Keep Hearthstone Clean: Why Picking Up After Pets Matters for Neighbors and the Environment
It’s no secret that Hearthstone is full of dog lovers. Morning and evening walks bring neighbors together, and pets add joy to daily life. But there’s one thing that can sour the experience—dog waste left behind on someone else’s yard, in their garbage can, or, worse, tossed into storm drains.
The Hearthstone Homeowners Association is reminding residents to be courteous and take a moment to clean up after pets during walks. It’s not just about being polite—it protects the environment and helps keep our community healthy.
Why Pet Waste Is More Than Just an Eyesore
According to the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC), a regional organization focused on planning and environmental protection for 13 Texas counties, including Harris County, pet waste is actually a pollutant. When it’s left on lawns or sidewalks, rain washes it into storm drains, which flow straight into bayous, creeks, and Galveston Bay—without treatment. One gram of dog waste can contain up to 23 million bacteria, including E. coli and parasites that can affect humans, wildlife, and pets.
In fact, the Houston-Galveston Area Council reports there are roughly 900,000 dogs in the region, collectively depositing 312 tons of waste per day—equal to about 52 dump truck loads. When left on the ground, that waste is washed by rainwater into storm drains and waterways, where it uses up oxygen needed by fish and wildlife and can expose people to harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, particularly children and those with weakened immune systems.
When too much pet waste reaches waterways, it fuels algae blooms that reduce oxygen levels in water, harming fish and other aquatic life. What seems like “just a little mess” in the neighborhood can quickly become an environmental problem downstream.
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How to Make Cleaning Up Easier
Picking up after your pet doesn’t need to be a hassle. Here are some simple tips and tools that can help:
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Dog Waste Bag Dispensers: Clip one to your leash so you always have bags on hand. Many affordable, refillable dispensers are available online or at local pet stores.
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Biodegradable Bags: If you want to reduce plastic use, biodegradable waste bags are widely available and break down faster than traditional plastic.
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Handheld Scoopers: For those who prefer not to use bags directly, lightweight scoopers make cleanup quick and touch-free.
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Waste Can Liners at Home: Keep a small outdoor bin or lidded container lined with a bag specifically for pet waste, so it’s easy to drop it off when you return home.
These tools help make cleanup quick and convenient—and, most importantly, ensure pet waste is disposed of in your own trash can rather than a neighbor’s or a storm drain.
A Small Step With Big Benefits
Hearthstone thrives when neighbors look out for one another, and taking just a few seconds to pick up after pets makes a real difference. It keeps yards clean, reduces neighborhood tension, and helps protect Houston’s waterways.
For more information on how pet waste affects local water quality, visit the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Pet Waste Pollution page at h-gac.com/pet-waste-pollutes.
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for future Hearthstone updates, community tips, and friendly neighborhood reminders.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
