The Load Down

Keep Yourself Thriving by Helping Landreth Seed Co. Survive for Another 200 Years

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 21:30:00 +0000

PoopBags is all about local and home grown produce as it is healthier, less expensive and reduces carbon footprints. Did you know the average shopping cart's contents travel 1,500 miles? My goodness!

I confess, I am all talk and no game when it comes to gardening. I slightly blame my laziness on city living as well as the bounty to be had at my local farmers market, which is a significantly smaller footprint than the grocery store. Anyway, for a precious four and one-half months out of the year, my hook ups are Brunkow Cheese which has these amazing crystals (by the way, they had the cutest guy working the stand last year), River Valley Kitchens' Key Lime Mango Salsa which makes me slovenly lick the jar, Seedling Farms for terrific seasonal fruit, Lange's Farm for superior and consistent produce, and the rest of the too-many-to-name top notch vendors.

Needless to say, I vicariously live my gardening fantasy on the web. I have email subscriptions to Gardener's Supply, The Tasteful Garden and, as of today, D. Landreth Seed Company. Let us hope the sign-up today was not in vain. You see, Landreth is in a bit of a financial bind to the point of going under and needs to sell one million catalogs to get rid of all of its debt. Now, I know that might sound a wee fishy. However, listen to its story. The company has been around since 1784, that is the year the Revolutionary War officially ended. So, I imagine Mr. Landreth in the field, wearing culottes and showing Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington the lay of the land. Additionally, you would not be longing for a GMO-free, home grown tomato in the middle of December without the Landreth Company introducing it to home gardeners back in the day. Lastly, Landreth has the same values as PoopBags and is completely an open book. Here is its very justifiable reason to sell catalogs:

We could have this catalogue printed overseas, and the printing costs would be 1/4th the costs of printing the catalogue in the United States, but we are not going to take American business overseas. The catalogue is designed by a small, Baltimore-based and family-owned business, Victor DiPace Associates and it is printed by a family-owned local printing company. Producing this catalogue is far more expensive than it is for most companies who are outsourcing their printing requirements overseas. We charge for our catalogue to help with some, but not all, of the costs to produce and mail. Each catalogue that you purchase from Landreth is helping to keep an American employed and therefore making this country stronger.

The concept ties easily back into what Treehugger.com wrote about Landreth:

Seed companies are becoming more and more consolidated, and, for the most part, consolidated under giant companies like Monsanto who would love nothing more than to completely control the seed market. As these conglomerates take over, they decide to only produce and sell the seed that they deem most profitable. This means that variety in our food supply is quickly dwindling.

Let's rationalize that $5.00 catalog purchase:

1. "It's a caramel macchiato" - as the Boss would say. Not Springsteen, the PoopBags Boss.

2. You can give it as a holiday gift.

3. Obama's whole 2008 campaign was all about $5.00 donations. Landreth only needs 200,000 people to rise to the occasion.

4. If you garden, you have a new source for seeds.

5. If you live in a city and cannot garden, you can longingly dream of gardening while you thumb through the Landreth catalog.

Editor's note: I apologize if the links were too annoyingly abundant, but I want everyone to know about the fantastic, niche small innovative businesses that keep us healthy.

Pet Soup Kitchens: Buy a Tee to Donate Food!

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:14:00 +0000

Distressing News...

Photo courtesy of Pets of the Homeless

The current economic crisis has forced loving households to give up their pets over the past few years. As pet owners, we know the love and companionship our pets provide. We can only imagine the stress of such a decision, the effects it would have on a family’s mental health, and the stress on shelters across the nation.

Not to take these things lying down, we, at PoopBags, are dedicating the month of August to raise awareness about and to donate to our local pet food bank, The Animal Welfare League. Of course, we have teamed up with our brand buddies, The Honest Kitchen! We are donating 12 boxes of Keen and – get this – The Honest Kitchen is generously matching our donation with 12 boxes of Zeal! Basically, that’s 240 lbs. of dehydrated, raw pet food. When it’s rehydrated, that’s 1,032 lbs! Woo Hoo!


TwentyThirtyForty's figure, Judy

We would be remiss if we did not include you in this process. If you purchase a PoopBags.com t-shirt from now until August 31, 2011, ALL proceeds will contribute to additional boxes of pet food. Mind you, before 100% of the gross profit benefited select charities. Now, ALL $9 BUCK-A-ROOS will go directly to this food cause! So spruce up your wardrobe and help a dog stay in its forever home!

Other ways to help…We also encourage everyone to donate directly or start a similar pet food pantry drive in their area. Resources can be found at Save Our Pets Food Bank or Pets of the Homeless. Additionally, both organizations provide some troubling facts about how pervasive this problem is. If a pet food pantry is not in a particular area, donate food directly to a local shelter.

Spread the word! Forward this message to your friends and family or share it on Facebook!

Together, we can take positive steps to stop pet relinquishment!

The Winner of "I wrote an ad about PoopBags.com" Contest!

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 17:11:00 +0000

Congratulations, Wanchen!

Meeka - Wanchen's Austin Pets Alive Baby

When we told Wanchen she won the “I wrote an ad about PoopBags.com.” Contest, we received the most lovely news. She donated the $250 of PoopBags products to Austin Pets Alive, where she volunteers weekly! Of course, APA wanted aallllllllllll PoopBags. We thought it was a wise choice. We were so overwhelmed by Wanchen’s generosity that we decided to donate 700 Jumbo PoopBags for the big guys ourselves.

APA is definitely an amazing nonprofit. It focuses solely on the pets who have already been passed over by other rescue groups, and only takes those who are at the greatest risk from the Town Lake Animal Shelter. APA also has an innovative program called Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender, which helps pets – whose parents are in distress – find new homes or stay in their current ones.

Prana: The Design Force Behind the Brand

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 20:35:00 +0000

When you think of prAna, you probably think of an eco-friendly, comfortable, casual, yoga, and outdoorsy clothing company. We decided to investigate the creative design team behind the brand that articulates this philosophy and culture. We put it to Tess, PoopBags.com's resident design assistant and full-time fashion student, to devise a list of questions. The answers are intriguing and definitely provoke thought.

Ellen
Where did you study fashion?
I always loved drawing princesses and clothing, but pursued a liberal arts education rather than a fashion design degree. My first design classes were self taught through trial and error, reading books, people watching, sketching, teaching myself to knit, etc. My real training started when I landed a design job on 42nd street in the heart of NYC garment district.

How did you end up a part of Prana’s design team?
I was the Director of the Design team at an active apparel company (Athleta, now owned by GAP, Inc.) for almost 12 years. The CEO of prAna, Scott Kerslake, originally founded Athleta in 1998 so we had worked together there for a few years. After he left Athleta, he kept in touch and a year ago called to tell me had joined prAna and there were going to be a lot of exciting things happening with the direction of the brand. We chatted more and here I am! I currently head up the Design, Merchandising and Product Development departments.

Do you have a dog?
Yes, one living and two in heaven that are always with me in spirit.

How do you incorporate your personal design aesthetic into prAna or reconcile the two?
I'd say my personal aesthetic is about keeping it simple, but with a twist....I like subtle irony and contrast.....but am practical at the end of the day.......tee shirts and jeans are no brainers....scarves, belts, shoes and interesting over pieces make same old, same old, look new. I'm a 60's baby so grew up seeing my Mom wearing cat eye glasses, sleeveless mock necks with fitted skirts. Later she wore hip huggers, bell bottoms, maxi dresses, gauchos & boots. Of course, I wore the same. I personally like a bit of rebellion paired with the timelessness of classic....which I think really works for the bohemian vibe of prAna....

