This topic is about exploring eco-friendly options for ostomy bags and finding ways to encourage manufacturers to adopt greener practices. The concern arises from the environmental impact of ostomy pouches, which, like disposable diapers, can take centuries to decompose in landfills. Here are some insights and advice on how to address this issue:

1. The poster has reached out to UK suppliers for their environmental policies and any information on green research and development, but responses have been limited.

2. Suggestions have been made to use potato-starch or oxo-biodegradable bags for disposal, although the contents of the pouches still pose a landfill problem.

3. A Twitter handle, @HowGreenisYour1, was created to gather support from other ostomates and encourage companies to consider more sustainable options.

4. The poster is actively contacting UK producers and highlights the Aura Flushable pouch, which has a flushable inner bag but a non-recyclable outer film. They question why its ecological benefits aren't more widely promoted.

5. Despite legal obligations for waste management, much rubbish is still exported to Asia, prompting the need for ongoing ideas to push manufacturers and volunteer for trials of greener products.

Here are some practical tips and strategies:

- For wrapping and disposal, consider using a few sheets of newspaper instead of complimentary or dog-poo bags. Switch from wet wipes to plain tissues, as they decompose more quickly. Always empty the pouch before discarding to reduce waste volume, and cut up adhesive barriers or wrappers to prevent wildlife from getting trapped.

- Explore reusable or biodegradable products. Ask suppliers about Koenig Rutzen rubber reusable ostomy bags, which can be washed and reused. There are two biodegradable pouch options available, along with Colomajic Bag Liners, which are marketed as eco-friendly. Hollister has introduced pouches made with more eco-friendly materials, though some users find their performance lacking compared to older models. The Welland Medical Aurum Xtra Flushable Colostomy Bag has a flushable inner liner, but the outer film still needs to be disposed of in the trash.

- For general strategies, contact manufacturers' product-development teams, often through stoma nurses, and volunteer to test greener prototypes. Keep requesting corporate environmental policies, as consumer pressure and persistent questioning can eventually influence research and development priorities. While large-scale change relies on industry and legislation, individual choices and advocacy help bring attention to the issue.