A Guide to Reusable Produce Bags | Treading My Own Path

When it comes to tackling single-use plastic bags, it isn’t just plastic shopping bags that we want to be replacing with better, reusable alternatives. Plastic produce bags (the extremely thin, colourless, clear bags we see in the fruit and veg aisles at supermarkets) are just as problematic – difficult to recycle, very difficult to reuse and a huge contributor to litter.

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Yet the conversation always seems to be around shopping bags, and the produce bags are left out.

Which is a tragedy! There are just as many solutions for replacing single-use produce bags with reusables as there are for shopping bags. Yet it’s something that isn’t on many people’s radar when they are starting out.

It certainly wasn’t on mine.

Fortunately, it is now. I want to share some of the alternatives to single-use plastic produce bags, the pros and cons of different options, as well as a few things you may like to consider.

This post contains some affiliate links. You can read more about what this means at the end of the post.

Reusable produce bags – some initial things to consider

There are plenty of options with reusable produce bags. Here’s a few things to consider:

Homemade versus purchased

Homemade is always cheaper, and there’s the option to choose the exact size that you need. If you want bags that last and don’t need to be mended continually, an overlocker generally produces better (longer-lasting) results than a regular sewing machine.

The flipside of homemade is needing access to a sewing machine, and knowing how to sew.

If you do know how to sew, produce bags make great gifts.

Second-hand fabrics

Second-hand fabric is an option for making reusable produce bags, and ready-made produce bags that used second-hand fabric are also available. Fabric includes old net curtains, tablecloths, sheets and old bedding. Choose a fabric that is machine washable and can go through a hot wash (rather than the handwash cycle).

Although mosquito netting seems ideal for produce bags, most mosquito nets are impregnated with pesticides, so not desirable for use with food.

Choosing the fabric type

Different fabrics have different properties. Mesh or net bags are lightweight and see-through, but are rarely made of natural fibres. They’re also not suitable for flour and fine powders.

Cotton cloth is natural but not see-through, and is slightly heavier. (Not all stores have the ability to take off the weight of the bag on the scales, so heavy bags will cost more.) Not being transparent will slow down the checkout operators, so be mindful of using too many of these bags on a busy day.

In practice, it can be useful to have different types for different things.

Reusable produce bags – different options

Personally, I have a combination of homemade and purchased reusable produce bags, and made of different materials.

As much as I recommend making do and using what we have where possible, I also know that sometimes we need shortcuts.

If sewing if definitely not your thing (and you don’t have a relative or friend to persuade to do it for you!) then here are some ready-made solutions.

Mesh fabric produce bags

If you haven’t heard of it or used it before, Etsy is an online marketplace where people who know how to make things sell these things to those of us who do not (or do not have the time). There are plenty of sellers on the platform who make reusable produce bags out of old curtains and tablecloths (as well as sellers who use new fabric, if that’s your preference).

If the second-hand approach appeals to you but you just don’t have the time or inclination, I’d recommend looking on Etsy for reusable produce bags made of upcycled fabric.

There’s no one Etsy seller I recommend, instead I’d suggest browsing and finding the seller that is closest to your home to minimise the packaging and transport footprint.

Recycled PET Plastic Mesh Bags

Some people don’t love the idea of going plastic-free and then buying reusables made of plastic. When I first went plastic-free back in I was the same. But then I looked into it a little more and adjusted my view.

If we stopped using plastic today, and didn’t make anything else made of plastic, there is still a huge amount of plastic already in existence. Legacy plastic, I call it. From a resource perspective, it makes sense to be using this to make resources rather than leaving it somewhere to sit for all eternity.

PET is the plastic that water bottles is made from. It’s hard wearing and durable. The PET plastic bottles can be recycled into a mesh that is used to make reusable produce bags. These bags have a much lower carbon footprint than other “new” bags because they are made from 100% recycled material.