Claire McCardell was one of the first American designers after World War I to succeed at creating stylish and functional ready-to-wear within the constraints of mass production. How do you relate to her struggle and balance function and design at Prana?
I think making anything is always challenging no matter the quantity, so I don't think stylish, functional, volume produced clothing should be called out as an exception. For me, a really great design process involves knowing what is currently working and being open to hearing about what isn't....and looking at ways to skillfully innovate. You have to know who you are designing for and why you are designing an item. The purpose and intent of a design helps to keep you honest and on track and it helps when you are an end user as well. With that said, to execute your ideas, you must partner with your mills and manufacturers. It's a give and take especially if you need to work within cost ranges and timelines....and although designers don't like to compromise, finding acceptable solutions so that you can bring a "relevant" product to market "on time" is paramount. As much as I get attached to the conceptual look, feel, function and aesthetic of a item, I have to ask myself at the end of the day....."If the customer didn't see the original, would they still respond to the "commercialized" version?" I struggled with this quite a lot when I first started out and felt it was absolutely critical to never compromise on any part of the design vision. This idealistic mentality didn't get me very far and I soon realized that being open to workarounds and alternatives actually made me more creative! Being passionate and having high expectations is wonderful but staying open to new ideas (even when they are not your own) broadens your horizons.....Embracing challenges and loving what you do, just makes everything easy....

Eva
Where did you study fashion?
I studied at Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.

How did you end up a part of Prana’s design team?
I have been working in the industry for many many years and had friends that worked here. I started as a freelancer as I had other projects going. Eventually I took a full-time position as the senior designer for women's active and performance apparel.

Do you have a dog? Not yet, I had a cat. I love animals though…and all the dogs that hang out here at work.

Do you dress up or design clothing for your dog?
I think I would if I had a dog. There are a few girls working here that make their dogs wear outfits or accessories.

How do you incorporate your personal design aesthetic into prAna or reconcile the two?
I love the direction prAna is going forward. It's a lot more contemporary and softer. The word "prana" means to breathe, so that is always in the back of my head as I'm designing ("fluid movement").

Claire McCardell was one of the first American designers after World War I to succeed at creating stylish and functional ready-to-wear within the constraints of mass production. How do you relate to her struggle and balance function and design at Prana?
As far as the "struggle" I think it's becoming increasingly more difficult to produce "mass market" product with a differentiating point. How do we look different than others for the same price? That is the question every seasoned designer asks themselves. Design is not "blind fantasy"… It's more about providing a product that services the demand that fits the company image… at the right price and quality. There are many variables and obstacles a designer must take into consideration when designing a SKU. It's almost like a puzzle… and a good designer enjoys all facets of design (technical, specs, cost, construction … as much as the creative and innovative). Knowing and enjoying all aspects makes a better designer and hence, better product. Understanding the "boring" technical side actually helps a designer become better and more efficient. Many young designers do not understand this and need time to learn as they progress in their careers. As they get seasoned they blossom into better designers that have more added value to a company. The only thing I tell myself is that the playing field (market, demand, economy) changes, but the formula stays the same. As long as you (the designer) can stay fluid with the market changes and keep the formula as your constant, you will do well. Another thing about design is that there is never a "reward". I'm going to use a marathon as an example. I'm a runner… and when I train for a marathon there is a goal or an end result I train for. With design there is never an end…seasons overlap… you usually don't see the end product because you moved onto other product. A designer has to enjoy the process over the end result. If a designer does, they will have a charmed career.

PoopBags Offsets Its Carbon Pawprint

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 22:51:00 +0000

It all started with Arbor Day.
PoopBags thought it would be cool to offer you tree seeds. Collectively, you, your friends, your fellow PoopBaggers, and the PoopBags Gang would all venture out on Arbor Day and plant the sprouting trees around the country. Doesn’t that sound awesome? We ambitiously and enthusiastically test planted spruce seeds in a reclaimed pot from the dumpster and named the soon-to-be-sprouting spruce Bruce. Bruce the Spruce was not to be. We discovered that seeds are a fickle bunch.

Boss, Favorite UPS Driver (Greer!) & PoopBags Carbon Offset Certificate

All fantastic ideas spawn stupendously fantastic (and manageable) ideas. The spawned idea was so symbolically obvious it smacked us in the face like a Mack truck: offset the PoopBags carbon footprint with a poop mitigation project! Working with NativeEnergy – which provides necessary financing to new construction renewable energy projects by offsetting carbon footprints – we calculated the PoopBags 2010 footprint and determined to offset it with the Northeast Farm Separation Project.

Our Project
This project is huge and includes three Northeast dairy farms: Twin Oaks, Country Ayre and Mercer Vu. Basically, the environmental concerns about manure runoff, greenhouse gas emissions, odor, and pathogens are putting pressure on all farmers to change their practices. Because spreading manure can sometimes pollute watersheds, farmers must often truck their manure long distances for field-spreading, which is costly and time-consuming. Not to mention quite stinky for the cars in the truck’s wake!

A technology that separates volatile solids from the manure can help address these issues. Instead of storing the raw manure in open lagoons, which results in significant methane emissions, the technology separates the solids from the slurry and composts them. This process prevents the anaerobic decomposition of manure solids that would normally produce methane emissions. In addition, it produces high-quality compost that can be sold or used as cow bedding.

Sustainable Development Benefits
- Separation: Will reduce approximately 6,120 metric tonnes per year of methane—a greenhouse gas 21 times more potent than CO2—by treating the manure from over 2,920 dairy animals.
- Recycled: Mechanically-separated manure solids can be recycled by the farms as cow bedding material. This will replace material that would have to be bought, reducing cost, the hauling of bedding material, and the production of organic wastes.
- Mitigate: By removing nutrients from the manure, the new systems will mitigate runoff damage to local watersheds, including the Chesapeake Bay watershed for the Mercer Vu and Twin Oak farms.

How You Are Involved
Yes; we manage PoopBags, but you are a part of our family and the collective. So, this is our footprint according to the NativeEnergy criteria.

We do produce waste, but we recycle everything that was on the questionnaire. We also expected shipping to be high as it is the nature of the beast with our business.

At PoopBags, we try to order supplies and materials in larger quantities so we can reduce transportation costs, packaging, human costs, and more. For example, if we know we are going to use 1,000 shipping boxes this month, we stretch the budget to buy 2,000 so the amount of packaging, gasoline and shipping, and every other part of the process is cut in half.

Now, by all means, we do not want you to feel obligated to spend more money with us, but keep this in mind for your purchases with PoopBags, or any other product that you order and use on a regular basis. If you purchase more at one time, you will help save on transportation costs, packaging costs and more, plus you’ll save money on the price per bag basis as well. It’s a win for everyone, but most importantly for our Earth.

Phone Books: hypothetical, evenly distributed, highly probable fuel wasteage for one point-to-point

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 22:36:00 +0000

In a previous post, we at PoopBags announced our belief that the market decides whether a product will live or fail. Weave in this sentiment to that statement: we do not like to be encumbered or fettered by objects that are passive aggressively forced on us. So, we wonder, how do phone book companies stay in business considering the annoyance and opposition they spark these days?

The phone book’s failure is slowly coming from the other end. Advertisers have adroitly realized that the phone book’s ROI is rapidly decreasing. Indeed, SuperMedia reported that 2010 advertising sales declined 17.2 percent compared to 2009, which declined 18.8 percent compared to 2008. After a quick research flip through one of the two brands on our doorstep, we noticed almost no full page advertisements. The primary advertisers were car scrappers, home improvement and repair services, personal injury and bankruptcy law firms, insurance companies, veterinarians, car rental services, bicycle shops and massage services (wink). Notably, real estate, physicians, chiropractors, accountants and movers were barely present. Still, we wonder, why are there two different phone book brands at our doorstep? Why has the market not worked its magic and, at least, eliminated one?

