A new study done by the University of Arizona and Loma Linda University (California) found that 97% of people do not wash their reusable bags. Unfortunately I am one of them and really I should know better. It is kind of a no brainer I suppose, but yet I never even thought about it.
This study looked at 84 bags and more than half of them contained coliform and heterotrophic bacteria and E. coli was present in 12% of the bags. Don't worry too much though, the strains that they found aren't likely to make anyone sick.
So obviously we all need to make a point to wash our bags. Make sure you check the manufacturer's washing instructions before you wash so that you don't ruin any bags. I think at a minimum you should wash your bags once a month. My goal is going to be every other week.
Thanks for the stats! I am also guilty of not washing my reusable bags, well...that is until now! :)
ReplyDeleteWow every other week seems like a lot, for me that would be after only 2 trips to the grocery store. I do agree I need to wash mine though but maybe every 2 months. I don't put raw meat in mine so I figure nothing horrid is growing in them?
ReplyDeleteGreat post!! Thanks for the reminder that I really need to wash my reusable bags more. I think about, but then I never do it. It's on my to do list for tomorrow:)
ReplyDeleteYeah I guess twice a month seems like a lot. But in addition to going to the grocery store once a week I also use the bags at either the CSA or Farmer's market every weekend and in that case I am putting produce right in there. So I figure I better wash them a little more often. And I'll hang them out on the deck to dry.
ReplyDeleteJulie - I think about it too but never do it. So now they are waiting next o the washer and will be washed this morning. :)
My hubby saw an article about this almost a year ago...he called me totally freaked out.
ReplyDeleteI told him, "Why do you think I have TWO sets of Envirosax? I wash them all the time."
:)
That's the cool thing about those bags you use (the bagnesia ones)- you picked a washable bag so you can just throw it in the laundry with your other stuff and then hang it up to dry in a few minutes!
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