I have a set of Onya bags that I purchased for my first Plastic Free July back in . They may not be as white as they were when I purchased them, but they function as good as new. (Which cannot be said for my biodegradable ones, which have, well, biodegraded and needed some stitching up).

Mesh bags are great for fruit and vegetables, loose salad leaves (the produce can be washed in the bag) and loose bread rolls.

Cotton Produce Bags

Cotton bags are great for all the things that mesh bags aren’t: powders and flours. I have a set made out of an old bed sheet. The advantage of these is that they can be repaired easily, and composted at the end of their life.

It’s possible to buy new cotton reusable produce bags: I’d recommend looking at your local bulk store as they will often stock them.

I’d always recommend supporting a local brick-and-mortar store where you can, but if this isn’t an option, they can easily be found online.

• Australia or New Zealand – I recommend Biome
• UK: I recommend &Keep
• USA: my first choie would be Life without plastic

If you’re further afield here’s a list of independent online plastic-free and zero waste stores.

Bulk reusable food bags

These reusable produce bags are a fairly new idea, and are designed for bulk store shopping (as opposed to fruit and veg shopping). Whilst reusable produce bags are very easy to transport, they aren’t ideal for storing food.

Onya Life launched these bulk bags in (made of recycled PET, which I talked about above) as a lightweight alternative to glass jars. They can be labelled and are suitable for food storage.

They are not something I’ve used, but I think they are a great alternative for those of us who don’t want to carry huge amounts of glass jars on our shopping trips, or have to decant everything into said glass jars when we get home.

Other options: making do

Before rushing out and buying anything new, have a think about what you might already have at home. Many bulk stores accept glass jars for refilling, so consider taking jars rather than bags, if that is practical. A pillowcase makes an excellent cotton bread bag. Laundry bags are a mesh alternative to mesh produce bags – and they are definitely machine washable.

If you do decide to buy something, just be sure that it is something that you will use. Reusables that sit in the back of the cupboard are not a good use of resources!

The best reusables are the ones you use often.

Now I’d love to hear from you! What reusable options do you use? Do you have one preference, or do you use a combination? If you sew, do you have fabric types you recommend and any to avoid? Are there any other alternatives or DIY hacks that you can suggest? Please share you thought in the comments below!

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What is used for only 12 minutes but lasts up to years? That’s right! We’re talking about plastic bags. As far as bad habits go, our dependence on single-use plastics is almost impossible to shake off. This dependence is most evident when you visit grocery stores or supermarkets. With no alternatives available, customers take home multiple plastic bags every day. That’s where reusable produce bags come in.

Plastic bags are neither environmentally friendly nor great for carrying produce. Reusable produce bags are the healthier, greener alternative. Fortunately, the variety of reusable produce bag solutions has skyrocketed over the years. Today, you can choose customized reusable bags in multiple styles, sizes, and materials.

Don’t know where to get started? Join us as we guide you through the amazing world of reusable produce bags!

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What are reusable produce bags?

Single-use plastic bags have been a grocery store staple for many years. However, these plastic bags are finally going out of favor. The good part? Reusable produce bags have emerged as an eco-friendly replacement.

Reusablebagsconsistoflightweightbutdurablematerialsthatarefood-safeandbiodegradable.From cotton bags to bags made out of mesh or muslin, there are a variety of options available to choose from. Customized printed variants of reusable bags are also widelyavailable.

What’s the difference between a reusable shopping bag and a produce bag?

Reusable shopping bags are primarily used for carrying pre-packaged products. These may include clothes, appliances, cosmetics and more. Since shopping items can often vary in size, these bags often feature two handles.

On the other hand, reusable produce bags are specially made for natural produce. Produce bags are made with unpackaged goods in mind. This may include fruits, vegetables, flour, dry fruits, and bakery items. While produce bags come in a variety of materials and sizes, they are often made to be food-safe. Some reusable bags can carry everything from personal necessities to natural produce.

What are the Standard Sizes?

Reusable produce bags come in different sizes to cater to diverse demands. Depending on your needs, you can go for sizes ranging from extra small to extra-large.

