The Reusable Bag Debate

Image: Apartment Therapy

According to a study conducted by the Environment and Plastics Industry Council (EPIC) in Canada, there are health risks with using reusable bags. Cathy Cirko, the Vice President of EPIC, stated that “reusables are a breeding ground for bacteria and pose public health risks – food poisoning, skin infections such as bacterial boils, allergic reactions, triggering of asthma attacks, and ear infections.”

Naturally, reusable-bag-lovers have dismissed the study as the plastics industry’s attempt to slow the growing movement towards plastic reduction. That may be true, but consumers should rather take the news as a reminder that a little dose of common sense goes a long way. There are a few things that can be done to ensure that reusable bags do not backfire as an environment friendly option while posing health risks. For multipurpose uses, separate bags should be used to carry different items, such as grocery and gym equipment. Even for grocery, meat, dairy products, and vegetables should be carried in separate bags. In the case that bags are carrying food, the they can and should be washed regularly and carefully.

Many reusable bags are washable; although the ones made from recycled bottles can be cleaned, bags made of organic or recycled cotton may be easier since they can be thrown in with the rest of laundry and dried in a conventional washer (or line dried to save energy).

Click here to view EPIC’s study

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