Do Your Doodie
by TreeHugger on 02.11.05
Biodegradable polymers have been dangled in every treehugger's face for so long, offering the perfect blend of bendy plasticness and biodegradability. Sadly, we've seen precious few real products that take advantage of them. But that may be changing, and it's starting with a bag for poop.
The Biobag is a convenient cornstarch polymer bag that's perfectly sized for doodie duty. So, when you've finished scooping, and you toss them in the trash, they break down just as easily as Fido's... presents. And you can go on with your day without having to clean any physical scooper up. :: Biobag Doggie Bags [by DM]
Do you know anyone who has had any luck composting any of the corn polymer plastics? I'm not suggesting that people compost the doodie bags (there is a debate as to whether you can/should compost dog poo, I have neither a dog nor an opinion on that), but I purchased some corn-polymer bags for my kitchen compost bucket that are "compostible". I've been using them for several months now, and they still look like green plastic bags in my compost bin.
I had given some corn polymer forks and cups to a master composter I know, and he has not had much luck getting them to break down, either.
My understanding is that these polymers are biodegradeable only under certain conditions, and are meant for industrial composting operations that are designed for these types of materials. I'd love to have more information on this subject if you have any. Thanks!
I believe that the corn polymer will only break down at temperatures above 140F, and in high humidity (like in a landfill). I don't know about you, but my pile never seems to be as damp as I would like it.