Here’s a rundown of some standard-sized reusable bags and their respective uses:

10 Best Reusable Bags that are Ideal to Buy in Bulk

PET/Polyester Mesh Produce Bag

Cotton Mesh Produce Bags

Cotton Mesh Splicing Bag

Cotton Mesh Stitched Label Bag

Cotton Mesh with Customized Pattern

Muslin Cotton Bag Bread Bag

Linen Bag

Round Bottom Drawstring Bag

Washable Shopping Mesh Bag

Stylish Mesh Bags

How to Choose the Right Reusable Produce Bag?

With so many options available in the market, choosing the right one is a challenge. Read on to explore each important element and find the best reusable produce bag for your needs.

Material

Polyester Mesh

Polyester mesh bags consist of a synthetic material known as PET. PET is reheated and recycled to create a polyester mesh. This material is completely food-safe with a low carbon footprint.

Cotton/Muslin

The cotton or muslin bag is created with organic or non-organic cotton with little to no plastic. Unlike the mesh produce bags, these are sturdier and provide better coverage. This also elevates moisture retention ideal for some food items such as bread, dry fruits, etc.

However, you should be careful because all cotton bags are not created equal! There are two types of cotton that these bags can be made from:

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton thrives without the use of harmful pesticides. The materials are completely eco-friendly during and after use. You can easily compost this material without any harmful impact on the environment. A GOTS certified organic cotton is more welcomed but they cost higher prices.

Non-organic Cotton

For  non-organic cotton,Some are 100% pure cotton without toxic,but some are not.For those non-organic cotton,they sometimes are called the “dirtiest crop.” And they are cultivated on pesticide-laden farms. Many of these pesticides contain dangerous carcinogens that are highly toxic to humans. Once discarded into the land, the toxins contained in the cotton pollute the ground.

Cotton Mesh

Cotton mesh bags are made out of a weaved mesh cotton fiber that provides more airflow. The small holes allow your produce to remain fresh without the risk of mold-mildew. Much like cotton or muslin bags, these bags contain little to no plastic.

Linen

Linen is a product made from flax. This is another natural, high-quality material for produce bags. The material is heavier and sturdier than cotton but it’s also more expensive.

Weave for Mesh

If you’re going for a mesh produce bag, the size of the weave is also an important element to consider. Here are two standard weave sizes and what they can be used for:

Small Weave

This type of weave makes a more secure mesh but it also reduces the airflow. This might be more useful for smaller food items that may fall through a bigger mesh. You can also use this to carry other items of everyday use.

Large Weave

A mesh with larger weaves makes it possible for more air to enter the bag, keeping produce fresh. This kind of weave may be more suitable for larger produce as it won’t fall through the holes.

Weight

Weight determines the longevity and applications of your produce bag. You must carefully consider what kind of weight the bag should be able to carry. Think about whether you want a more heavy-duty bag or a more casual, lightweight one.

Closure of the drawstrings

It can be useful to think about what material the drawstring closures are made of. Aiming to achieve your no-plastic goals? A zero-plastic metal closure or no-end closure might be the best option. If you don’t have a problem with a bit of plastic in the bag, a plastic closure can be a cheaper choice.

Tare Weight

The tare weight is the weight of the empty bag on its own. This weight is often mentioned on a label that is attached to most reusable produce bags. This weight is important as it factors into the measurement when you weigh your produce. You don’t want to pay for more than you’re getting, after all. If you’re on a budget, make sure to check whether your bag has a tare label or not.

Packing Solutions

Many companies and individuals prefer reusable produce bags in recyclable packaging. There are many types of eco-friendly packaging available including:

• Opp bag
• Paper ring
• Brown box
• Color box
• Label card
• Zipper bag
• Paper bag
• All any customized design to make your own packing

How to wash the reusable produce bags?

