching 90% decomposition within three months and full decomposition in under six months. They turn into carbon dioxide and water, leaving a smaller environmental impact, for a cleaner pawprint.
Product durability
Our bags are tested to be reliable and robust on various shapes and sizes. They are designed to be leak-proof and sturdy, effectively containing the mess and helping you stress less.
Reducing your pet's carbon pawprint
By using compostable bags, you are significantly reducing your pet's environmental impact or "carbon pawprint." Our bags decompose quickly and safely compared to traditional plastic bags, reducing landfill waste and the emission of harmful greenhouse gases.
Landfill & the environment:
Traditional plastic waste bags can take hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill, releasing harmful greenhouse gases in the process. By using our compostable bags, you're helping reduce landfill waste and the release of these harmful gases, contributing to a healthier environment.
Composting your pet poop bags
Our bags are compostable heroes! They can break down in your backyard compost pile. Just check with your local regulations to be sure home composting of pet waste is allowed in your area. They can guide you on whether the bags can be composted at home, disposed of in your green waste bin, or if they need to be sent to a specific composting facility.
Our materials are made from renewable material that is certified to meet the following most strict standards in the world — EN 13432 (EU); DINCERTCO Home & Industrial Compostable; TUV Austria Industrial Compostable to ensure its compostability.
Are the bags safe for all types of waste?
Absolutely, our bags are a versatile bunch! While they're perfect for pet waste, you can also use them for small household compostable waste. Just remember, they're not a fan of hazardous or non-compostable materials. They're great multi-taskers for lining small waste bins or collecting food scraps too.
Community impact
Choosing our product means supporting a local business that's passionate about sustainability. While our bags are manufactured overseas for now, we're a homegrown company at heart. Every bag is designed right here, with our unique understanding of our community's needs. Plus, your purchase helps us grow, contributing to local employment in areas like design, distribution, and customer service. That's a win-win in our book!
Future goals for sustainability
We acknowledge that significant change is a gradual process that requires consistent effort. We remain committed to ongoing enhancement and evaluation of our material choices, packaging alternatives, and production methods, ensuring they align with our overarching sustainability strategy.
We're always on the hunt for ways to become even greener and expand our eco-paw print. Stay tuned – we're just getting started on this journey!