Jessica
Welcome to WeLovePetz, your number one source for all things pets.
Introduction: The Unpleasant Reality of Dog Ownership
There are very few downsides to owning a dog, but the daily ritual of picking up waste is undeniably the biggest one. It is a moment where the quality of your equipment matters immensely. A cheap, thin bag can turn a mundane walk into a sanitary disaster in seconds. For years, Earth Rated has been the dominant player in the premium waste bag market, known for their iconic green bags and lavender scent.
Now, they have expanded their line with a new olfactory offering: Peach and Lotus. But does a floral-fruit scent actually help mask the odor of dog waste, or does it just create a confusing, sickly-sweet combination? More importantly, has the core integrity of the bag—its leak-proof guarantee and thickness—been maintained? In this review, we analyze the 280-count refill pack to see if these bags are worth the premium price over generic dollar-store alternatives.
Features and Technical Analysis
Earth Rated built its reputation on reliability. When you pull a bag from the roll, you need to know it won’t rip. Here is how the technical specifications of these bags hold up under scrutiny.
Construction and Durability
The bags measure 13 inches by 9 inches, which is a generous size capable of handling waste from large breeds like Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds without risking hand contact. The “Extra Thick” marketing claim holds water; these bags feel substantially more robust than standard generic rolls. The bottom seal is reinforced to prevent blowouts, a critical feature for heavy loads.
The “Peach & Lotus” Scent Profile
Scented bags are a polarizing topic. Traditional lavender bags often smell chemically and overpowering. Earth Rated claims this new profile offers “juicy fruit, soft florals, and a clean finish.” The goal isn’t just to perfume the air, but to provide a sensory barrier between you and the waste during the walk to the trash can.
Environmental Impact: Recycled, Not Compostable
It is crucial to make a distinction here: These bags are made from 65% certified post-consumer recycled plastic. They are not compostable. While they give a second life to landfill-bound plastic (saving over 5 million pounds a year, according to the brand), they are designed for the landfill. If you are looking for a zero-waste solution to toss in a home composter, this is not the product for you. However, for the average urban owner tossing bags in municipal trash, using recycled materials is a significant step up from using virgin plastic.
Hands-On Experience: The Walk Test
We took these bags out on a week’s worth of walks with a 70lb Labrador to test their limits.
The Scent Test
Upon opening the box, the scent is noticeable but not aggressive. It smells surprisingly like a high-end shampoo rather than a cleaning product. When put to use, the Peach and Lotus scent does a commendable job of neutralizing immediate odors. It doesn’t eliminate the smell entirely—nothing short of an airtight vault will do that—but it masks the unpleasantness significantly better than unscented bags, making the walk to the bin much more tolerable.
Usability and Tearing
One of the most frustrating aspects of cheap bags is the “tear struggle”—trying to rip a bag off the roll while holding a leash, often resulting in a ripped bag. Earth Rated has perfected the perforation. The bags tear cleanly every time. Furthermore, the inclusion of the “3 Bags Left” sticker is a small but brilliant UX feature. It prevents that moment of panic when you reach for a bag only to find the roll empty.
The Leak-Proof Guarantee
We tested the “100% Leak-Proof” claim by filling a bag with water and letting it sit for 10 minutes. The result? Zero drips. The seams held perfectly. This gives immense peace of mind. You don’t have to double-bag, which effectively cuts your cost per poop in half compared to cheaper, thinner brands where double-bagging is a safety necessity.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Superior Thickness: Eliminates the “warm hand” sensation and prevents leaks. | Not Compostable: Made from recycled plastic, so they must go in the trash. |
| Pleasant Scent: Peach and Lotus is a modern, less chemical alternative to lavender. | Price: More expensive per bag than generic Amazon Basics or dollar store brands. |
| Reliable Perforation: Tears cleanly off the roll without ripping the next bag. | Scent Strength: Might be too strong for users with extreme fragrance sensitivities. |
| Recycled Content: Uses 65% post-consumer recycled plastic, reducing virgin plastic demand. | Roll Sticker: The sticker holding the new roll closed can sometimes tear the first bag if you aren’t careful. |
Competitive Comparison
How does Earth Rated stack up against a budget option and an eco-focused competitor?
| Feature | Earth Rated (Peach & Lotus) | Amazon Basics Waste Bags (Budget) | BioBag Compostable (Eco) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material ♻️ | 65% Recycled Plastic | Standard Plastic | Plant-Based Starch |
| Thickness 🛡️ | Extra Thick (15 microns+) | Standard (13 microns) | Thin (Prone to tearing) |
| Scent 🌸 | Peach & Lotus (Premium) | Unscented / Lavender | Unscented (Earthy) |
| Leak Proof 💧 | Guaranteed | Good | Fair (Dissolves if wet) |
| Best For 🎯 | Urban Walkers / Odor Control | Bulk Buying | Backyard Composting |
Analysis: If your priority is the environment above all else, a certified compostable bag like BioBag is better, but you sacrifice durability and odor control. If you want the cheapest option, Amazon Basics works, but you may need to double bag. Earth Rated occupies the premium middle ground: highly reliable, uses recycled materials to offset impact, and offers the best user experience.
Final Verdict
The Earth Rated Peach & Lotus Poop Bags are a successful evolution of a classic product. By moving away from the standard lavender scent, Earth Rated has created a product that feels fresher and more modern. The scent is effective at masking odors without being headache-inducing, which is a delicate balance to strike.
Critically, the brand has not sacrificed quality for novelty. These bags remain the gold standard for thickness and reliability. The use of 65% post-consumer recycled plastic is a responsible manufacturing choice that makes using plastic bags feel slightly less guilty. While they are pricier than the cheapest options on the market, the cost is justified by the fact that you will never need to double-bag.
Recommendation: Buy these if you live in an apartment, have a large dog, or simply hate the smell of waste during your walks. They turn a gross chore into something manageable.
