The presence of dog waste in public and private grassy areas is a persistent problem, causing hygiene issues, unpleasant odors, and damage to lawns. Current solutions like signage or fines often fail to enforce cleanup, leaving a gap for a more immediate and visible solution.

A Simple Yet Effective Solution

One approach to address this issue could involve treating grass so it changes color when in contact with dog waste, creating an unmistakable visual signal for cleanup. The treatment might work as a spray, soil additive, or even pre-treated grass seed, reacting specifically to compounds like urea or proteins found in dog waste while ignoring other organic matter. The color change could fade naturally as the waste decomposes or is removed.

Why This Could Work

Several groups stand to benefit from this kind of solution:

• Homeowners and property managers could keep lawns cleaner with less effort
• Public parks might reduce maintenance costs while improving visitor experience
• Dog owners would receive clear, immediate feedback to promote responsible habits

The technology could also complement existing approaches like DNA testing (e.g., PooPrints) or glow-in-the-dark markers, but with the advantage of working automatically in daylight without requiring additional devices.

Turning the Idea into Reality

An initial prototype might start with a spray-on version tested in controlled environments, focusing on:

1. Safety for pets, people and the environment
2. Reliability in different weather conditions
3. Visibility and duration of the color change

While chemical feasibility and public acceptance would need validation, this approach offers a potentially low-tech yet innovative way to tackle a daily nuisance in many communities.