A few years ago, I decided to make some reusable produce bags for my trips to the grocery store or farmer’s market. They were perfect for smaller items, but I needed something bigger and simple to create. So, I started making T-shirt bags, which are versatile enough for grocery shopping, beach outings, or any other activity.
Reusable grocery bags have become really popular recently, especially now that fewer states and stores are using single-use plastic bags. Although grocery tote bags are environmentally friendly, many aren’t machine washable. In a study from 2011, a whopping 97% of people admitted they don’t wash their grocery bags, which poses food safety risks. The same study found that half of the bags tested contained bacteria, including E. coli. Another study in 2013 observed a significant increase in emergency room visits due to E. coli infections following plastic bag bans in Los Angeles. E. coli-related deaths also rose by 46% over a three-month period.
The key takeaway? It’s important to wash your shopping bags. However, most reusable bags are made from polypropylene plastic, which, when washed, can contribute to water pollution. Even though these bags help reduce landfill waste, they still contain plastic. Collapsible cooler bags and insulated totes for cold foods often have plastic liners, but at least they can be sanitized with a spray and cloth.
So, what can a shopper do to stay health-conscious? Consider using cotton tote bags, which are made from natural fibers and sometimes come in sturdy designs that stand on their own. While these bags can be a bit bulky to store, you can easily make your own from an old T-shirt. You probably have one lying in your closet, or you can find some with cute designs at a local thrift store. With a large T-shirt, you can make a spacious tote, or choose a smaller shirt for a compact bag.
The T-shirt bag design is simple. You can make it with or without sewing by cutting off the arms and neck and closing the bottom. If you have a sewing machine, stitching the bottom is quick and easy. Alternatively, you can use a drawstring or tie the bottom closed. This type of bag naturally has long handles, and trimming more from the neck makes them longer. Align the armholes so the T-shirt seams are centered for a tidier look, although you can skip this step if you want to highlight a design on the front.
Here’s how to make a drawstring bottom bag. Have you ever turned old clothes into something new? Feel free to share your experiences!
