Pros and Cons of Reusable Grocery Bags

With so many environmental issues plaguing the planet, the least we can do is make an effort to contribute our bit to making the world a better place to live in. Amidst all these environmental issues is the use of plastic and paper grocery bags to carry your groceries home. While we all know the repercussions of using plastic bags on the environment, you ought to know that using paper bags also doesn't cause any less damage. The number of trees that go into making a paper bag, and the amount of water involved to produce just one paper bag is simply unimaginable. Do you think you are causing lesser harm to the environment by using paper bags then? An alternative to both these varieties are now what are known as reusable grocery bags. However, these too have their pros and cons.

What are Reusable Grocery Bags Made Of?

Reusable grocery or shopping bags are made of material that allow the bag to be reused. These materials may include heavy duty plastic, canvas, or synthetic fibers. Some bags are also made from recycled materials, that just make them friendlier to the environment than others.

Advantages

The reason these are preferred is for the simple fact that they can be used over and over again, thereby causing lesser harm to the environment, because you are engaging in a kind of recycling. Further, their production process too causes lesser damage to the environment than that caused by the production of plastic or paper bags. The fact that this bag is reusable is perhaps its only advantage. There are several disadvantages however, that need to be considered before understanding how safe this bag is for your use. Let's take a look.

Disadvantages

Recent studies and media reports have shown that even 'environment-friendly' reusable grocery bags may pose a grave risk not only to the environment, but also human health in the long run. There are two major concerns regarding the use of these bags.

• Presence of Lead: A recent study has shown that reusable grocery bags contain lead, a potentially hazardous toxin to the environment. This has been discovered in the bags that are made in China. Also, bags that have prints on them are known to have larger amounts of lead than the unprinted variety. Upon discarding these bags, it is expected that the lead will seep into ground water and pose as a great risk to the environment. Another concern is that this paint that contains lead may begin to flake, and affect the food that is carried in these reusable grocery bags. If such food is consumed it is likely to cause lead poisoning and affect human health.
• Presence of Bacteria: A common trend with these grocery bags is that people reuse them without washing them. Obviously, this is going to lead to the development of harmful bacteria and other microorganisms in the bag. Studies reveal that such bags are 'hubs' for the growth of a dangerous bacteria known as 'coliform'. However, there is a solution to dealing with this problem; washing the bags regularly.

While the second disadvantage can be dealt with, the first one is a cause for concern indeed. Studies and research is still being conducted into the amounts of lead in these bags, and how the potential harm these bags can cause can be curbed.

After looking at the pros and cons of reusable grocery bags, the conclusion that can be reached is to simply use bags made of recycled material, and preferably in plain colors. As it has been found that the bags with paint and illustrations have higher amounts of lead, avoid using such bags to save yourself and the environment from any harm. Also remember to wash these bags regularly, and avoid carrying any items apart from groceries in these bags for safety. By following these measures, these grocery bags can be used safely, and its cons can be overcome.