Saving the World One Bag at a Time?

Boo to Dinky Plastic Grocery Bags

I am a big fan of recycling.  I am also a big fan of reusable shopping bags.  My mom bought cotton shopping bags from Target approximately 12 years ago, way before it was trendy or cool to bring your own bags.  The reason, you ask? She hates plastic bags.  Not because my mom is an environmentally conscious hippie, but because those dinky little plastic bags didn't hold very much.  You would end up with a million bags after the weekly grocery run and having to carry all those dinky bags into the house was no picnic.

Courtesy of hipsterchic.com

So I have faced ridicule for bringing my own bags and watching people at the store get furious about packing them for quite some time now.  But today, the reusable bag is this year's trendy free giveaway and somewhat hip accessory.  

However, there are a few problems (besides the most difficult of remembering to take them to the store!) with these bags that hopefully everyone can take notice of, and help fix so the bags serve their real purpose: helping the environment...

Problem #1

Using reusable bags for food products makes them very susceptible to bacteria.  You know when you bring chicken, or other meats, or maybe some veggies home, things can easily leak in your bag.  The bags are often on the floor (and if it is like mine, it is totally dirty right now), stuffed in your car, or in a random place in your kitchen.  This study, conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona, found loads of harmful bacteria in them.  I am normally not that concerned about bacteria/germs, but recognize that anytime you transport raw meats there is a risk you can get ill.

Solutions to Problem #1

Fret not my environmentally conscious friends.  The study also revealed that simply washing your reusable bags eliminated nearly all the bacteria!  So next time you wash your kitchen towels, toss in your reusable bags.  Also, don't eat any unpackaged food directly out of the bags.  I.e. if you have a fruit or vegetable in the bag without a plastic covering, make sure you wash it before you eat it.

Problem #2

Some of these reusable bags don't really help the environment all that much.  According to the Wall Street Journal, many of these bags are made with plastic and shipped from China, causing tons of energy, fossil fuels and water to be used in the manufacturing process.  And, in some cases, the bags are made of substances that take even longer to decompose than the dinky store plastic bags. 

Solutions to Problem #2

Check what the bags are made from.  Choose bags with high recyclable content and don't impulse buy the bags at the checkout.  You can also always purchase cotton bags which avoid the plastic problems, but still require energy to make. 

Problem #3

According to the New York Times some of the plastic bags are made with lead.  This is a problem because of the vast number of health problems associated with lead, and the close proximity of this chemical to food.  According to the article there is no immediate health risk to the public, so don't freak out too much.

Solutions to Problem #3

Not sure yet.  Again, maybe purchase cotton or canvas reusable bags, and until then, make sure you stay alert to any recalls for certain brands of bags.

So what do you do if you want to continue using reusable shopping bags (which you definitely should do!)?  Wash them, buy high quality bags, and try not to worry too much :)

How successful are you at remembering to take your bags with you to the store?  Any tips for changing your bag behavior?

-Wednesday is on the Horizon!