I recently read an article titled: Momma's Got a Brand New Bag (That's Full of Lead) The article stated that disturbing information is beginning to emerge about dangers from the reusable grocery bags. They credited a report in the Tampa Tribune, that said that many of the reusable grocery bags, (most of which are imported from China), may contain excessive levels of lead. Excessive exposure to lead may cause neurological damage in children and infertility among adults.
The article then went on to say that heavy metals aren’t the only thing weighing down your bags: "There’s a good chance that they’re full of dangerous bacteria as well: A study out of the University of Arizona shows that your shopping bag is probably loaded with bacteria including E. Coli. 97 percent of grocery shoppers told researchers that they never wash or bleach their reusable bags, nor do they worry about germs. According to the study, they should. Unwashed reusable bags, it says, are E. Coli magnets and breeding farms. … The study looked at grocery bags in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Tucson, and found that half of them contain the deadly bacteria. Think about it: Lead and bacteria are rubbing up against your fresh fruits and veggies (and books, and clothes, and whatever else your reusable bags hold)".
So what's a green girl to do?
- Be an informed consumer: Know where your products are made and what they are made from.
- Use bags that can be re-used and washed. From the multiple hands touching groceries and placing products into your bags to the juices and byproducts of your groceries in your bag, you and your bags are germ targets. Wash your bags!
- Support your neighbors: buy US made. While the article didn't cover Fair Trade practices, you can help take a stand to support US made products.
Got a Sea Bag? machine wash with detergent and/or bleach and hang to dry.
