The Truth about Green Bags

With the announcement of the big supermarkets going plastic free (which is a great step forward), we thought it might be a good time to present some facts about the main alternatives they’ll be pushing, why it’s a good idea to avoid them, and our suggestions for what else you can use!

1. The “Green” Bags

How many of you have some supermarket green bags sitting in your boot (or cupboard, or even bin) that never really get used? How many of you have multiples of them? 

We’re often encouraged by the supermarkets to purchase them as an “eco-friendly” option, and no doubt we’ve all succumbed to this at some point. But it’s time to stop and learn the facts…

These ‘green’ bags are made of polypropylene (a petroleum derived plastic), and actually take more energy and material to produce than a single-use plastic bag. One study found if you only use the bag once per week for a year (52 times), then it’s negative impact on the environment is actually greater than that of a single-use bag.

To make it worthwhile, each ‘green bag’ needs to be used at least 104 times! 

On a positive note, these bags CAN be recycled – so their toxic ingredients will still be circulating but at least they can be transformed into other products. BUT this requires a commitment to return them to a bag recycling bin at a supermarket, so please do this and never discard them in the trash.

2. The 15c ‘Durable Bags’

Plastic bags will still be available under the current plans, but they will be a heavy duty LDPE plastic (still petroleum derived) and will cost 15c each. These have the same negative environmental impact as regular singe-use plastic bags, and in themselves offer no benefit except to hopefully deter people from using them due to the added cost.

(Photo credit: Troy Mayne via Greenpeace)

WHAT ARE THE OTHER OPTIONS?

• Paper Bags: use considerably less resources to produce and are fully biodegradable and recyclable at the end of their life, BUT they are still single use (unless you’re super crafty!).
• Calico Bags: particularly if made from sustainably and organically grown cotton, are a great natural option, however do they use a lot of water to produce (as does all our cotton clothing mind you).
• Boomerang Bags: these are handmade from donated and recycled materials, with the idea that you grab one if you’ve forgotten your own bag and return it next time you’re in for the next person to use!
• Boxes: Since there’s plenty of boxes coming through our delivery doors daily, it’s great to see these re-used, and then recycled. If your local doesn’t offer this already please encourage them to do so!
• Baskets – we’ve got some beautiful ones available in store which are handmade from natural materials and easily biodegrade at the end of their life.
• Biodegradable Plastic bags are one option but there has been little research done on them, so the jury is out as to just how ‘biodegradable’ they are

WHAT ABOUT PRODUCE BAGS?

One thing I find interesting to observe, is how many people have taken a commitment to using a recycled carry bag, but still place individual fruit and vegetables inside plastic produce bags…

Yes some fruit and vegetables do last longer in plastic, but there are other options! 

And I promise, it really is ok to take all you items loose to the checkout counter, the checkout staff wont mind!

Or if your concerned about them touching conveyor belts or benches or people mitts, then just give them a wash when you get them home (chances are they’ve been fondled a few times already since they left the farm)…

OTHER OPTIONS?

• Reusable cotton or mesh produce bags: luckily there’s plenty coming out on the market now so plenty of choice!
• Paper bags: you could even take a handful of your own if your local doesn’t offer them
• Nothing at all: just let them be free in your basket or box!

We hope this information has encouraged you to commit to helping the environment and playing your own part in the reduce re-use recycle circle. Whilst it’s great to see supermarkets taking steps in the right direction, it ultimately comes down to us, the consumers, to make that little bit more effort to do the right thing.

Perhaps this is all information and suggestions you’re well and truly on top of, but you might know someone who could benefit from the ideas? If so please forward them a link to this article, or strike up a conversation with those around you. 

We can make a difference!

Annabel Reiter

Co-founder,

Surfcoast Wholefoods