Most articles or blogs point to how much paper is wasted or how much it costs the taxpayer to pay for recycling or disposal. Treehugger.com and Slate.com both had fact-based articles. As our friends over at Holstee pointed out, the phone book’s sustainability initiatives are admirable but the actual product is unwanted. YellowBook has a pretty cool stylized life cycle demonstration.

These are very important considerations. Yet, as a business, we cannot help but notice a very important component is missing in these posts: transportation. Personally, we are not surprised as it is impossible to find any sort of statistic, plant locations, or logistics. The best we found was a page in the YellowBook that stated that its printing plants are located close to distribution areas. What is considered close? Five miles? 1,000 miles? That's certainly a perceptional phrase. So, we decided to estimate the number of potential diesel gallons used to truck the finished product to a distribution center. Mind you, this calculation does not include gathering the various materials to manufacture the finished product such as the transportation from mill to printing press, the fuel gallons consumed from distribution center to doorstep, or the transportation from doorstep to recycling center or landfill. The results are still startling.

Calculations:
Lubbock Online reported that YellowBook USA, Inc., the largest phone book publisher, produced 128,000,000 phone books in 2008. Let’s assume that number has declined or averages 105,000,000 for the four major publishers – YellowBook, Dex, SuperMedia and RR Donnelly – for a grand total of 402,000,000 phone books produced each year.

The YellowBook’s new “eco-friendly size” on our doorstep is 9” L x 7” W x 3” H and weighs around 4 lbs.

Pallets are generally 40” x 48”. For these purposes, we’ll assume a pallet size is 36” x 49” so we can have whole numbers.

Ok, that pallet weight is unrealistic. So, let’s divide 672 by 3 and multiply it by 2.

Revised Number of Total Phone Books per Pallet: 448

Revised Pallet Weight: 1,792 lbs.

Now, maybe some of the phone books are shipped via rail, but we’ll assume all of it is transported by tractor trailer as it is still the most popular method to haul cross country.

Total Phone Books per Truck: 11,648

A 53’ trailer can hold 26 pallets.

Total Weight of Load: 26 pallets x 1,792 = 46,592 lbs.

Hypothetically, let’s assume there are six locations around the United States that manufacture finished product phone books. We chose these places because of….well…what locations appeared logical. These are probably more mill locations and not printing press plants, but it is all relative since the phone book companies are not fully disclosing. So we are left to assume. Now, if we really wanted to get way too mathematical, we would have split the phone book distribution based on population density. For these basic purposes, let’s just say it’s even steven.

Over 2,000,000 gallons of fuel or more expended on the trip from plant to distribution center for a product that’s unused and unwanted by the market. So what if the total gallons spent is less than estimated. The figure makes up for what was not accounted for as previously stated.

Mind you, we do believe phone books should be opt-in since not everyone has access to the internet or is computer literate. The phone book companies could still get their printing kicks by sending out a flyer via the mail for those who want to opt-in. The phone book companies state you can opt-out, but we have read it is a gruesome process.

If you want to advocate to stop the yellow, please join either or, preferably, both Stop Yellow Waste or Help Stop the Waste.

If anyone doubts our math - not our assumptions (unless you are the phone book company disclosing locations and coming clean) - please tell us. What are your thoughts?

Jenny T. Shen: The Phenomenal Design Talent Behind PoopBags Graphics

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 17:26:00 +0000

The fusion of Jenny T. Shen Design and PoopBags happened in 2007 when Paige realized the company needed a graphic designer. She immediately knew Jenny was the one for PoopBags. As Paige puts it, "Jenny and I worked at a former job and developed an amazing handbook together of which I am still proud. We collaborate wonderfully to bring symbolism, superior branding, concise text, and visually arresting design to our products that stands out on the shelf. She listens to the client and delivers to specification with her own special twist. Honestly, I don't think I could work with another designer."

Jenny is a creative, multi-disciplined graphic designer. Her passion for design, blended with a keen awareness of composition and typography, are evident in her elegant designs. Her clean and contemporary style reflects her detailed, well-rounded nature.

After spending several years at international advertising agencies in Hong Kong and Chicago, Jenny launched her independent graphic design business in 2001. Jenny has worked with clients spanning various sectors and backgrounds on projects ranging from cohesive branding, strategic corporate identity and marketing materials to restaurant menus and wedding invitations.

Design Assistants: Sylvester & MeiMei

With experience from both the client and designer aspects of the creative process, Jenny is able to balance editorial with aesthetics. She strives to surpass each client's expectations by providing powerful designs that communicate both verbally and graphically.

Please visit www.jennytshen.com to view her portfolio of work.

PoopBags Featured on The Today Show with Hoda and Kathie Lee

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:50:00 +0000

Recently, PoopBags was featured on The Today Show w/Hoda and Kathie Lee. We must say, we feel honored! While we are contacted often by the media for images and interviews, this occasion was extra special for us. A retailer, Janet McCulley of Muttropolis, chose our 100% biodegradable dog poop bags. She could have spoken about the numerous dog waste products out there. She realized PoopBags is a visually-stimulating brand that provides noteworthy, memorable and easily understandable information. Additionally, the brand encapsulates a quality, 100% specified biodegradable, made in the USA product.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Moo

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 18:53:00 +0000

The other day I was at the Jewel. My trip was a simple, mundane task that I had to endure. Little did I know that I would walk away with an invaluable education from a milk carton of all things. Thank you Grass Point Farms!

So, what’s so great about Grass Point Farms? Grass Point Farms nobly utilize their packaging space to articulate clearly and concisely the distinguishing characteristics between their organic milk and the rest. I can definitely applaud, appreciate and relate to Grass Point Farms battle to state the differences as we, too, at PoopBags, battle the same between our 100% specified biodegradable poop bags and unspecified bags. Anyway, back to milk…

Mind you, I, too, have been hearing the grumblings that the USDA organic standards are a bit lax. Don’t get me started on that one except to say at least standards exist. Anyway, Grass Point Farms, though, have established a higher set of third-party certified standards aptly named Certified Pasture. These standards consider the wellbeing of the cows, the life of the farmers, and the health of the consumer. As I was reading the milk carton, I recalled the ideology of Immanuel Kant. It is as if Grass Point Farms’ business convictions and motivations are guided by morality and ethics. Many companies may say it is impossible to have such high standards without raising the price exponentially. Grass Point Farms’ milk proves them wrong as the price for one-half gallon was the same cost as the competition’s organic milk. Of course, I would have paid more for Grass Points Farms simply based on their standards. I’m in awe and hope you are too.

Animal-Passionate, Eco-Friendly, and Entrepreneurial. Meet PoopBags' Brand Buddy, The Honest Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 21:51:00 +0000

There is something always special when we receive an e-mail thanking us for what we do, praising our employees, and customers touting their love for our dog poop bags. Last year, we were fortunate to discover a brand that we have grown to respect and we feel very passionate about. That is why I am proud to announce a “brand buddy” partnership with The Honest Kitchen.

The Honest Kitchen has educated me about the degrees of quality of dog food in the marketplace. I’ve always bought what most folks would consider a premium brand of food, but once I learned about the fillers and missing ingredients that are essential to canines, I don’t think I could ever switch back. The Honest Kitchen produces a variety of all natural, dehydrated foods that are easy to prepare and made from simple, human grade (and human tested!) ingredients. It’s been over 6 months since I started feeding Lucy The Honest Kitchen and her reaction is just as passionate today, as when we first started. According to Paige, Otter goes bananas! “I hate to steal from Rachel Zoe, but seriously, Otter goes bananas for The Honest Kitchen.”

