With tons of plastic building up everywhere – from the bottom of the ocean to the tips of the mountains – It is high time that we need to solve this problem to end the menace for plastic pollution. Unlike many other modern materials, plastic not only requires valuable resources for producing such as natural gas and petroleum but also pervades the environment on a huge scale due to its inability to breaking down. Plastic bags take up to one thousand years for degradation. This means breaking down into smaller and smaller pieces as plastic is not biodegradable. Despite this fact, on average, a plastic bag is used for just 12 minutes before it is thrown away, thus creating a mammoth plastic waste in waterways, streets, and landfills. Fortunately, one of the most economical and simplest ways of decreasing the consumption of plastic is by using eco-friendly canvas grocery bags. There are multiple advantages of using these bags included increased convenience, reduction of waste and much more.
Less amount of plastic waste in the environment
On a yearly basis, over 500 billion bags are used across the globe. That comes to approximate 150 plastic bags for every individual per year. Now, if you connect all these bags from end to end, it will circumnavigate the world over 4,200 times. Without any doubt, canvas grocery bags will reduce this number significantly.
Pollution, ingestion, and photodegradation
Plastic bags that do not get dumped at the landfill or make it to the recycling planta re at high risk for photodegradation (light exposure that releases toxic polymer particles), pollution (10% of all coastline debris) or ingestion (over 100,000 mammals every year). The usage of eco-friendly bags helps in reducing the amount of plastic bags that enter the environment and the possibilities thereafter.
Less use of natural resources and fossil fuels in the coming years
For producing plastic bags every year in the US, only it takes 12 million barrels of oil and that excluding disposal and transport. By investing in canvas grocery bags, you are contributing to less use of fossil fuel, saving precious water and also promoting more sustainable resource distribution.
Avoiding tax on plastic
Many cities, stores, and even countries are banning the usage of plastic bags or taxing any necessary usage of them. When switching to eco-friendly bags, you can able to avoid the extra expense when going shopping.
Less money required for cleanup
It requires 4,000 dollars for recycling one ton of plastic bags, and then a product is created that can be sold for 30 to 35 dollars. Plastic bags are convenient and cheap for using, but they are quite expensive to clean up. The taxpayer dollars and the money put towards cleanup of plastic waste can be much more beneficial elsewhere.
More comfortable and stronger
Canvas grocery bags are more durable and stronger than conventional plastic bags. They are also more comfortable to carry than HDPE bags. So, you can carry more items with less stress on your hands and body.
Show and support environmental friendliness
When making a habit of using bags made of eco-friendly material, you are showing noble support for the environment or any other cause. To make it attractive and interesting, you can purchase one with your favorite slogan or brand on it. There are various bags that are available in different bold messages, colors, and shapes.
Taking less space
Everyone has a plastic bag stashed in a cupboard or pantry. Ditch those plastic bags and have only one or two canvas bags for decluttering your room and of course, get relief from stress.
Biodegradable
Most of these bags are made of natural materials and are biodegradable. Therefore, it is wise to trade in your plastic habits that take up to 1000 years for degrading into very small pieces for something that is not only eco-friendly but at the same time, returns to nature once you are finished using.
Reducing plastic pollution
Multiple problems are associated with excess waste of plastic bags. If only one person makes a switch to these bags rather than using plastic, s/he can save 22,000 plastic bags over a lifetime. When using an eco-friendly bag, you will shop, knowing that you are responsible for doing your bit to reduce the use of plastic bags for years to come.
The use of reusable produce bags is gaining ground with every passing day. More and more people realize the significance of making the switch from plastic and paper bags to reusable fabric bags. If you are still on the fence about using reusable produce bags, consider these reasons to choose them over plastic or even paper bags.
Environment-Friendly
Reusable and mesh produce bags are made with cotton. Some companies even use organic cotton to make different kinds of reusable bags.
Unlike plastic, cotton will breakdown quickly and dissolve into the soil without harming it. Cotton bags won’t end up clogging one landfill after another. In any case, cotton bags last for many years. So, it is very unlikely that you are going to throw one away after using them just on a few occasions.
On the other hand, plastic can remain in the landfills for centuries. Plastic is already choking the earth’s oceans and other water bodies. It is harming the animals as they mistakenly consume them and it proves fatal for them.
White cotton bags are also free from toxic dyes. So, you can rest assured that no harmful chemicals seeped into the soil during the coloring process of the bag’s raw material.
Chemicals can seep into the groundwater and contaminate it. The contaminated water can harm the animals and plant life. It can also contaminate the water you will drink. It is quite possible that the toxins remain undetected for years. So, it can have an adverse effect on all living beings using it in some form or the other.
When it comes to paper bags; unless recycled material is used, making paper bags requires sacrificing the trees. Again, paper bags also offer one-time use only.
Sturdy
Face it; paper bags are just not sturdy enough to carry heavy loads. Almost everyone has faced the situation when the paper bag splits open and scatters the produce in the store’s parking lot, the car’s boot, or anywhere else for that matter!
