Mesh produce bags ought to be part of the storage solutions in every home. They are affordable, convenient, and reusable, and, as they are also durable, you can easily use the same bags for several years. That will save you the expense you would otherwise incur in buying new storage containers every so often.

Another benefit of using mesh produce bags is that they help reduce your reliance on plastic. By now, you’ve probably got the memo on the massive harm that plastic bags can collectively unleash on the environment and the wildlife. That being the case, it doesn’t make much sense to go on using them.

These bags are also easily washable. Did you spill some of your shopping in the bag? That is okay, it is nothing to worry about. While some stains may be more difficult than others to remove, the bag itself will survive the experience. Rinse and scrub, or toss it into the washing machine. Dry naturally in the shade, and the mesh produce bag will be ready for reuse.

So, have you decided to get mesh produce bags then? Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when you go shopping for them.

Check if the mesh produce bags are made from organic cotton

In keeping up with your environmental awareness, you need to get bags that are made from organic cotton and which do not contain any harmful chemicals. Check if they have been certified as 100% organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) organization. All the products endorsed by the GOTS are organic through and through and, moreover, made from raw materials that are harvested and manufactured in an environmentally responsible way.

Such bags are also safe for you and your family. Along with being completely non-toxic, the bags are also breathable and allow a free flow of air. That makes them particularly suitable for storing fruits, vegetables, and other produce. These will remain fresh for a longer time in the mesh produce bags as compared to how long they will last if you store them in plastic containers.

A secret tip to increase produce life is to dampen the mesh produce bags after you fill them with vegetables and fruits, and before you put them into the refrigerator. The air inside refrigerators is usually dry and that can have a detrimental effect on fresh produce. That’s why wetting the storage bags beforehand will help the produce retain their moisture. Even very limited life items like berries, leafy vegetables, and herbs will last you longer if you store them in this manner.

Get the mesh produce bags in different sizes

Mesh or reusable produce bags are available in various sizes, and it is a good idea to stock up on as many of these as you can afford. That way, you will always have the right bag on hand for the right purpose. For instance, you might want to store a few kilos of potatoes in one bag, while you might want a smaller one for storing the chilies and the ginger.

Along with storing produce in them, you can also use the bags for shopping. A useful and time-saving tip in this regard is to take along different sized mesh produce bags and fill them each with different produce. Then, when you get home, you don’t have to spend an hour or two with unpacking and putting everything away. You can just wet the bags and place them as they are into the refrigerator.

As a growing number of people become aware of the necessity of making environmentally safe practices part of their daily lives, they are reducing their plastic usage and turning more to mesh produce bags and other cotton and canvas bags. The thing is that most of us live busy lives and, while we can’t exactly ignore environmental concerns, we can’t always go out of our way either to do all the things we would like to do to help.

However, we can and should make small but meaningful changes in our lives that are likely to matter and make a difference in the long run. Buying and using mesh produce bags is one such step.