Which are the best reusable produce bags at the moment?
How to choose these reusable bags, and how we are helping our planet by doing so?
What is the difference between eco produce bags and regular veggie bags?
How to make reusable produce bags?
Continue reading to find the answers!
Best Reusable Produce Bags 2020
Here they are – some of the best reusable produce bags in 2020.
Scroll down to read about each reusable grocery bag set.
For all the options, latest price and user reviews check them out on Amazon – just click on the image of the bag!
NAME | IMAGE | SIZE | MATERIAL | PRICE ON AMAZON |
---|---|---|---|---|
Simple Ecology *** | XS, S, M, L, XL | Cotton | Check the price! | |
Organic Cotton Mart | S, M, L, XL | Cotton | Check the price! | |
Earthwise | M | Polyester | Check the price! | |
Earth Junky *** | S, M, L | Cotton | Check the price! | |
Ecowaare | S, M, L | Polyester | Check the price! | |
Purifyou | S, M, L | Polyester | Check the price! | |
All Cotton and Linen | M, L, XL | Cotton | Check the price! | |
Naturally Sensible | M | Nylon | Check the price! | |
*** – our favorites |
Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution is a major problem around the world.
With 400 million tons of plastic produced every year, about 50% of which is for single-use purposes, we will soon be drowning in plastic.
So much plastic is single-use. Including plastic grocery bags and plastic shopping bags. They are used for just a few moments, but they stay on the planet for at least several hundred years.
What can we do to save our planet?
Let’s start with the little things.
By ditching plastic bottles and straws.
And by using our own reusable shopping bags and produce bags.
If you and your family and friends would start ditching single use plastic, it would help our planet a lot.
Why Use Reusable Produce Bags?
Plastic bags are one of the main pollutants.
They don’t biodegrade, they just photo-degrade (break down into smaller and smaller plastic bits), killing many marine creatures and birds who ingest these little plastic bits.
These little plastic bits also contaminate the soil and water, and are later ingested by animals.
Reusable produce bags and shopping bags are the best alternative to single-use plastic bags.
Plastic bags are used only for a short moment.
To transport groceries from the store to your home.
After this most plastic bags are thrown out.
Yes, you can use them again, but they are not the most durable bags.
After two or three uses you dispose of them.
Many shops now offer paper bags. It’s an alternative to plastic bags, but, let’s admit, not the best one. While they are are biodegradable and recyclable produce bags, they are not entirely environmentally friendly. And they are not durable at all. If plastic bags are moisture resistant, paper bags are not. If something spills, then the paper bag will get wet and fall apart.
The most durable and the sustainable alternative is a reusable produce bag.
It’s a bag which is made of durable and washable materials.
Each such produce bag has the the potential to eliminate up to hundreds of plastic bags over its lifetime.
How to Choose Reusable Produce Bags?
Before buying a set of just any zero waste produce bags, consider these things:
1. Material of Reusable Produce Bags
Most common materials used in making produce bags:
- Cotton fabric;
- Cotton mesh;
- Muslin;
- Linen;
- Polyester;
- Nylon.
While cotton and muslin are the most eco-friendly materials, polyester is cheaper.
Thus polyester produce bags are cheaper than cotton produce bags.
You can argue that polyester produce bags are not entirely ecological, since polyester is made of plastics and thus is not biodegradable. But cotton also pose some threats to the environment as it could be produced using pesticides and other harmful substances. Also a lot of water is necessary to produce cotton material.
When buying cotton produce bags, pay attention to where it comes from.
If the cotton is organic and is made without the use of harmful chemicals.
Yes, eco produce bags are usually more expensive.
But that’s not without a reason.
Because their manufacturing costs are way higher as well.
What is GOTS
The best reusable produce bags are made of GOTS certified material.
If you have already looked for new produce bags online, you may have noticed this.
But what exactly is GOTS?
GOTS stands for “Global Organic Textile Standard”.
This means that GOTS certified fabric is of at least 95% organic in origin and is made without the use of toxic chemicals (formaldehyde, heavy metals, unsafe dyes etc). Also the workers must be provided with a safe working conditions and fair wages. No child labor is allowed.
2. Size of the Reusable Produce Bags
Best reusable bags for groceries are sold in sets.
If you are new to reusable produce bags, go for a mix-size set.
And then after using the bags for a while you’ll decide what bags you use more — the large ones or the smaller ones.
3. Other Uses of Reusable Produce Bags
Reusable produce bags aren’t just for storing fruits, veggies, grains and legumes.
