Our post earlier today about a possible plastic bag ban in Los Angeles brought out an assortment of responses and opinions. One concern we noted and share with some fellow readers/pet owners is the need to occasionally use plastic bags for litterbox cleanup duty. After a few unhappy moments with ripped plastic bags filled with kitty litter...and more...we decided that at least in the case of cat cleanup duty, well constructed plastic bags are a necessary evil...
Household Plastic Bags With Recycled Content
Glad is now offering kitchen trash bags composed of 65% recycled plastic. They feel about the same as their normal line of bags and the content of recycled material is even better than the eco-conscious Seventh Generation line, which contains 55% recycled plastic content (though their larger garbage bags trump Glad with 80% recycled content). Thanks to our compost bin and reduction of buying packaged food this year, we've reduced our use of plastic bags overall. So until we find a well-constructed pet plastic bag that has higher recycled content and/or is biodegradable, we'll stick to using these as efficiently as possible....or try to train our cats to use the wc (wishful thinking).
Comments (5)
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BioBag plastic bags are compostable.
view SFGail's profile
I've found BioBags to hold up pretty well. They're ASTM certified biodegradable: http://www.biobagusa.com/
view FiatLex's profile
I think the most important thing is to reduce your use of BOTH plastic and paper when possible.
Obviously the switch to cotton, canvas or otherwise re-usable totes for groceries and shopping is a must. Plus it has had the delightful side affect (for me) of freeing up that kitchen broom closet from being filled up with stacks of bags!!! I also used to use paper bags as bins for my recycling and instead I purchased a large bin, which can be dumped out straight into the curbside can and used over and over for years!
Like the other commenters noted: For times when you must use plastic, go with a bag like Biobags which are 100% Biodegradable, made with vegetable oil. They make litter box liners and dog poop bags too. [http://www.biobagusa.com/biobag_dog.htm#dog]
Even if one of the big-box store brands beats the "green" line for a product or two, I prefer to support the green brands. Their production is often more careful for the environment and their goals / profits often go towards green causes.
The Green Life (a new store on Main Street (next to Urth Cafe)) in Santa Monica carries a ton of green options like the Bio Bags.
view CAjess323's profile
Does anyone know of a CLEAR kitchen bag that is either made from recycled materials or is biodegradable?
My city requires that household garbage be placed in TOTALLY CLEAR bags only -- even "frosted" white is unacceptable.
view Anna at D16's profile
I just re-use plastic shopping bags for litterbox cleanup. Despite having cloth bags, I forget to take them once in a while and end up bringing home a few plastic bags. In the future I'll probably have to find a new solution when plastic bags end up being banned everywhere. Then I might just dig a hole in the backyard for animal waste. I even saw a metal "lid" that can go on top for opening and closing the hole.
view freakymysty's profile