In 2015, Earth Rated, known for its eco-friendly pet waste management and sanitation products, was sued over its Earth Rated poop bags. According to the plaintiffs, Earth Rated’s “Certified Compostable Poop Bags” were not, in fact, as compostable as advertised as they did not meet the compostability standards as promised. This legal action undermines the company’s reputation for sustainability and raises concerns about the accuracy of its product claims.

Here at Sparrow, we help eligible class members discover important details on class actions in which they can file a claim. Our dedicated team provides step-by-step support in filing claims so you can get the compensation you deserve. On behalf of our clients, we gather the necessary documentation, complete required forms, and ensure all deadlines are met. We strive to make the process as seamless as possible, from digital services to MLS real estate lawsuits. 

With our experience in navigating class action lawsuits of every kind, we’ve put together this blog to give you the details on the Earth Rated poop bags subject to class action lawsuits. We’ll go over the allegations, the company’s stance, and settlement details. We’ll also provide a general timeline of actions, as well as how you can stay updated on similar lawsuit proceedings.

Let’s get started!

Earth Rated Company Background

Earth Rated is renowned in the eco-friendly pet products industry, especially for their premium dog poop bags. They emphasize using recycled materials and sustainable manufacturing practices across their product lines. Additionally, they actively engage in community clean-up events and support various animal shelters and rescue organizations.

Other than poop bags, Earth Rated’s new products include poop bag dispensers, grooming wipes, and other accessories designed to make pet ownership easier and more eco-friendly. They are well-known for their innovative, new packaging solutions and user-friendly product designs, which have contributed significantly to their growing loyal customer base.

Case Details: Earth Rated Poop Bags Class Action Lawsuit

A class action lawsuit against Earth Rated poop bags alleges that the products were falsely marketed as eco-friendly and compostable. Plaintiffs claim that these bags do not decompose as advertised, leaving behind undecomposed material during composting. This alleged failure could potentially contaminate compost with pollutants harmful to the environment.

Allegations

The primary allegation in the Earth Rated poop bags class action lawsuit revolves around false advertisement. As the plaintiffs have observed, poop bags from Earth Rated decompose only partially or, in some cases, not at all. Here’s a more in-depth case analysis:

• False and Misleading Advertising: Plaintiffs allege that Earth Rated poop bags have been labeled, marketed, and promoted in a false manner.  They seek to hold Earth Rated accountable for misleading advertising practices.
• Unfair and Deceptive Conduct: Around 70% of consumers in the United States and Canada are prepared to pay up to 35% more for a product advertised as eco-friendly. Earth Rated may be guilty of unfair and deceptive business practices for alluring consumers to pay more for a product that was falsely advertised as eco-friendly.
• Financial Damages: Customers were made to pay a premium for the Earth Rated poop bags with the false impression that they were compostable. They allege that they have incurred financial losses because they would not have paid that much or purchased poop bags from Earth Rated if they had known that they were not truly compostable.
  

The above allegations are held up by the fact that the Earth Rated products in question failed to decompose as advertised. This edge is dangerously close to the violation of environmental laws concerning the proper labeling of environmentally friendly products and the proper disposal of non-compostables. 

Company’s Stance on the Case

So far, Earth Rated has strongly denied the allegations, asserting that Earth Rated poop bags are manufactured according to industry standards for compostability. They maintain that their marketing accurately reflects the bags’ capabilities, which are 100% leak-proof and durable. Earth Rated argues that the main reason that the bags do not decompose in the cases of the plaintiffs is primarily due to composting under non-ideal conditions.

Settlement Details

Earth Rated continues to fiercely defend its product, but they have also agreed to a settlement of $825,000 to compensate affected customers. Those who purchased Earth Rated poop bags between October 28, 2015, and June 13, 2024, may be eligible for a payment. In addition to the cash compensation, Earth Rated also agrees to ensure that future marketing of Earth Rated products is clear and accurately represents their compostability across multiple composting conditions.

Each eligible class member can file a claim with or without proof. However, those without proof of purchase can only be compensated for three products at $2 each for a maximum of $6. Those who have proof of purchase will receive $2 per purchased product, but they can claim compensation for as many products as they can provide proof of payment.

Timeline of Action: Earth Rated Poop Bags Class Action Lawsuit

The Earth Rated poop bag class action lawsuit has been in litigation for several years now but is scheduled to conclude proceedings before the end of 2024. Here is how the unfolded:

• Filing Date: The Earth Rated poop bag lawsuit, titled Natale et al. v. 9199-4467 Quebec Inc. d/b/a Earth Rated, was filed on October 28, 2015, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
• Claim Filing Deadline: The deadline for filing a claim passed on June 13, 2024.
• Final Approval: The final hearing is scheduled for October 23, 2024
• Payout Date: The payout date is yet to be decided and will likely be announced following the final approval hearing.

Note that the claim filing deadline has passed, and no new claim forms can be submitted until further notice. With the final approval still pending, objections and court rulings can still potentially affect the particulars of the settlement. Stay tuned for further updates on the Earth Rated poop bag class action lawsuit.

How to Stay Updated on Lawsuit Proceedings

Closely following the lawsuit timeline and key case updates is crucial to filing a claim to class actions like the Earth Rated poop bag. Here’s what you can do to be more updated in case you’re eligible for a similar class action settlement in the future:

Step 1: Join Online Forums and Discussions

When a company like Earth Rated is firmly defending its product in a class action lawsuit, one of the best ways to get unbiased updates is to check online discussions on the company and the ongoing lawsuit. These include online forums, Reddit threads, and social media groups dedicated to pawsome products or consumer rights. Doing so can provide valuable insights from other consumers who may be following the case closely.

Step 2: Check Official Websites

The websites of the presiding court and the official lawsuit settlement page will often be the first to be updated with critical information regarding important dates and claims requirements. They’ll also provide news on court rulings, such as settlement adjustments, objections, and other case status updates. Make sure to activate your email notifications for these sources to get important updates as soon as they’re published.

Step 3: Follow News Outlets

Commercial and legal news outlets can give you key insights on how lawsuit cases are progressing, including some information that official outlets might not include in their publications. Additionally, with Earth Rated’s environmental focus, the Earth Rated poop bag controversy is likely going to be closely followed by environmental news sites and blogs. 

Step 4: Consult Experts

If you have specific concerns about the case, consider consulting the settlement administrator, whose contact details are usually on the settlement websites. For more personalized guidance, it may be best to seek legal counsel or enlist Sparrow’s services for a hassle-free claims filing and compensation process. There are certain inconveniences and risks involved in joining a class action lawsuit that you may want to leave to experts.

Key Takeaway

The Earth Rated poop bags class action lawsuit highlights the importance of accurate product labeling and transparency, similar to the Panera Bread class action lawsuit case. Although Earth Rated argues that decomposition progresses at varying rates depending on compost conditions, it is still their responsibility to clearly communicate this to customers. With the company’s commitment to improved transparency and a $825,000 settlement, this class action can be counted as yet another victory for consumer rights.

If you are affected by alleged false advertising of any kind, remember to follow the lawsuit proceedings closely. You can do this by visiting official publications, joining online discussions, checking news outlets, and gaining advice and guidance from experts like Sparrow. Doing so will ensure you don’t miss any critical information.

Are you eligible for a class action similar to the Earth Rated poop bags lawsuit? Consider enlisting with Sparrow to help you navigate the nuances involved in filing claims and gaining timely compensation. We provide actionable insights to ensure that our clients navigate the intricacies of lawsuits and receive compensation at the right time.