Hopefully many of you have "taken the challenge" that we suggested in the March 2010 issue of Conservation Corner and are now using reusable grocery bags as much as possible. As we reported in that article an average family uses over 550 bags each year, most of which are used only once before they become trash or litter. In a follow-up article last year we told you about cities (and even small countries) across the globe that have implemented programs to eliminate or significantly discourage the use of `single-use` plastic bags in an effort to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels (from which plastic is made) and reduce pollution of our environment. But perhaps you also have run into reports in the news that using reusable bags may be hazardous to your health. Concerns have been raised in the media about lead levels and bacterial contamination. Neither of these sound like a good thing, but, (surprise-surprise!), the news headlines may have sensationalized the health concerns a bit and perhaps caused some people to stop using reusable bags. Here are some things to keep in mind if you are concerned:
* Lead - the low, but higher than allowable for packaging, lead levels were found only in some reusable bags. They were typically cheaper bags with plastic liners made from #5 plastic. This concern can be easily addressed by using fabric bags without any plastic.
* Bacterial Contamination - bacteria are everywhere in our environment but most are not harmful to our health. The safest way to address this concern is to use disposable plastic bags for meat, fish and poultry products. Reusable bags are fine for most everything else. And, if in doubt, simply wash your bags.
* And remember, when you read something that suggests that reusable bags are a problem, it might be a good idea to see who is saying it. The American Chemistry Council is a trade group that advocates on behalf of plastic-bag manufactures and has provided funding for a variety of research projects that reported health concerns related to reusable bags. As most or you are aware, reusable bags are available free or for purchase at most grocery stores. However, many of them are bulky, not well constructed and do not hold up well with repeated use or washing. Although there are many choices of reusable bags that you can purchase, I have been totally delighted with the ones I received as a gift 2-1/2 years ago. They are from envirosax.com, they are durable, lightweight, washable, hold up to 44 lbs each and 5 of them fit in a small little packet that fits easily in my purse or backpack. Make the investment and find out how easy it is to switch to reusable bags for good. |
