Why Home Compostable Dog Poo Bags Are The Best Choice For The Environment

Confused about all the different types of 'eco-friendly' dog poo bags?
All dog owners are familiar with that essential part of pet ownership – picking up after their furry friends’ doggy doo. But how many of us think about the environmental impact of the bags we use to do it? With growing awareness around eco-friendly living, there’s been a huge rise in the use of biodegradable plastic poo bags. However, there’s an even better option for eco-conscious dog owners: home compostable dog poo bags.

Here’s why making the switch to home compostable dog poo bags is better for the environment (and your conscience) than relying on cheap biodegradable plastic bags.

Understanding the Difference: Biodegradable vs. Compostable
At first glance, ‘biodegradable’ might seem like the obvious eco-friendly choice. After all, doesn’t it mean the bag will break down? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Biodegradable plastic bags are made from traditional plastic blended with additives that help them break down faster than regular plastic. The problem? They often still take years to fully degrade and can leave behind harmful microplastics in the environment.

Home compostable bags, on the other hand, are typically made from plant-based materials like cornstarch, which fully decompose into organic matter in your home compost system. No lingering plastic, no microplastic pollution – just safe, natural materials that return to the earth.

Biodegradable Plastic Bags Often Require Industrial Composting
One of the major downsides of biodegradable plastic bags is that they require specific conditions – usually found in industrial composting facilities – to break down properly. These facilities reach high temperatures and control humidity to break down the bag within a reasonable time frame. If these bags end up in a landfill or in nature, they decompose much more slowly, contributing to the growing plastic pollution problem.

By contrast, home compostable bags are designed to break down in a regular compost heap, where conditions are not as controlled. Within a few months, they turn into nutrient-rich compost, helping your garden grow rather than harming the planet. (Please note, however, that while compost made from plant matter is beneficial for gardening, using compost that contains human or animal faeces for growing food poses significant health risks.

Microplastic Pollution from Biodegradable Plastics
Even when biodegradable plastic bags do break down, they often leave behind tiny fragments of plastic called microplastics. These microplastics are not visible to the naked eye but can persist in the environment for years, contaminating soil, waterways, and even the food chain.

Home compostable bags decompose entirely, leaving no trace behind. They are made from organic materials that naturally degrade into non-toxic compounds, eliminating the risk of microplastic pollution.

Supporting a Circular, Zero-Waste Economy
Choosing home compostable poo bags aligns with the principles of a circular economy – an economy designed to minimize waste and make the most of resources. When you use home compostable bags, you are returning organic matter to the earth in the form of compost, which can then be used to enrich soil and grow plants. It is a true zero-waste cycle.

On the other hand, biodegradable plastic bags are still part of the linear, throwaway culture that generates waste and relies on non-renewable resources. Even if they eventually break down, they cannot be reused or contribute to the health of the planet in the same way compostable bags can.

The Hidden Costs of Cheap Biodegradable Bags
While cheap biodegradable plastic bags might seem like a budget-friendly option, the hidden environmental cost is much higher. Producing biodegradable plastic still requires fossil fuels, and improper disposal of these bags can contribute to long-term environmental damage.

Home compostable dog poo bags, while slightly more expensive upfront, offer a more sustainable solution. Because they are plant-based and break down naturally, their overall environmental footprint is far smaller. Plus, as more people make the switch, the cost of compostable bags continues to decrease.

Composting Dog Waste – A Bonus Benefit
When used correctly, home compostable bags can even enable you to compost your dog’s waste! While it’s essential to follow guidelines (dog waste shouldn’t be used in food-producing gardens due to potential pathogens), creating a dedicated dog waste compost system can turn your dog’s waste into nutrient-rich soil for non-edible plants.

With biodegradable plastic bags, you lose this option. Because the bags do not decompose properly, they are not safe for composting, and the waste inside ends up contributing to landfill pollution.

A Small Change That Makes a Big Difference
Switching to home compostable dog poo bags is a small, simple change that can have a significant impact. As dog owners, we have an opportunity to reduce our environmental footprint while still taking care of our pets. By choosing compostable dog poo bags over biodegradable, you are actively participating in the solution to the plastic waste crisis, helping to keep our planet cleaner for future generations.

Conclusion: Make the Sustainable Choice
When it comes to picking up after your dog, it might seem like all bags are created equal – but they are not. Home compostable dog poo bags offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional and biodegradable plastic bags, breaking down naturally and contributing to a healthier planet.

So if you are here shopping for dog supplies, consider going compostable. It is a small investment in a greener future, one bag at a time.

Buy Home Compostable Dog Poo Bags
At Doggy Poo Bags Direct we offer a range of Home Compostable Poo Bags, including TUV-certified bags, and are committed to selling only Home Compostable Poo Bags by 2025. Click here to shop our range of Premium Home Compostable Poo Bags and take advantage of our bulk buyer offers - or buy on Amazon UK and sign up to our Subscribe & Save option.