As a business owner, I respect The Honest Kitchen because it has not sacrificed its principles or ethics for the almighty dollar. The Honest Kitchen Team, like PoopBags, seeks to educate its consumers and let the marketplace decide if it is willing to pay a slight premium for a truly responsible product that helps makes the world a better and healthier place. I can certainly relate to the challenges and triumphs this path possesses. Let me tell you a little more about The Honest Kitchen Story…

Lucy Postins, CEO and Chief Nutritionist, founded The Honest Kitchen in 2002. Disillusioned with kibble, she began making a home-prepared raw diet for her Rhodesian Ridgeback, Mosi. She enjoyed making his meals, but found it quite time-consuming and frequently ended up with a very messy kitchen! Well the entrepreneurial spirit in her came to life, and she set out to find a way to make fresh, healthy pet food much quicker and simpler to prepare, so she started to explore the concept of a dehydrated raw diet. What happened next is simply amazing. What started as a small, home-based business in 2002 producing 2,000 pounds of one dehydrated raw diet, grew into a national business that in 2009 produced 1.2 million pounds of food that is available seven different dehydrated formulas for dogs and one for cats. Way to go Lucy and Team Honest Kitchen!

Remaining true to Lucy’s core values
1. All products are taste-tested and consumed by THK’s lively canine office staff and stay-at-home cats.
2. The Honest Kitchen will always raise the bar in choosing its raw ingredients and never leaves procurement to anyone else. The quality of its ingredients and finished products will never be compromised. No expense is spared in its ingredients sourcing and manufacturing processes. The company chooses organic ingredients whenever it can and always chooses sustainability over cost like its free-range chicken and line-caught wild haddock. On top of that, none of its pet foods contain by-products, genetically-modified crops, hormone or antibiotic-fed meats, corn, wheat or soy, which are often the source of pets’ allergies.
3. The Honest Kitchen will never become part of a major multi-national conglomerate.
4. Its pet food products are cruelty-free and always have been. The Honest Kitchen does not conduct laboratory-based animal testing of any kind.
5. The Honest Kitchen is also strongly committed to supporting independent retailers with its products, which is why they don't sell to mass chains.
6. The Honest Kitchen is committed to doing its part in protecting and preserving the earth and its natural environment. That’s why all of its pet food recipes are packaged in a combination of USA-made, 100% recycled biodegradable paper. The boxes are printed with soy-based inks.

In honor of, passion for, and belief in The Honest Kitchen
PoopBags is offering you:
-   Free sample of either Force or Keen dehydrated dog food with any purchase. Click here to find out the ingredients and choose the best sample for your four-legged friend. Once you witness your dog go bananas, you will also have a handy-dandy coupon good for 10% off your The Honest Kitchen food order. This is redeemable at The Honest Kitchen’s website or with your local retailer.
-   Wait! Why stop there? PoopBags is offering 20% off all The Honest Kitchen Treats until February 28, 2010 with any PoopBag Order! Choose your flavor.

So, give your four-legged loved ones, the gift they deserve: wholesome, natural food!   And of course, a little scratch and pat on the head from Uncle Paulie!

Thanks!

-PC

New and Wonderful Changes Create Reflective Motivation

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:38:00 +0000

2010 was an incredible year for PoopBags, and 2011 is going to be even bigger. As you know, we expanded our product line-up to carry several other products that surround the dog walking experience. So far, it has been a huge hit - thanks to you! Don't worry, we also added offerings to our kitty-cat loving customers. It has been fun shopping and testing all these products, and also very rewarding. Rewarding in terms of being able to grow my business and pursue my dreams of entrepreneurship, but also because we chose to offer natural, eco-friendly products that are made in the USA. We weren't perfect in reaching the goal of USA-only sourced products, but we feel good about our accomplishments and being able to support fellow Americans.

So, with all of these new products, we felt it was time for a refresh of the PoopBags.com site. Our girl launched in 2005 and had some tweaks along the way, but it was time for a major overhaul. We are very proud to debut the new PoopBags.com site this month. Updated images and graphics, enhanced shopping features, customer reviews, and customer sign-in. Honestly, we are probably most proud of the options for larger text and high contrast for the seeing-impaired. If you have a few minutes, please check out the new www.poopbags.com and send a note to paul[at]poopbags.com with what you think. I love hearing from PoopBaggers!

To take a step back to that first paragraph about renewal, accomplishments, and the year ahead, I wanted to share a few things about me personally. A couple of weeks ago, I celebrated two years of leaving the corporate world. I started PoopBags on the side in 2005, and then I bought a bar in 2007 to start my entrepreneurial career. I've hit some bumps such as the bar burning down (lol, yup it's true), but never gave up. Last year, the new bar was named to the Top 100 bars in Chicago, by Chicago magazine. This year, I'm going to open an Italian restaurant modeled after my Grandpa's place in the 1950's. What I've discovered is that I plan to be a serial entrepreneur for the rest of my life. I hope to do a lot of good along the way, and I thank you for being a part of my journey. With that said, maybe I can be a part of yours. I'm not a big New Year's Resolutions guy, but I do love to think BIG, and that is what I wanted to share with you. I don't say these things to brag, but it would be an honor if you were encouraged to think BIG about your life and what you want to do. Think about what's important to you (family, friends, charity, education, business, etc.) and set your goals for 2011, and please set them BIG. The one thing that I have learned about setting your goals BIG, is that even when you don't reach them, you still made it pretty far up the mountain. Ok, that's it from PC, so please AIM HIGH and THINK BIG. Maybe in next year's kick-off, I can share a few BIG stories from you. Nothing would make me prouder.

Thanks!

- PC
President and Owner of PoopBags.com

Beauty Will Save the World and Sustainability Can Make It Happen - Davines

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 17:40:00 +0000

I enjoy styling my hair and all that it entails: the triumphs of a great hair day especially when it is captured in photographs; the inconsequential stress of a lackluster hair day that makes me strive the next day for styling perfection; the time to myself to have a creative outlet; the styling tools of a great hair dryer and several brushes; my stylist; and, products.

I started seeing John, my stylist of too many years to mention, when I walked by Halo and noticed it sold Bumble and Bumble hair products. Mind you, this was back in the day when Bumble and Bumble was exclusive and choosy as to what salons could carry its products. Thus began my longest relationship ever.

Salon salon salon product product product change...John recently opened his personal salon, Gold & Braid, and brought on Davines hair products. A man cut from the same cloth as me (well, I cajole myself he is even though he's better), he wanted to stock the finest in hair care products. I must say, I'm bananas for Davines. It's working out fabulously and effortlessly with my hair.

Anyhoo, more seriously and importantly, John wanted the line to have actual sustainable actions - not just a sustainable mission. For instance, to balance out its impact on the environment, Davines formed an alliance with LifeGate, Italy's leading supplier of renewable energy. In practical terms, this means that Davines is supplied with 100% clean energy: the sun, the wind, the water and the earth. Inexhaustible sources of energy which do not emit CO2, do not pollute and are being constantly renewed. The use of renewable energy touches every product Davines formulates, designs and produces at its family-owned research laboratory and offices in Parma, Italy.

Davines doesn't stop there, either. Davines has a carbon neutral policy for its Essential Haircare product line. Carbon Dioxide emissions generated by the production of this line's packaging are offset by the protection and reforestation of nature reserves in Italy and Costa Rica. The environmentally friendly packaging of this line is also an innovative feature, the bottles are made using 25% less plastic and can be recycled for domestic use. John says they are human-food grade for leftovers.

Lest we forget the ingredients! I could go on forever. Instead, visit Davines to start your own love affair.

Paige::PoopBags, Inc.

