As eco-conscious consumers, we are increasingly aware of the impact our daily choices have on the environment. This awareness extends to the products we use for our pets, including the humble poop bag. While many of us have switched from traditional plastic bags to more environmentally friendly options, it’s essential to understand the science behind these materials to make informed decisions. This blog will explore the science of compostable materials, focusing on how Cleo&Hooman’s Dooty Calls poop bags break down and contribute to a healthier environment.

What Are Compostable Materials? Compostable materials are derived from natural, renewable resources, such as corn starch, sugarcane, or cellulose, that can break down into non-toxic, nutrient-rich substances under specific conditions. Unlike traditional plastics, which are made from petroleum-based materials and take hundreds of years to degrade, compostable materials are designed to decompose relatively quickly, leaving behind no harmful residues.

Compostable products like Dooty Calls poop bags meet stringent standards set by certification bodies like the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). To be certified as compostable, a product must decompose in a commercial composting facility within a specific timeframe, typically 90 days. The resulting compost is free of harmful substances and can be safely used to enrich soil, promoting plant growth and improving soil health.

The Breakdown Process of Dooty Calls Bags Dooty Calls poop bags are designed to break down through a natural process known as microbial activity. Here’s how it works:

1. Exposure to Composting Conditions: When Dooty Calls bags are disposed of in a composting environment, they are exposed to moisture, heat, and microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes. These microorganisms are naturally present in compost and play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter.

2. Microbial Digestion: The microorganisms digest the corn starch and other organic components of the bag. Enzymes produced by the microbes break down the complex molecules into simpler substances like carbon dioxide, water, and humus (the organic component of soil). This process is known as biodegradation and is similar to how organic matter like leaves and food scraps decompose in a compost heap.

3. Integration into Soil: The final stage of the process results in the compostable bag being fully integrated into the compost. The compost is rich in nutrients and can be used to improve soil quality, supporting healthy plant growth and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

Why Compostable is Better Than Biodegradable While the terms "compostable" and "biodegradable" are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. Biodegradable materials can break down naturally over time, but they may not decompose completely or quickly enough to avoid environmental harm. For example, some biodegradable plastics may degrade into microplastics, which can persist in the environment and pose significant risks to wildlife and ecosystems.

In contrast, compostable materials are specifically designed to break down into non-toxic, organic matter within a specific timeframe. This means that compostable products, like Dooty Calls poop bags, fully decompose without leaving harmful residues. This makes compostable products a more reliable and environmentally friendly option than biodegradable alternatives.

Additional Environmental Benefits of Compostable Materials:

1. Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The decomposition of compostable materials in a composting facility results in the production of carbon dioxide rather than methane, a potent greenhouse gas produced in anaerobic (oxygen-free) environments like landfills. By using compostable bags, we can reduce the amount of methane released into the atmosphere.

2. Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture: The compost produced from compostable materials can be used in agriculture to improve soil health. Rich in organic matter, this compost enhances soil structure, increases water retention, and provides essential nutrients to plants, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

3. Support for a Circular Economy: Compostable products align with the principles of a circular economy, where materials are designed to be reused, recycled, or returned to the environment in a way that benefits the ecosystem. By choosing compostable over traditional or even biodegradable products, consumers support a system that prioritizes sustainability and environmental stewardship.

The science behind compostable materials highlights the significant benefits they offer over traditional plastics and even some biodegradable alternatives. By choosing compostable products like Dooty Calls poop bags, pet owners can contribute to a healthier environment, reduce pollution, and support sustainable practices. Understanding the breakdown process of these materials underscores their importance in the global effort to reduce waste and promote a circular economy.

Sources:

• National Renewable Energy Laboratory on compostable plastics: NREL
• Composting Council Research and Education Foundation on composting science: CCREF
• Environmental Protection Agency on composting: EPA Composting Basics
• Biodegradable Products Institute on compostable certifications: BPI