What’s more interesting than the amazing comments of support we’ve seen about the plastic bag ban is the opposition.

I LOVE dogs. I have my parent’s daschund (whom I trained as a mini hot dog) as my iPhone background. I adopt pit bulls (and other breeds) for an hour (per session) through the Monster Milers program at PAWs. And I stop strangers on the street to ask and pet their cute canines.

Dog owners, I hear you. Your dogs shit. A lot. And you prefer (free) plastic bags to clean up their poo. I get it:

Love: Dogs!
Hate: Poop.

So what would you do if plastic bags were banned or if there was a fee?

Logical. Chill, Philadelphia. You’re not the first city with this problem, and definitely not the last. LA, Seattle, Ireland, DC, and many other cities have plastic bag reduction programs and also have dogs. Even the Organic Authority also covered this doggy do dilemma.

If we have a plastic bag reduction (ban or fee) implemented, there won’t be a  shortage of all plastic products in Philadelphia. Think of all the plastic bags that aren’t even in the checkout line: in the Produce (or meat) aisle, zip locks, newspaper bags, those annoying coupons that arrive on our doorsteps, bread bags, hot dog/hamburger rolls bags, or pretty much anything in your freezer… OK, I’m starting to sound like Bubba Gump Shrimp listings. Believe me,  you won’t have a shortage. And I don’t even “accept” plastic bags in the checkout line but collect a bunch – which I save my plastic bags for my canine-owning friends.

Those who want to purchase plastic bags (biodegradable or not) will have plenty of options on Amazon or at local dog shops.

What can you use besides plastic? There’s a wide array of fashionable, useful ‘pooper scoopers’ for under $10. How about using newspaper or magazine paper? Leaves? A recyclable (and washable) yogurt container. Shoeboxes. The possibilities are endless. And if you’re running short, ask a dog-less neighbor to donate a few extra bags to you too.

Overall, our plastic bag reduction mission isn’t to cause hardships for Philadelphians of any type. We realize that there’s too many unnecessary plastic bags used and want to simply reduce the number littering and ending up in our streams, streets, and more. (And guess who has two thumbs and is paying for that cleanup… all of us.)

Hopefully, we convinced you to sign our plastic bag reduction petition. 😉

Photo: My Doggy Tails

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher