Safely Using Resuable Shopping Bags

Reusable shopping bags are good for the environment, but make sure they’re good for your health too by choosing a bag you can wash.

Think about it. Your bags are touched by lots of folks at the grocery store. They sit on conveyor belts, in shopping carts and in car trunks. If you’re buying raw meat that could leak, be especially vigilant in washing your bags. It’s also smart to reserve a set of bags for grocery shopping, not for the gym, etc.

I have some organic cotton bags (pictured) that have held up well to many washings. Yet, I know that some of the reusable bags on the market aren’t very washing machine friendly. Try to choose a good quality bag that can be washed over the cheaper ones that aren’t meant to last long. If your bag is visibly dirty, wash it before another use. Otherwise, wash your bags about once a week.

How often do you wash your shopping bags?

(Image via Peggy Rowland)