The U.S. is grappling with a pressing environmental issue — excessive waste disposal and its long-term consequences. Unfortunately, pet owners contribute to this cycle, especially when managing dog waste. One of the biggest offenders is plastic bags. Pet parents often overlook the ecological toll of each doggy waste bag used, but it is time to rethink our choices.
Globally, it is estimated that 500 million pet plastic waste bags enter landfills annually. Though grabbing any plastic bag for a dog’s poop may seem like the easiest option, it comes at a significant environmental cost.
Traditional plastic bags take up to a thousand years to break down in landfills, polluting the environment. They contribute to plastic buildup, harm wildlife, and endanger ecosystems. Moreover, pet waste itself contains bacteria, parasites, and pathogens that can contaminate water sources if not disposed of properly.
Sustainable Solutions for Pet Owners and the Planet
As more people become aware of the environmental damage caused by single-use plastics, there is a growing demand for products that help reduce that impact. Pet waste bags are one of those everyday essentials that many neglect to consider when choosing waste management solutions.
Fortunately, there are sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic waste bags. NEXT Landfill-Friendly Pet Waste Bags by Doggy Do Good provide an eco-conscious option for dog owners who want to minimize their environmental footprint without compromising convenience.
These specially designed bags are made from 65% post-consumer recycled plastic, which helps divert plastic waste from landfills and reduce the need for new plastic production. What’s more, they are engineered with an exclusive Eco-accelerated formula that attracts microbes to speed up the breakdown process in landfills without leaving harmful microplastics behind.
The biodegradation process is a fascinating interplay of nature’s capabilities. It starts with creating chemical signals that attract microbes, the unsung heroes of this process. Once drawn in, these microbes begin consuming the plastic’s polymer chains. The process expands the polymer structure, allowing the microbes to feast on the plastic, essentially breaking it down into simpler, more natural components.
This continues to break down polymers biologically, like organic material, but faster than traditional plastics. The plastic is converted to organic material and biogasses that can be converted to energy, all thanks to the intriguing capabilities of these microbes.
Making Pets’ Carbon Paw-Print Smaller
This sustainable solution did not happen overnight. It took two years of development for Doggy Do Good’s founders, Cara AnnMarie and David Wesch, to create these bags that complement their existing pet supply line. Their goal was clear: to provide a landfill-friendly alternative to conventional pet waste bags while addressing the global plastic waste crisis.
These bags are certified by Intertek to meet ASTM D5511-02 standards, ensuring they decompose much faster than traditional plastic — from over 500 years to less than five years. Further, they are a USDA-certified biobased product, extra thick and durable, with lockout smells and a leak-proof design, and are easy to open with one hand.
“Making this simple shift from conventional plastic bags to environmentally-conscious options allows pet owners to care for their pets while being mindful of the planet,” said Cara. “It’s a small but powerful way to minimize the waste we create and take part in the larger effort to reduce our environmental impact.”
Transitioning to NEXT landfill-friendly pet waste bags has been a seamless process for many. The bags are designed to fit into daily routines without any hassle, making it easy to make a positive impact on the environment.
Doggy Do Good states its mission is to help reduce our pets’ carbon footprint by supporting organizations that care for animals and the planet. Doggy Do Good is a member of 1% for the Planet and donates an additional portion of its proceeds to animal welfare organizations.
A Step in the Right Direction
Choosing a landfill-friendly pet waste bag isn’t just about reducing one’s carbon footprint — it is about contributing to the broader movement to reduce plastic waste and encourage more sustainable lifestyle practices.
The good news is that data confirms that pet owners are increasingly looking for sustainable products and are recognizing that they are not as difficult or as costly as once perceived. When opting for Doggy Do Good’s NEXT Landfill-Friendly Pet Waste Bags, pet parents can help make a positive impact, proving that loving their pets doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense.
“NEXT bags are the same price as standard plastic bags already on the market, thick, durable, leak-proof, and easy to open and separate,” added Carla. “Eco-conscious pet parents don’t have to choose between the environment, their wallet, or convenience — NEXT pet waste bags check off all the boxes.”
Switching to eco-friendly pet waste bags is a small step in the grand scheme. Still, it is a simple yet effective action that reflects a broader commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Every effort counts in a world where waste is such a pressing issue.
As Cara notes, “Together, we are making a positive impact on the planet — one dog walk at a time.”
Spencer Hulse is the Editorial Director at Grit Daily. He is responsible for overseeing other editors and writers, day-to-day operations, and covering breaking news.