Does your reusable produce bag need a breath of fresh air? You’re in luck because cleaning and washing these bags is a piece of cake. Follow the simple steps below to restore your reusable produce bag in no time.(more details in How To Wash A Canvas Bag? 10 Tips From Canvas Tote Bag Manufacturers)

Step 1: Prepare the Bag

The first step is to prepare the bag by removing any cardboard inserts and metal parts. You can clean these additional elements separately with a disinfecting spray cleaner. Also, pay attention to the grime and build-up that may have collected at the seams.

Step 2: Read the Label

Step 3: Wash it in ColdWater

Hand wash or machine wash your bag in Cold water with your usual detergent. Using hot water can kill harmful bacteria from the bag but it will be more likely to damage the shape of the bag.

Step 4: Air Dry the Bag and Enjoy!

Congratulations! You have a completely clean and good as new bag to enjoy. Don’t forget to completely air dry your reusable bag before you take it to the grocery store.

Where to buy reusable produce bags in bulk?

Many manufacturers offer reusable produce bags in bulk – have you found the right one? You may have looked far and wide on e-commerce websites like Amazon and eBay to no avail. There’s no denying that finding reliable sellers can be tricky. It can be even harder to find a one-stop solution to all your reusable bag needs. Especially if you want to do custom produce  bags in bulk orders,then you must  find a manufacturer and wholesale to meet your needs.

You can find them from google, alibaba, Made in China ,etc. But to find the right manufacturers is key important .

 Avecobaggie is a reusable and eco-friendly bag manufacturer, offering a range of options. Their marketplace offers reusable bags in a variety of styles, sizes, and materials.

Here are some interesting things that Avecobaggie promises to deliver:

• A flexible shipping service
• Superb Customer service
• Social Responsibility and Sustainability
• Free design and Mockup
• A wide variety of fully customizable bags

What can you use your Reusable Bags for?

Do you think reusable bags are only for carrying fruits, vegetables, and produce? Think again! When it comes to these highly multipurpose bags, the possibilities are endless.

Here’s how you can incorporate reusable produce bags into your everyday life:

• Use them as a lunch bag
• Carry bread and other bakery items in them.
• Utilize them for travel to store toiletries, makeup, and other necessities.
• Take them on picnics to store food items.
• Store delicate crockery to protect it from damage and dust.

How to Make your own DIY Produce Bags?

If you can’t find the right bag or want to save up, making a reusable bag yourself can be a highly rewarding experience. And guess what? It’s not as hard as you think! Follow the steps below to make a simple reusable produce bag:

Step 1: Collect Materials

What you need:

• One yard of lightweight fabric like organic cotton or muslin
• A cording
• Coordinating thread
• Ruler and scissors
• Sewing machine
• Straight pins and safety pins

Step 2: Prepare your Fabric

Wash and dry your fabric to prepare it for cutting. Once dried, fold your fabric widthwise twice and cut along the second fold you made. This will give you two pieces of folded fabric. Fold them both again and cut along that fold for each. This should give you four pieces of folder fabric.

Step 3: Sewing the Bag

Just sew a line down the length of the fabric, keeping one side as the opening. Iron the folds down for crisp edges. Then press your seams open, fold the opening to about 1.5 inches and iron it. Once you have done this, you can add a buttonhole to insert a button. Finally, flip the bag inside out in order to sew the edges close.

Step 4: Adding the drawstring

Take your cord and insert it into the buttonhole with a safety pin attached to its end. Push the string along the top of your bag and pull it through the buttonhole.

Step 6: Attach a safety pin to the end of your paracord and insert it into the buttonhole. Push it through the hollow seams, all the way around the top of your bag until it reaches the other side.

Step 5: Knot the Drawstring and Enjoy!

Simply knot the drawstring to complete the bag. you can tie your string to secure the bag and open it to add your produce inside.

Summary

The environmental devastation caused by plastic is undeniable. Reaching for a reusable produce bag instead of a plastic one can have a far-reaching impact. We hope this comprehensive guide will inspire you to choose better.

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