Produce bags

January 5, 2008 in 2012, Food & Drink, House
Tags: plastic free, produce bag, reusable, Shopping bag

Updated and new products added on 25/5/2012

Produce bags are reusable bags that (as the name suggests), you put your loose produce in. It means you don’t have to use those nasty flimsy plastic bags they dish out in shops these days.I have been using mine for a while now in supermarkets and local shops for anything from green beans to bread.

There are two kinds of bag available on the market – cotton and polyester mesh. I prefer the cotton as they are biodegradable but I have not as yet sourced a dependable UK supplier so have to buy them from America. The mesh bags can be got in the UK. They have the advantage of being see through.

Cotton Bags 

My favourite produce bags are cotton from  eco bags. They supply unbleached cotton bags made in India using fair wage fair trade. These bags are really handy not just for produce but shoes, knitting, odd socks waiting to be reunited with their partners, gubbins and general things.

Available in Large (43cm D x 33cmW) or Medium (25cm D x 20cm W)

I have also bought cotton bags  from another American company Reusable Bags

They are made from fair trade, organic, cotton using fair wage labour; the company is reliable and the bags are reasonably priced. HOWEVER they too are an American based company which has ramifications for the UK buyer.

BUYING FROM AMERICA

Be aware import duty, customs charges and handling fees are payable on all goods purchased from America – last month I was summoned to the post office to pay £16.00 charges on a parcel worth £45.00. Do bear it in mind.
Polyester Mesh Bags ( available in the UK)

Onya Bags  www.onyabags.co.uk a Uk based company. They sell a nylon mesh produce drawstring under the name Onya Weigh. They are the lightest produce bag ever and scrunch up really small. They are sold in packs of 5  complete with their own nifty little carry bag. The whole package is the size of a peach and has a clip so you can attach it to your child, husband or bag strap. At nine pounds for 5 they are a bargain.

More recently I came across these flip & tumble Reusable Produce Bags- 5-Pack.  I have not tried them myself having more than enough produce bags but they have a good review on Amazon. Rather more expensive at 13.13 pounds for 5.

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