You can use them as storage bags, small laundry bags, toy bags, etc.
If you plan to use them to store other things (non-food items) as well, get some durable, large or extra-large produce bags.
How to Make Reusable Produce Bags
You don’t have to buy produce bags. You can make them yourself.
It’s really easy, even if you don’t have a sewing machine.
1. Choose a Washable Material
It can be cotton or a lightweight polyester mesh.
You don’t have to buy a material for your reusable produce bags.
Just take an old T-shirt or other lightweight fabric you have at your home.
Why lightweight?
Because your produce will be weighted in this bag.
So the bags won’t contribute much to the weight of the produce.
2. Find a String
Then you have to find a string that you will use to close the bag.
You can purchase a cord, or just use a shoelace.
If you wish you can put a cord lock on the bag for added security.
3. Make a Reusable Produce Bag
Cut the rectangle out of the fabric.
Fold the fabric in half. Sew both sides of the bag.
Fold the top edge. Sew the channel all the way around.
Keep an opening at both sides.
Cut the cord and insert it in the channel.
You can make a double-cord closure for extra safety.
Check out this reusable produce bags DIY tutorial:
Easy, isn’t it?
Best Reusable Produce Bags: Reviews
1. Simple Ecology Reusable Cotton Produce Bag Set Review
Simple Ecology offers reusable & food-safe produce bags of exceptional quality.
These produce bags are made of Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) certified organic cotton muslin fabric.
This fabric is durable and washable. And most importantly, fruits and veggies will stay fresh longer than in plastic bags thanks to the fabric’s breathable properties.
The Simple Ecology produce bags feature a tare weight tag and are secured with a drawstring.
The bags come in 5 sizes, packaged in sets of 3 or 6 bags.
Dimensions:
- X-Small — 9” x 6” (23 x 15.2 cm);
- Small — 10” x 8” (25.4 x 20.3 cm);
- Medium — 12” x 10” (30.5 x 25.4 cm);
- Large — 15” x 12” (38.1 x 30.5);
- X-Large — 18” x 14” (45.7 x 35.6 cm).
2. Organic Cotton Mart Reusable Produce Bag Set Review
Eco-friendly, 100% organic and one of the best reusable produce bags on the market.
These produce bags are made of high quality organic cotton knit fabric with a certification for Ecology and Social Responsibility from Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS).
The Organic Cotton Mart mesh bags feature drawstring closure and reinforced double stitching on all sides.
Thanks to the breathable mesh material, fruits and vegetables will stay fresh.
The Organic Cotton Mart mesh produce bags come in sets of different sizes.
Sets of 3, 6 and 8 bags are available.
Dimensions:
- Small — 10” x 8” (25.4 x 20.3 cm);
- Medium — 12” x 10” (30.5 x 25.4 cm);
- Large — 15” x 12” (38 x 30.5 cm);
- X-Large — 18” x 14” (45.7 x 35.6 cm).
3. Earthwise Reusable Mesh Produce Bag Set Review
The Earthwise reusable mesh produce bags are durable, easy to clean and easy to use.
They are machine washable, BPA-FREE and food contact safe.
Thanks to the durable fabric (fine polyester), each mesh produce bag can eliminate up to 1000 plastic bags over its lifetime.
Transparent mesh makes it easy to see what’s inside each bag.
Barcodes will easily scan right through.
No need to take out your veggies and fruits — you can wash them with the bag.
Let the veggies and fruits air dry and then put them into the fridge.
Earthwise mesh bags for produce are extremely lightweight — each bag weighs less than 1/3 of an ounce (9.5 grams).
This is a super-value set containing 9 produce mesh bags.
Dimensions: 13.5” x 11” (34.3 x 28 cm).
4. Earth Junky Cotton Mesh Produce Bag Set Review
High-end reusable produce bags that are way more durable than the flimsy plastic bags.
These produce bags are made of organic cotton, without the use of harmful chemicals.
The Earth Junky produce bags are food-safe and easy to clean.
Just wash them in your washing machine. They get softer with every wash.
The mesh produce bags feature tare weight and drawstring closure (with a cord stopper).
The Earth Junky produce bags come in sets of 6. There are mesh and muslin bag sets.
Each set comes with a swaddle sheet that will keep your leafy greens fresh and crisp.
Thanks to this swaddle sheet, your greens will stay fresh longer than using other storage methods.
Wash your greens. Then loosely swaddle the damp greens in the swaddle sheet.