Tips to Deal with Dog Weight Gain; Compliments of PoopBags Buddies, The Honest Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 17:30:00 +0000

Have you noticed that the missing holiday cookies and ham appear to be on your dog's hips now? Here are some helpful hints and food suggestions from PoopBags' brand buddies, The Honest Kitchen.

Companion animal obesity is becoming increasingly common. The American Animal Hospital Association Pet owner survey, reported that 17% of pet owners rate their animals as over weight. This is compared with veterinarians, who estimate that 44% of their patients are overweight. Many companion animals may a body weight that is heavier than ideal, but their owners are not aware of it!

The two primary causes of weight gain are of course, food intake and lack of exercise. Other factors such as medications (particularly steroids) can also be to blame.

Many pet foods are becoming increasingly higher in calories as the quality levels are beginning to increase. In terms of diet, there are several approaches to managing obesity in pets. Conventionally, low fat foods have been used with some success. Our Verve recipe is naturally low in fat, at just 7.5% Fat, with 21% protein and 440 calories per cup.

A newer, alternative approach, has been to limit carbohydrate intake to help achieve & maintain a healthy body weight. This is surprisingly, a logical choice for a canine – most people agree now that dog’s GI tracts are not designed to process an overload of processed ingredients or an excess of grain. We have found that many dogs actually seem to slim down when they consume fewer or zero grain.

Our Force recipe has moderate fat and protein with lower carbs than Verve. Embark is very high protein & fat with low carbohydrate content. This latter profile is usually best for maintaining lean body mass in more active dogs.

For weight loss, you want to follow the ‘less active’ column and you might even feed less than the suggested amount if she has a slower-than-normal metabolism. One useful tip is to compensate for the lesser amount of food, by re-hydrating it with extra water. This will make more of a ’soupy’ meal that will help to fill her up without any extra calories. Remember too, that our feeding guidelines are just suggestions; the actual amount your dog needs will be specific to her metabolism and other factors such as her age, whether or not she’s been spayed, and how active she is.

Unfortunately, there are no rules concerning which approach will work for an individual dog, so it is a matter or trial and error to determine whether lower fats or lower carbohydrates will be the most effective method for reducing obesity in any particular dog.

Of course the other important part of the weight management picture is to ensure your dog is getting sufficient exercise. At a minimum – about 20 minutes of running or brisk walking, twice every day. If they’re relatively inactive right now, you would need to work up gradually to that activity level, beginning with slower walks for shorter duration in the beginning.

You should also restrict the amount of calories per day, in the form of treats. Reserve treats for rewards only and perhaps just one at bedtime. Try offering vegetables like raw carrot as a treat in place of cookies, but don’t slice large carrots into disks as they could present a choking hazard.

Find more helpful hints by visiting The Honest Kitchen's pet nutrition resource page. Also, here's a recent article about ailments linked to pet weight.

PoopBags.com's Holiday Carol

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:37:00 +0000

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

Visions of sugar-plums dance in your head,
Have just settled down for a long winter's nap.

When you hear the dog bells ringing, ting-a-ling-ling,
You spring from the bed to see what is the matter,
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen all have to tinkle!

The weather outside is frightful,

It doesn't show signs of stopping,
How you'll hate going out in the storm!

Dashing through the snow,
Over the fields you go!

When all of a sudden, you stop,
Hang your head, sniffle and sigh,
"I forgot the poop bags."

Dashing home through the snow,
Over the fields you go!

Shouting, "Now Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! On Donner and Blitzen!

When on the icy lawn you fall with such a clatter,
Almost poking your eye out,
Visions of four calling birds twittering through your head,
No matter.

Away to the gate you fly like a flash,
Tear open the door and throw open the sash.

When, what to your wondering eyes should you see?
An empty basket,
You hang your head, sniffle and sigh,
"I forgot to buy poop bags."

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year to you and to all!

PoopBags, Inc.

EcoHolics Anonymous: Breaking Up With Thomas Edison Is A Hard Thing To Do

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 14:39:00 +0000

The other day I heard an NPR piece that incandescent light bulbs are set to be banned. My heart palpitated and all I thought was, "Nooooo!! What will I do about the bathroom?!??" Rest assured, this is not true. Incandescent light bulbs will be more energy efficient in compliance with the law signed by George Bush a couple of years ago. I guess Republicans - such as Rush Limbaugh - are railing against this. In some respects, I must say I have to agree that the market should decide if a product will live or fail. My utopia would be that all consumers were educated and eco-conscious for the greater good. (Greater Good: if every American home replaced just one light bulb with an Energy Star qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than three million homes per annum, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.) Consumers would adopt products that would trigger improved technology, manufacturing efficiencies, and price reduction. Eventually, this adoption would cause other products to die and there would be no need for legislation or wasteful spending on evil, non-ecofriendly lobbyists. So, I guess legislation is needed. But I digress...

My man, Teddy.

Anyway, don't get me wrong; I did attempt to use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) in the bathroom vanity back in 2005 but their illumination made me look so sallow I would walk around depressed all day. I quickly changed them out. In fact, I stayed at my sister's for two days in 2006 and changed out all of the foyer's and dining room's CFL's because I couldn't handle it. Since then, I have noticed that CFL's have improved with better lighting options such as natural light, soft white, white white, etc. and now they are in every possible socket in my house except for the bathroom vanity. So, the question remained, "Could I give up my incandescents in the bathroom?" I had to look into this.

I started researching online and found a straightforward and honest company named Environmental Lights, which specializes in LED (light-emitting diodes) light bulbs. I called them up and spoke with Greg who first asked me, "What do light bulbs have to do with poop bags?"

Anyway, he said that CFL's suffer from some of the worst marketing as he estimated market penetration is only 8 percent. He is super close. Actual household socket penetration was only 11 percent of all potential sockets according to a 2009 US Department of Energy report. This got me thinking that people unadopted CFL's - just like I did - due to the poor light quality and have decided not to venture down that road again. Greg told me that the reason CFL's were so awful back in the day was because of the phosphorus. He assured me that the quality of phosphorus used has improved with a caveat: you need to pay more for quality CFL's. Overall, you reap lower electricity bills (like $40/bulb) which offsets the cost of the bulb, are doing a little bit of good for the environment, and can still look great. Of course, the marketers haven't started the necessary campaign to alert the public of the phosphorus advances, so Greg is dead-on on that count, too. We can then tie that back into why legislation is needed. Anyhow...

Greg also mentioned the downside that CFL's bring. They have trace amounts of mercury which means you have to dispose of them at a hazardous waste materials site - another thing to add to the long "to do" list. OOF!

You are probably wondering why Environmental Light Greg extols the benefits of the CFL's if he doesn't sell them? Well, he sells something even better: LED light bulbs. LED's are more energy efficient light bulbs and do not contain mercury. LED 's can produce light twice as efficiently - in warmer, more eye-pleasing colors - than today's compact fluorescents and last up to five times longer.

Here are some of the fantastic features and applications of LED light bulbs:
•     Extremely low power consumption
•     Very efficacious-convert energy to light, not heat
•     Extremely long life span (50,000-100,000 hours)
•     Durable, insensitive to vibration
•     Dimmable and programmable, in many cases
•     Super-fast turn-on, unlike compact fluorescents
•     Lightweight and compact
•     Color, without the use of filters and lenses
•     No reflectors are required to direct the light
•     Very environmentally friendly—no mercury or other toxics
•     Recyclable

Accent lighting:
Programmable color changing, underwater applications, tiles, strings, ropes and tubes are all easier with LED’s. LED landscape lighting provides innovative colors, compact designs and increasingly effective solar-powered solutions that do not require underground cabling.

Task lighting:
Reading lamps, portable work lights, flashlights, wearable head lamps—LED’s are compact, lightweight and highly directional. (Wait a minute? Did they say something about flashlights? Well, what do you know? The PupLights PoopBags.com sells are LED's!)

