Reusable Produce Bags for Markets and Grocery Shopping

You’ve implemented reusable grocery bags into your routine, you remember them most of the time, you’re killing it, you walk out of that store making a statement that you’re making a positive difference, you’re inspiring everyone around you.

Does this sound like you? If so, you’re doing great. Ready to take the next step?

Introducing you to reusable produce bags that are durable, washable & equipped with a drawstring for easy closure and opening. WHAT?! They’re SO nice. LYM carries mesh and solid muslin cloth bags of different sizes.

Why am I talking about them? Not once have I been in a grocery store and noticed another person using them. I have noticed people staring at me while I use mine. Not necessarily in a judgmental way, but definitely checking the scene, taking an extra peek at the ones in the cart, in my hand, watching me stuff them to the brim. About 80% of my grocery haul comes from this department so I spend a lot of time there.

So instead of continuously getting frustrated that nobody around me was making the effort, I decided to take a different path of sharing about them. Sharing their purpose, why they’re so great and how you can get them (the answer to the last one is here at LYM). Maybe the reason I don’t see anyone else using them is because they don’t know about them? So here we are.

I pretty much explained the details of the bags a few paragraphs up so I’ll spare you from repeating myself. I’ve also attached a photo of them in use so I’ll spare you my explanation how to put your celery into a bag. What I will do is share some tips I’ve found helpful while utilizing my bags while shopping at local markets when in season and the grocery store.

TIPS FOR B.Y.O. BAG:

1. Keep them in your car so you always have them handy. When they’re emptied whether that’s when you unpack your groceries or when you need to use it, take the bag to your door and use the drawstring to hang it on the knob so you won’t forget to take it back out to your car. I store all of my reusable grocery bags and produce bags in one big bag in my backseat.

2. Put items that need to be weighed rather than priced per item by themselves (of like produce that is, each cucumber or zucchini does not need to be in it’s own bag). This is so the cashier won’t have to take all your produce out of the bag, weigh it separately and then put it back in.

3. Put items that are priced per item together in a mesh bag so it’s easy for you and the cashier to see what’s inside. This will help you fill one bag up so you can save space (rather than having 20 bags) and just like above, avoid extra handling of your goods. It’s also more efficient.

4. If you have produce that won’t easily wilt in the fridge without being covered and you’re not ready to wash/prep/use yet, just make sure the drawstring is tight and store it in the bag in the fridge.

5. Wash in the machine and hang to air dry. This will help maintain quality and keep them lasting longer. It will also prevent minor shrinking in the dryer (if you don’t adjust the settings, which I don't so I’m not calling you out).

6. There is a tare on the bag and it’s usually less than an ounce. A tare is the weight of the bag and it should be subtracted from the total weight of produce to avoid paying extra. While it’s usually half of an ounce or something light, it does add up over-time. As a customer, you should feel free to tell the cashier this. Some stores that have bulk bins on the regular are used to this and know to look for the tag or ask you the tare. They also know how to adjust easily on their screen. Some will have no idea what you’re talking about because they don’t work at stores with other bulk goods and are used to people just using plastic bags.

7. Don’t be afraid to speak up. If you’re at a market and farmers have loose produce, tell them you have your own bags before they bag it themselves. Ask if you can use your own for loose greens. With our current season of life, things do vary with the use of your own things in public settings but it never hurts to ask. Yes, sometimes it can get awkward because people aren’t used to seeing them or know what they are but a quick explanation can change that and inspire others.

8. They’re good for things besides produce. Take them over to bulk bins for nuts and grains. Store loose craft supplies. I use mine for travel because they can hold anything small and random I need to bag up, help me store food and help me eliminate plastic when shopping.

Step up that grocery game by getting your own reusable bags!