# Sustainability Proof

## Dog Waste Cleanup Sustainability Impact Assessment

### Primary Impacts

#### Water Protection Impact

* Average dog waste deposit: 125g
* Each gram of dog waste can contaminate approximately 100ml of water
* **Impact Value:** `"water": "12500"` (12,500ml of water protected per cleanup)

#### Waste Management Impact

* Average dog waste deposit: 125g
* Bio-bags used typically weigh 2g
* **Impact Value:** `"waste_mass": "127"` (127g of waste properly managed)

#### Carbon Impact

* Dog waste in waterways creates methane during decomposition
* Each gram of dog waste produces approximately 0.34g CO2 equivalent when improperly decomposed
* **Impact Value:** `"carbon": "42.5"` (42.5g CO2e prevented per cleanup)

### Calculation Methodology

1. **Water Protection:**
   * Base calculation: 125g waste × 100ml water impact per gram = 12,500ml protected
   * Conservative estimate based on EPA water quality guidelines
2. **Waste Management:**
   * Direct measurement: Waste mass (125g) + Bio-bag mass (2g) = 127g
   * Based on average dog waste mass studies
3. **Carbon Impact:**
   * Methane conversion: 125g × 0.34g CO2e/g = 42.5g CO2e
   * Based on anaerobic decomposition studies

### References

* Environmental Protection Agency water quality guidelines
* Waste management studies on pet waste decomposition
* Public health department guidelines

### Notes

1. All calculations use conservative estimates to ensure impact isn't overstated
2. Impacts are calculated per individual cleanup action
3. Additional benefits not quantified include soil quality improvement and public health benefits