Area lighting:
LED’s are increasingly competitive for illuminating larger spaces. However, LED’s are not yet effective for illuminating large halls, parking lots, streets and the like. Use care in selecting LED’s for area lighting.

Visit the Energy Star website for the best possible LED application images. You know what, also visit Environmental Lights to find out more. By the way, they are an Energy Star Partner.

At PoopBags, we hope LED's will rise and eclipse the rest.

Excuse me while I go replace the burned out incandescent in my vanity with a more energy efficient light bulb.

Paige::PoopBags, Inc.

Big Night!

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:51:00 +0000

As many of you know, Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control (FCACC) and Algalita Marine Research Foundation are PoopBags' two primary charities. We raise awareness about their noble acts and donate 100% of our t-shirt profits to the one our customers choose. Additionally, we virtually fostered an FCACC rescue named Darling, who was adopted into a loving home, and attended Big Night!

The 2010 fun yet hectic holiday party season is looming ahead so we decided to find strength by reminiscing about that spectacular event. Big Night is held each year under the magnificent Tiffany dome of the Chicago Cultural Center and is hosted by Bill Kurtis of Cold Case Files. The best part is that it features more than a dozen of Chicago's most renowned chefs who serve delicacies from their restaurants. As we said, where else can you try all of these fares for less than $100 and all of the proceeds go to a great cause?

All of the dishes we had were terrific. Paige loved the basil and "looks-like-zinnia" garnish from West Town Tavern. Paul loved the Asian Bolognese from Red Light and went back to Lawry's for seconds. Paige wants to buy the literally very tasteful "dog doing his business" papier mache decoration for the office. She is still a bit upset someone outbid her for her hairstylist's package and wished she had stalked the silent auction sheet to bid a second time. Oh well, it was all for a great cause.

PoopBags.com would like to thank the volunteer restaurants, the businesses that donated silent auction items, the funniest and best raffle ticket sales kids ever, Bill Kurtis, and the dedicated volunteers of FCACC for a fantastic evening. Bravo!

We would like to thank Jackie Shen especially, Executive Chef of Red Light, who started this annual event. She adopted her lovely dog, Monet, from Chicago Animal Care and Control and wanted to do more. In fact, she donated a night of private, in-home dining for up to 10 people. Two bids tied at $4,500.00. What to do? Do it twice! $9,000 for Chicago's neediest animals! Woo hoo!

We posted pictures from the event on the PoopBags' Facebook page. You do not have to have an account to view them but feel free to create one and become a fan!

How about you? Are you attending or have you attended a local animal welfare event? Send us a photo! Better yet, post it to PoopBags' FaceBook!

Exciting Times at PoopBags!

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 20:48:00 +0000

As a small business owner, I have to say there are a lot of exciting times, but there are certain times when you know you're on the cusp of something BIG. As you may have seen on Facebook, the PoopBags, Inc. team traveled to Las Vegas for the Super Zoo tradeshow. Along with a little R&R time at the pool, the casinos, some restaurants and a couple of clubs, we did work really hard – I swear!

With a name like PoopBags, Inc., you can only stray so far with your product offerings. While we already focus on the "tail end" of the dog walk experience, we decided that we should round out the experience and start carrying products that can be used before, during and after the walk. So when we headed out to Vegas, we had a rough plan of what we wanted to accomplish, but we were very open-minded on what products we were going to carry.

Our goals were only to offer eco-friendly products that were made in the USA. One of our very first stops was to a company selling treats that contained fruits and vegetables. They looked great, but when I asked where they were made and was told China, I put the bag down. I was then told, "If you want this kind of price on anything, it has to be made in China." I paused, smiled and said thank you. After the product scares out of China, I do not want to put any pet's life at risk. The challenge was set and we started our tour of every single aisle, taking a look at every booth at the show. We were determined to hunt down eco-friendly, made in the USA.

I am very happy to say that our hard work has paid off and PoopBags is proud to present several new products that will round out your PoopBags dog walking experiences. Every single product has been tested (fun, fun, fun) by PoopBags product testers Lucy and Otter, along with a few friends of PoopBags as well. To be neighborly, we ended up including a couple of products from Canada.

Leashes and collars made from re-purposed bicycle inner tubes? Yup, we're carrying the uber-cool Cycle Dog line. Wild Alaskan salmon oil? Yup. Wheat grass that grows right in the package? Bingo! Those are just a few of the new offerings that makes this such an exciting time for our company. Many more product offerings are on the way (it takes awhile to test these so we can we truly approve these), along with some major changes to our website...

We've been going strong for over 5 years with our current PoopBags.com website, but with all of our growth and new offerings, our loyal lady is going to be re-engineered to serve you better. We've just signed a contract and will be overhauling the entire site, including log-in features, graphics, improved photos, most viewed/popular items, enhanced shopping cart features, and much more. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to shoot me a note at paul@poopbags.com.

Thanks for all your support of our company, and your shared concern for the World in which we all share. I'm proud to say I'm a PoopBagger, and I hope you are too! ;o)

-PC
Paul D. Cannella
President/Owner
PoopBags.com

Congratulations!
I would like to say thank you and congratulations to Paige Penningroth on her five year anniversary with PoopBags.com. Paige and I used to work together in the publishing industry and by chance, our paths crossed as I was formally launching PoopBags.com. I can't even begin to tell you how valuable of an employee Paige has been over the years. From day one, she has always brought a level of excitement and passion to the business that has never waned. Over the years, she has built a wealth of knowledge, brought new ideas to table, been a voice of reason, and so much more. Otter is lucky to have an owner like Paige, and PoopBags.com is lucky to have such a loyal team member as Paige. Please join me in congratulating Paige on her first five years with PoopBags.com!

What's Intern Matt up to these days?

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:39:00 +0000

Many of you probably recognize Matt as the face of the PoopBags tees and general model. PoopBags, Inc. is proud of how much he has accomplished since his internship. Enough from us, let's hear it in Matt's own words.

I started working at PoopBags during my last quarter at DePaul University. In order to graduate from DePaul I needed to find an internship that somehow paralleled my career path. Paul Cannella was a fellow player on the Chicago Dragons rugby team as well as a friend to me. Paul was kind enough to let me join the PoopBags team as “the intern”. I was not sure what to expect as far as the duties were for an intern at a company named PoopBags, but I willingly jumped at the opportunity.

It did not take long before I realized that I had found the perfect fit for myself at PoopBags. Being that it is a small company, I was able to learn the business from top to bottom. I learned how to use the tools on search engine sites in order to optimize our advertisements. I was able to correspond with our customers and fans via facebook and to create of this blog. I was able to take on the responsibility of making sales calls in order to promote PoopBags as well as selling the best biodegradable bag on the market.

The best part of working at PoopBags was Paul, Paige, and Marcelle’s willingness to help. Without them taking me under their wing and showing me the ropes, I would have not been able to understand the things I now know about businesses. They showed me that hard work truly does pay off and you can always ask for help and guidance.

I am just shy of the two month mark at my new position. I found a great full time position at Accretive Health in Kalamazoo, MI. I am a Patient Access representative for sixteen different hospitals across the country. It continues to amaze me how much I have learned from PoopBags and am able to apply to my new position. The confidence I learned from the sales calls for PoopBags is invaluable, and without that experience I highly doubt I would be as successful at Accretive. The wide variety of tasks that I had to take on from day to day at PB has taught me that every day brings new challenges. Being able to multitask is a critical part of Accretive that I can attribute to PB. I look forward to my days at Accretive and cannot thank the PB team enough for helping me develop my skills in the business world.

October 12th Thus Far...

