When shopping in the produce section of the grocery store, most of us are accustomed to pulling a single-use plastic bag off a roll and using it to store and protect our apples, kales, carrots, or cucumbers. Not only is it super convenient, but it effectively protects our fruits and veggies from potentially coming into contact with any harmful bacteria.
However, most of us are well aware that plastic isn’t exactly good for the environment. Enter reusable produce bags, mesh bags that provide the same sort of benefits as plastic but require laundering. Are these plastic alternatives worth it, or should you just stick to the bags provided by your local grocery store?
According to the Center for Biological Diversity, the average American family takes home 1,500 single-use plastic bags per year. In total, Americans use 100 billion plastic bags per year, with just 1 percent returned for recycling. And, while most of us are well aware of the potential damage plastic bags can do when released into the environment — which includes cluttering oceans and harming or killing animals — just manufacturing enough plastic bags for our yearly consumption requires 12 million barrels of oil.
“With 8 million metric tons of plastic (according to the Ocean Conservancy) being dumped in the ocean each year, whatever we can do in our daily lives to avoid using plastic, is best. It will help keep our oceans and fish safe,” Gay Browne, personal environmental health advisor and founder of Greentopia tells 21Oak. “Reusable produce bags are definitely worth it and there are a wide variety of options to fit your budget and lifestyle.”
Her top picks? “My favorites are those made out of organic cotton that you can wash, either mesh or a solid weave like a dishtowel,” she reveals.
Obviously, many people do consider reusable produce bags a good investment since they are becoming more readily available. Here are a few of our top picks:
Best deal: Ecowaare set of 15 reusable mesh produce bags
This set of 15 reusable produce bags
Best investment: Flip & Tumble reusable produce bags
This set of five
Best closure: Ecotiva organic cotton mesh bags
If organic cotton
Best organic: Set of six organic cotton mesh bags
This set of six medium, large, and extra-large produce bags are a no-frills option
