naturalpet
a Better
it will be treated either at the sewage
pooper
plant or by a septic system. Unfortunate-
ly, this requires bringing animal waste in-
doors—a difficult choice for some—and
Scooper
depending on the number of animals
you have and their um… production…
this can use a lot of extra water.
by Crissy Trask 2. Install an in-ground waste di-
gester. An in-ground digester acts like
a mini-septic system. With the addition
of a digester liquid or powder, waste
quickly breaks down into organic matter
and is absorbed into the soil. If you use
biodegradable cornstarch bags to pick
up after a pet, you can toss the bag right
into the system. For more information on
cornstarch bags and pet digesters, go to
Composters.com/main.html and scroll
down the page to Pet Waste Manage-
ment. Pet digesters should not be buried
in any garden where food is grown.
G
ood weather brings more people waste seriously is every pet owner’s 3. Throw it in the trash.
and their dogs outdoors. But, not responsibility, no matter how objection- If local law permits, pet waste can be
everyone picks up after their pooch. able they find that to be. This means sealed in a plastic bag and added to the
Unfortunately, the presence of dog piles removing it from public and private trash. However, when it is incinerated
where we walk, picnic and play has be- property to cut down on contaminated or put in a landfill, it can cause pollution
come a common and unwelcome sight runoff and reduce health risks. problems.
in our parks, beside paths and walkways, Whether you’re a thoughtful pooper
and even in neighborhood flowerbeds. scooper or still working to reform, when Crissy Trask, author of It’s Easy Being
No one likes cleaning up after their you scoop pet poop, there’s still the Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living,
dog, but it is the law in many communi- matter of its disposal. Owners have three is a freelance writer and a green living advisor
ties. Even where no pet waste control imperfect choices: based in Spokane, WA. She can be reached at
ordinance exists, picking up your pet’s 1. Flush it. Flushing pet waste means
CT@GreenMatters.com.
waste immediately is the courteous thing
to do when it lands anywhere but on
your own property.
Pet waste that is left on the ground
isn’t just unpleasant; it’s also a source
of urban pollution and a health hazard.
That’s because pet feces, left sitting, wash
into storm drains and waterways. Bacte-
rial pollution is a serious problem facing
U.S. waters and, according to the Center
for Watershed Protection, pet waste is a
significant source of bacterial contamina-
tion in our urban watersheds.
Further, animal waste left behind
where children and dogs play can spread
disease to humans and other animals. It’s
no wonder that neighbors and friends
find such irresponsible actions distasteful.
While most pet owners know better
than to leave waste on the ground, it’s
evident that many do—especially when
they think no one is looking. Taking pet
August 2008 31
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