This will prevent them from wilting in your refrigerator.
Dimensions:
- S — 10” x 8” (25.4 x 20.3 cm);
- M — 12” x 10” (30.5 x 25.4 cm);
- L — 15” x 12” (38.1 x 30.5);
- Swaddle sheet — 30” x 30” (76.2 x 76.2 cm).
5. Ecowaare Reusable Mesh Produce Bag Set Review
Ecowaare offers reusable & inexpensive produce bags of various sizes.
Made of ultra fine yet strong polyester fabric, the Ecowaare produce bags are super lightweight.
They won’t add weight to your produce.
The material of produce bags is food-safe and BPA free.
You can choose between transparent (mesh) and white bags.
The Ecowaare bags come in sets.
You can choose between a set of small, medium or large bags, or just get a set of different-sized bags.
Each bag is secured with a cord stopper, ensuring that your groceries won’t fall out of the bag.
These produce bags are color coded — yellow is small, green is medium, and red is large.
So it’s very easy to identify the size thanks to the color tabs.
Unfortunately, these bags are not the best option when it comes to storing veggies and fruits in the fridge. Your produce could wilt quite quickly. These bags are great for just transport, but not storage.
Dimensions:
- Small — 12” x 8” (30.5 x 20.3 cm);
- Medium — 14” x 12” (35.6 x 30.5 cm);
- Large — 17” x 12” (43.2 x 30.5 cm).
6. Purifyou Reusable Mesh Produce Bag Set Review
Inexpensive & durable mesh produce bags which can be used again and again.
Made of strong polyester mesh, the mesh bags are BPA, lead and mercury free.
They are produced with the highest standards of quality, and without the use of harmful manufacturing chemicals.
The Purifyou bags are durable and can hold up to 16 pounds (7.3 kg)! They are see-through and can be kept in the fridge.
Thanks to the breathable fabric, the produce will stay fresh.
The mesh bags are machine washable and feature tare weight tags.
Each bag is secured with a cord stopper, ensuring that your groceries won’t fall out of the bag.
Purifyou bags come in sets. You can choose a set of different-sized bags, or a set of large bags.
Dimensions:
- Small — 12” x 8” (30.5 x 20.3 cm);
- Medium — 14” x 12” (35.6 x 30.5 cm);
- Large — 17” x 12” (43.2 x 30.5 cm).
7. All Cotton and Linen Reusable Cotton Mesh Produce Bag Set Review
High-quality mesh cotton produce bags.
The bags are made without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides.
Neatly double stitched and clean looking, these cotton mesh bags are perfect for farmers market and supermarket produce.
Just like other mesh produce bags, the All Cotton and Linen bags are is the best alternative to single-use plastic bags.
Thanks to the breathable mesh material, fruits and vegetables will stay fresh in your fridge.
The produce bags feature drawstring closure.
Each bag has a tag with a tare weight.
The All Cotton and Linen mesh produce bags come in sets of different sizes. Sets of 6 and 9 bags are available.
These are among the best reusable produce bags on the market.
Dimensions:
- Medium — 12” x 10” (30.5 x 25.4 cm);
- Large — 15” x 12” (38.1 x 30.5);
- X-Large — 18” x 14” (45.7 x 35.6 cm).
8. Naturally Sensible Reusable Produce Bag Set Review
Washable and reusable produce bags that are made to last.
These lightweight reusable produce bags are made of strong & durable nylon mesh.
They will hold together under all normal conditions.
The produce bags feature lock & drawstring closure and colored cotton fabric hem.
Each bag has a tag with a tare weight.
The Naturally Sensible produce bags come in sets. There are 5 large mesh bags in each set.
Dimensions: 14” x 12” (35.6 x 30.5 cm).
Do you use reusable produce bags at the grocery store? What are your favorites?
Junyuan BagsTen articles before and after
Best Travel Jewelry Cases of 2020 – Junyuan Bags
Best Sling Bags: Top Sling Bags 2021 – Junyuan Bags
Best Sling Bag for Women 2021: Reviews – Junyuan Bags
Best Sling Bag for Men 2021: Reviews – Junyuan Bags
Best Sling Laptop Bag 2021: Reviews – Junyuan Bags
Best Osprey Backpack for Every Occasion – Junyuan Bags
Best Travel Purse 2020: Reviews and Buying Guide – Junyuan Bags
Best Packable Daypacks: Reviews and Comparison – Junyuan Bags
Best Cheap Backpacks: Reviews and Comparison – Junyuan Bags