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 20:08:00 +0000

What a gorgeous, productive autumn morning in Chicago! I got up around 5:00 am and took Otter out. It was dark at the time and thought, "I should really try one of those new Pup Lights we got in (I need to upload those to the site today), since I notice that some of my Lincoln Square neighbors are simply kicking leaves over their dog's droppings these days." After Otter finished her duty, I was stuck scrambling around trying to feel where she left it. Another reason to try one of those PupLights, I thought.

I headed to the gym for a very rewarding workout. When I first got there, I wondered what that smell was, thought maybe someone else passed gas, and hoped no one thought it was me because it wasn't. I congratulated myself for recently purchasing my Adidas, which I found out are perfect for lunges.

Anyhoo, Otter and I then strolled over to the farmer's market for some wonderful honey crisp apples and a jar of lime mango salsa. On the way home, we stopped and chatted with Ian and Monteverde (Ian's from Vermont , hence Monte's name).

I prepared The Honest Kitchen's Force for Otter and went to get ready for the rest of my productive, happy day. Until I took off my new Adidas and discovered I stepped in dog poop. For goodness sakes, I work at PoopBags.com! (sigh...)

Who knows when along my journey I had done it. While I cannot stop felons from breaking Chicago Municipal Code 7-12-420, I can arm those who do abide by it or the similar law in their respective cities. Today, I declare a 25% off coupon on PupLights and CycleDog Reflective Leashes and Collars to ensure the good people are safe. Since the day is almost over, it expires tomorrow as in Wednesday, October 13, 2010.

Click Here to Order
Coupon Code: arming-law-abiding-citizens
Expires: Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Paige:PoopBags, Inc.

Reflecting on the Past Five Years

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 17:32:00 +0000

Five years ago this month, PoopBags, Inc. opened its webdoors to pet owners and lovers who wanted an eco-friendly alternative to plastic pick-up bags. This anniversary we reflect on how far we’ve come both personally and professionally thanks to this journey.

On a personal level, we wonder if Providence had a hand in all of this. Paige was hired at the company where Paul worked the same week he purchased the domain. Fortunately, Paige was laid off and Paul asked her to climb aboard the PoopBags train a couple of months later. (Paige says this is the greatest compliment anyone could receive.) Ever since then, we have not looked back. Paul was able to quit his full-time position to focus on the business and his other business. Paige graduated with her master’s degree from Loyola University Chicago.

PoopBags.com has expanded from catering to consumers directly to selling to the wholesale and commercial markets. Our first big purchase was a shelving unit; the second was a pallet truck. We have gone from Paul’s dining room table to an office/warehouse space, receiving six boxes of poop bags to six pallets at one time, and carrying only one product to over ten. While this may appear as a modest amount, PoopBags.com has proudly remained a self-sufficient and self-sustaining company with no venture capital investment. We only have to answer to ourselves and to our customers.

This model has allowed us versatility. We enjoy organically grown partnerships with other companies – such as Holstee – that share our commitment to the environment. We choose the charitable organizations which we sponsor. We are pleased that we have been able donate goods, money and, most importantly, to bring attention to Algalita Marine Research Foundation, Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control, the University of Iowa School of Art and Art History Flood Relief Fund and many more through our blog, Facebook page and website.

We have several imitators that have replicated our business model and name to a tee. The saying goes that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. While we are flattered, we also think it leads to market confusion due to product differences. We try to remain as true as possible to our core values of sourcing made in the USA, 100% specified biodegradable poop bags. We learned from Coca Cola not to deviate to bow down to the followers! Anyway, we digress...

In this difficult economy, we were able to provide part-time positions to Mark, Matt and Tess. We experienced joy with Mark when he landed a full-time position. We watched Matt blossom from an intern to our digital marketing assistant to a full-time position. We like to think that in some small way we helped them get to this next level. While we miss Matt’s and Mark’s presences, they still help us out with the areas in which they flourish. Now, we have Tess who brings another set of valuable and unique skills to the team.

We look forward to the next five years with an expanded product mix, a web redesign, future business partnerships, bigger sponsorships and more converts to the PoopBags.com PoopBags. We would like to send a sincere thank you to our manufacturers, the media, Mailman Mark, Mailman Keith, UPS Greer, and Jenny who designed our brand image. Last but not least, thank you to our customers; you are what make this all possible. Here’s to the next five years!

Paul and Paige

Updates on Darling: The PoopBags.com Virtual Foster Pooch

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 19:42:00 +0000

Darling was PoopBags.com's virtual foster dog, but she has now found her forever home! Way to go Darling!

The deal was that once PoopBags reached 2,000 fans on Facebook, we would donate $500.00 so that Darling could attend Mixed Up Mutts (MUM), which operates a training center at Westville Correctional Facility in Indiana. Well, Darling's draft card came up quickly and she was sent off for training before we could blink! Darling was partnered with a certified dog handler prisoner who provided 24 hours/day care and obedience training. Before Darling was "released", the Mixed Up Mutts staff tested her newly-acquired skills. Darling passed nine out of ten sections with flying colors! A video of Darling showing off her new skills is at the bottom of this post.

While PoopBags didn't reach its goal, that doesn't matter. All that matters is Darling met her goals and found her new forever home. Of course, we are always accepting fans, befan us today!

We would like to thank you, too. As a member of the PoopBags.com community, you helped make Darling's forever home a reality.

If this is the first time you are reading about Darling, you are probably wondering about the conduit between PoopBags and MUM. We are proud to say it is Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control (FCACC), which is the volunteer-run, donation arm of Chicago Animal Care and Control.

In fact, PoopBags is attending FCACC's annual event, Big Night, on September 23, 2010. It is pretty cool as Big Night is held under the magnificent Tiffany dome in Preston Bradley Hall of the Chicago Cultural Center and features more than a dozen of Chicago's most renowned chefs including Top Chef winner, Stephanie Izard. What a small world it is as PoopBags' very own Mailman Mark just so happens to be an acquaintance of Stephanie's. If you live in the Chicago area and would like to attend, please visit http://fcacc.eventbrite.com to sign up. Hope to see you there!

We'll be posting pictures from the event. How about you? Are you attending a local animal welfare event? Send us a photo! Better yet, post it to PoopBags' FaceBook! If you don't have a Facebook account, feel free to send it to us and we'll post it with a caption of the event and who is in the picture. What a great way to promote your cause!

The Power of the Biodegradable Food Storage/Compost Pail 3 Gallon Bags!

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:22:00 +0000

To die for! PoopBags.com's Biodegradable 3 Gallon Bags are the answer to anyone's desire to cut plastic shopping bags and produce bags out of their lives forever!

Food Storage
Top Chef candidate turned mailman, Mark, says Biodegradable Food Storage/Compost Pail 3 Gallon Bags are the perfect size and material for food storage.
Who knows food better than chefs? We asked Mailman Mark, who picks up your packages from our facility, why these bags are perfect for food storage. He says they are essentially "porous", which keep fruits and vegetables (particularly leafy vegetables) fresher longer. The bonus is that these bags do not leak!

PoopBags.com says toss a roll in your reusable shopping bag every time you hit the grocery store or farmer's market.

Paige's mom with her favorite grandpooch, Otter.

Compost
Paige's Mom: "Just loves these compostable bags, honey."
Before Paige introduced her parents to the marvels of the Biodegradable Food Storage/Compost Pail 3 Gallon Bags, they would haul the compost pail or plastic bags filled with fruit and vegetable scraps to the compost pile. It was icky attempting to empty and to unstick the deteriorating, smelly, wet contents from either receptacle. Lest we forget the water waste of cleaning the pail, too.

