Reducing its paw print

Puma has long been a trendsetter in sportswear, but a decision to swap out plastic shopping bags for a biodegradable and water-soluble alternative may spark a trend in the industry that goes beyond the realm of clothing and shoes, according to media reports.

The German sportswear and shoe company recently announced it will be tossing out its plastic bags for ones made of cornstarch that degrade in three months when placed in a compost pile. For customers do who not have a compost pile or do not want to wait, the bag can also be dissolved in warm water in a few minutes, making it unnecessary to throw the bag into the trash (and eventually the landfill).

To watch a YouTube video about the Clever Little Shopper bag, visit www.tinyurl.com/greenpumabag.