5 Simple Reasons Why You Should Use Reusable Produce Bags

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read the full disclaimer here.

Have you ever opened the fridge to discover a foul stench emerging from the produce drawer? You search for the culprit and find a rotten zucchini or a slimy bag of carrots that you bought because it was on sale but went bad before you remembered to eat it.

If you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to save money on the grocery budget as well as being kind to Mother Earth. So here are 5 simple reasons why you NEED to use a set of reusable mesh produce bags to bring along on your next trip to the grocery store.

5 Reasons Why You Should Use Reusable Produce Bags

Reduce single-use plastic waste

“But I put my plastic bags in the recycling bin when I’m done!”

That’s great! But did you know that if there is any food residue at all on your plastic food containers, the sorters at your local recycling plant will not take the time to clean it for you? They simply sort it back into the landfill pile.

And as it sloooooowly degrades there, it releases toxic chemicals back into our food and water supply.

Recycling is good for the environment, yes. But reducing usage of single-use plastic waste in the first place is a more responsible choice for the health of yourself AND the planet.

Reduce harmful toxins and chemicals in your home

Even in that short amount of time your produce is bagged in plastic, those petroleum-based toxins can seep into your food.

Plastic bags suffocate your food, causing them to ripen and rot faster. Storing produce in open air at the right temperature and humidity levels keeps food fresher longer, retaining crispness, flavor, and nutrients!

Save money!

Since reusable produce bags help your food last longer, that means you won’t waste nearly as much on food that spoils before you can eat it.

A decent set of produce bags like the ones here from Earthwise will run you between $10-20. Compare that to the total cost of all the mushy mangoes and soggy salads you’ve thrown out over the years…

It adds up fast!

Wash your produce right in the bag

Hopefully you already wash your produce as soon as it comes home anyway. Washing your produce removes any remaining soil, which could contain harmful bacteria like E. coli to which it’s naturally exposed in the growing field.

You’re also washing away waxes and chemicals used to help preserve it in transport, as well as the germs of any number of hands that have handled it from farm-to-store.

How to wash your produce in a reusable produce bag

As soon as you get your groceries home, fill a sink bin or large bowl with some fresh water.
Immerse your produce (including the bags!) and spray with a bit of veggie wash.
Give it a soft scrub with a brush designated only for produce washing.
Rinse under the running tap.
Hang the bag to drip dry before storing produce accordingly.

Reusable produce bags are easy to wash with your laundry

After use, toss the bags into a zippered lingerie bag (so the drawstrings don’t get tangled with the clothes), and include it with your next load of delicates. Allow to air dry, then remember to pack them with your reusable grocery totes (try these that are chic, sturdy, and easy to wipe clean!) for your next trip to the store.

BONUS HACK! Although I’ve never used them this way personally, reviewers online vouch that the mesh is fine enough that they can also be used for straining homemade nut milk, sprouting grains, or easily gathering items that need to drip dry like your kids’ bath toys.

And let’s face it: you just shouldn’t lick your fingers to open that plastic bag from the roll in the store. But if old habits die hard or you just can’t help yourself, consider these reusable mesh produce bags a helpful tool to keep you and your household one step healthier.

Have you converted to using reusable produce bags yet? Tell me why and which ones you use in the comments below!

Click the images here to see the products mentioned above!