Now, they happily trot out with their Biodegradable Food Storage/Compost Pail 3 Gallon Bag - which breathes so is not stinky - and happily toss it into the pile.

Customer Pam's wonderdog, Wanda

Multifunctional
What customers just like YOU say and do! Who says they are only for food storage or compost? Pshaw!
Customer Carol has rid herself as much as possible of all plastic bags. She lines her bathroom trash with the Biodegradable Food Storage/Compost Pail 3 Gallon Bags. Additionally, she hands them out to friends for their cats' litter boxes and, in general, uses them whenever the tall bags are just too big. Overall, these bags are handy!

Customer Pam not only uses the poop bags for Wanda, but also the Biodegradable Food Storage/Compost Pail 3 Gallon Bags for her three cats' litter. On top of that, she bags her veggies at the grocery and then repurposes the Biodegradable Food Storage/Compost Pail 3 Gallon Bags for cat litter or her compost bin. The checkers at the grocery always say how nice the bags are, which Pam thinks is attributable to the silky feel. Funny how something like that makes people happy.

Now...
The Biodegradable Food Storage/Compost Pail 3 Gallon Bags are made of the same material as the Green, Black, and Jumbo PoopBags. So, the PoopBags team uses the smaller bags to store leftovers, small fruits and vegetables. It is wonderful that an onion lasts so much longer when you store it in one of these bags!

For more information on the Biodegradable Food Storage/Compost Pail 3 Gallon Bags, please visit http://www.poopbags.com/three_gallon_biodegradable_compost_bags.html.

Ecoholics Anonymous: Convenient Disposable Coffee Cups

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 21:56:00 +0000

I confess I forget my reusable travel insulated thermos mug container (whatever you call it) at home occasionally. Fine; I admit that it happens quite a lot. Fine; that New Year's Resolution puttered out in week three of the New Year. I had all good intentions as I bought two of them in case I forgot one at the office. I have been riddled with guilt ever since. I do, however, never leave home without my BPA-free Camelbak water bottle.

Contigo!

Anyway, I'm back, though, with my Contigo travel mug in full force and with a vengeance. Let me tell you why.

I always knew that disposable coffee cups could not be recycled. I did not know why though. Turns out, they are lined with polyethylene (you know, petroleum). I don't know why but the idea of a hot liquid sloshing around in petroleum (you know, a dead dinosaur) grossed me out. It's the same grossed out reaction I had when I found out the premise behind why microwaving plastic is a bad idea (you know, leaching chemicals that render one infertile). After doing a little research, my head is swimming what kind of plastic can and cannot be microwaved that I assume the best course of action is not to do it.

Anyway, if you don't get sicked out like I do, then watch this video to cure your addiction.

Love Lots,

Paige :: PoopBags, Inc.

Promote Plastic Reduction! Vote for PoopBags Paul as Fast Company's 2010 Most Influential Person Online Contest

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:55:00 +0000

Hello Everyone!

My name is Paul Cannella, founder and owner of PoopBags.com. Several years ago, I started PoopBags to help and encourage the reduction of plastic bags in one specific area, picking up dog waste. I’ve always said we help save the planet one poop at a time. As the PoopBags’ President, I’ve become a spokesman for several other Green related issues and charities to which we donate such as the Algalita Marine Research Foundation. To be honest, it’s not a role with which I'm all that comfortable, but it’s part of the biz when you're the boss!

Fast Company magazine has come out with a contest of sorts called The Influence Project. Basically, the project is designed to see "Who are the most influential people online right now?"

With a suggestive bump from our PR guru Marcelle, I decided to throw my hat in the ring. To be honest, it does feel a little egotistical to me, but as I thought about it, I'm just the figurehead and if I can use my influence to make the world a Greener place for all us, then I see it as my duty to participate.

So here's where you can help me. I'm asking you to VOTE FOR PC by clicking on this link http://fcinf.com/v/asbl and helping me rise to the top of the rankings. I’ve been working hard on FaceBook, emailing friends and family, so I'm happy to report that I'm already in the top 8% of everyone that has entered the contest. But wait until the PoopBaggers have their chance to vote – watch out!

Thanks for your time and your support – I value them both dearly.

Please VOTE FOR PC! I'd tell you to vote early and vote often (The Chicago Way), but only one vote counts per person, so yours is critical to our Green success!.

- PC

Paul D. Cannella
President and Owner
PoopBags.com, Inc.

Update: PoopBags' Aid 2008 Flood Recovery Efforts at The University of Iowa School of Art and Art History

noreply@blogger.com (PoopBags.com) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:37:00 +0000

In June 2008, the state of Iowa experienced major flooding. To put it in perspective, the Flood of 2008 is considered one of most extensive natural disasters in US history.

At the time, Illinois-based PoopBags, Inc. felt devastated and inept for its sister state. Not a company to let the feeling of powerlessness reign, the company decided to collect donations for the University of Iowa School of Art and Art History, which subsequently suffered the worst flood damage on the campus. The saddest part of the whole mess is that the School had finally constructed Art Building West (designed by the architect, Steven Holl) to accompany its existing structures. Art Building West helped to fulfill the School's needs, reflected the superior education the School provides, and symbolized art's history and what the future holds. The effort involved to fulfill this spatial need was a monumental task and the realization of it took approximately twenty years.

Art Building West before the Flood of 2008

PoopBags, Inc. realizes that this cause seems a little out of left field, but it is not. The disclosure must be made that one of the PoopBags.com employees graduated from the art history program at Iowa. PoopBags also liked the idea of helping a less well known cause where we could make a long lasting, positive impact.

Relevancy still exists to PoopBags.com’s mission to aid and endorse environmental and pet related causes. Artists – such as Ansel Adams, Thomas Gainsborough, Claude Monet, Grant Wood, Frank Lloyd Wright, Frederick Law Olmstead, Albert Bierstadt, Dorothea Lange, Thomas Cole and many more – interpreted and immortalized their surroundings. Without their awe-inspiring and thought-provoking work, we do not believe the environmental movement would be what it is today. It is essential to preserve and to study visual history to sustain the future.

Art Building West After the Flood of 2008

Since then, the School has done an excellent job managing the circumstances by taking up residence all over Iowa City. Multiple and distant sites do make for awkward and cumbersome situations. Art Building West is set to be reoccupied in Fall 2010. The old Art Building will more than likely be restored but will no longer serve its original purpose.

To overcome this loss, the School will be compensated with a new building to house the displaced Studio Areas. This 70,000 square foot facility will be located on the bluff above Art Building West and will accommodate the Ceramics, Intermedia, Metalsmithing, Printmaking, Sculpture, 3-D Design, parts of the Painting & Drawing and Photography Areas, as well as a classroom and gallery. BNIM and Steven Holl Architects have been selected to design the new building, which – while referencing Art Building West in some details – will have its own architectural identity. The planning for the building’s design and programming will provide an opportunity to re-think the physical ensemble of Studio Areas in ways that will enhance inter-area cooperation and more creatively reflect the needs of contemporary art instruction and production. In this way the flood will make possible – even amid all the losses – the renewal of the School’s reputation as a leader in the study and creation of art. The new building’s proximity to Art Building West, which will continue to house administrative offices, classrooms, and three Studio Areas, will ensure the inter-disciplinary exchange between the Art History and Studio Divisions. The “Iowa Idea” of maintaining in a Liberal Arts context the conjoined historical study of art and the production of contemporary art – which was the founding principle of the School in the 1930s – will thus be sustained for future generations of art students at Iowa.

PoopBags sends a sincere thank you to our customers for helping a very noble and worthy cause. PoopBags hopes that our efforts and our customers' generous donations helped speed things up to recovery.

Find out more about University of Iowa’s School of Art and Art History by visiting http://www.art.uiowa.edu.