It could be part of that. I just happen to think it's different enough that it's worth pointing out separately. I'd suggest point #2 refers more to 'growing animal feed (corn being popular). The issue there is we could feed more people with those crops than processing it through cattle. Another issue is clearing land to create grazing lands. The issue there is we're destroying the rain forrest. Whether those are the 'same issue' is a matter of semantics and opinion, I suppose.

I'd add a 3rd major one to the list: loss of usable land to grazing. Lots of land that would be better for growing crops (or forrest) is lost to allow for beef grazing (Brazil's Rainforest being a major victim).

I have seen that one and it seems to get mixed reviews...but it might be something I give a shot. The main challenge appears to be that one needs a 4' deep hole.

Well, I worry that it won't be safe from my kids shoes...as they love running through the wooded areas on the property. :)

I'm not necessarily looking to get the poop back into the garden...rather just trying to contain it. If it can mulch, great, and maybe we'd use that for landcaping (but not the garden). I guess I'm trying to find that 'somewhere where it won't cause as much of a problem' solution and figured maybe that place could be the septic/mulch spot.

I've heard the main problem with dog poop is the pathogens in it. Not good for wildlife. I don't know how true that is. He mainly poops on the lawn, though, so we have to pick it up. Flinging it into the woods is one option, but the kids love exploring the woods, too, so less dog poop floating around, the better, IMHO. We also live in the PNW so the poop rarely has a chance to dry out...in other words, it's always 'prime shoe ruining' consistency.

@jayBazuzi I'm mainly looking at appliances at this point (HW heater and Clothes Dryer).

Well, we have the human part figured out (we have a septic system). Trying to find a viable solution for the pet problem. Not sure if there are major pros/cons between pet mulching or a pet septic system.

Good call. I expanded the question slightly to include mulching a potential question.