Most plastic bags are not sturdy enough for heavy loads. If you use it to carry apples, melons, or any heavy produce, you need to hold it from the bottom and close to your chest. It is very unlikely that you can carry just about any plastic bag with a heavy load inside it by its thin handles.
But reusable bags are made with cotton. Cloth bags are sturdier than bags made with paper or plastic. If you buy superior quality fabric bags, you need not worry about your groceries spilling anywhere at all. The cloth bag will not rip open like plastic or paper bags.
Quality cloth bags can last you for a long time. You can wash them as needed and continue to use them for years down the line. The sturdiness of reusable cloth bags also translates into economic use.
Versatile
Reusable bags offer versatile use that you cannot get out of plastic or paper bags. You can use canvas or mesh produce bags to store your pantry items. You can use reusable cloth bags to store fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs inside and outside the refrigerator. You can use these bags to store various things in the kitchen and the pantry.
You can use reusable produce bags for other applications as well. You can use large and small bags around the house to store fresh laundry, used clothes, toys, and other things. You can use them to organize the clothes in your closet.
Reusable produce bags can be used to carry extra books that students need every now and then. You can carry one or more with you when you go shopping in the mall. You won’t need to pay for expensive plastic bags from the stores this way. You can even use a reusable mesh tote as a sturdy beach bag.
To Conclude
When you buy reusable produce bags, pay attention to the stitches on the handles and the sides. Ensure that the stitches are close together and strong. The handles must be a bit broad, at least. With a little scrutiny, you can buy perfectly sturdy reusable produce bags.
Babies sometimes turn fussy and cry for a prolonged period of time, leaving parents confused and about what is bothering their little ones. These bouts, termed colic, can be worrisome, especially for first-time parents. While there is no conclusive evidence as to what causes colic in babies, many point to the gas that builds in their stomach during feeding. Air makes its way into the baby’s tummy while he drinks milk and can cause uneasiness inside till burped out. Feeding bottles also can sometimes be culprits in colic. This is especially true with formula milk that is prepared or mixed within the bottle itself.
Why you need anti-colic bottles
Regular bottles tend to pass on tiny bubbles of air into your baby’s tummy as he feeds from it. This could be from the vacuum that builds up inside the bottle or the froth that gets produced when you shake the formula vigorously inside the bottle during preparation. Either way, your little one ends up gassy and more colic-prone. Anti colic bottles contain special features that prevent the excess air from getting passed on.
How anti colic bottles work
The anti colic features in a baby bottle can be incorporated in different ways. Here is a look at three common ones.
● Air vents in the nipple, teat, or bottle
Bottles with air vents are the most common kind in anti colic feeding bottles. Specially placed holes in the nipples or teats help the air the builds to vent into the bottle so that the milk being sucked out is replaced smoothly without a vacuum build-up. This way, the milk doesn’t get frothy or aerated as the little bubbles of air vent back up the side of the bottle. Some bottles are also designed with bottom air vents, which remove the air from the teat and make feeding smoother.
● Straws or tubing
Some other kinds of feeding bottles incorporate anti colic features via a straw or tubing system. In this, a tube runs from the back of the teat all the way to the base of the bottle. This design allows air to flow through the straw without causing a vacuum build up inside the bottle. This aids in a smooth, even flow of milk through the teat, and prevents your little one from swallowing air bubbles. However, sterilization of such bottles may be a tad more difficult considering the added number of parts and tiny tubes that require thorough cleaning.
● Suction system
The best bottles for colic available in the market function using suction systems. This may be a disposable liner that collapses as the baby drinks the milk inside. Or it may be a base designed to move up as the quantity of milk within the bottle reduces with feeding. As the space within the bottle gets smaller, there is little or no vacuum that is created. Thus allowing your tiny tot to take up milk and no air bubbles.
Choosing the best anti colic bottle
● Anti colic feeding bottles are typically made of plastic. However, when choosing them, remember to pick bottles that are made of baby-safe materials, and which are free of BPA< phthalates, and PVC.
● Opt for a bottle size that suits your baby’s feeding needs. Remember to stock a larger number of bottles if your little one is exclusively formula fed or if you pump and store breast milk for later use by your baby.
● Choose a nipple that fits your baby suckling needs. Your tiny tot will be most comfortable sucking out of an artificial nipple that gives a breastfeeding-like feel. This is especially important if you are weaning your child off breastmilk and slowly introducing a bottle. Also, pay attention to the nipple size. It must fit the mouth of your baby comfortable while allowing milk to flow freely through the opening. Neither should it leave your baby sucking hard for milk (this can cause him to suck in more air in the process), nor should it fill his mouth with excessive milk, causing him to choke.
● Choose anti colic bottles with mixers. Baby formula blenders can mix formula and baby cereals seamlessly while also reducing frothing by a great deal. This makes the anti colic bottle a lot more effective as less air makes its way into your baby’s food, and consequently, his tummy.
The right gym bag can give you the right motivation to go to the gym. Let’s say you buy a good-quality gym bag that does not have a yoga mat holder. A few weeks into your workout, you decide to give yoga a spin but have to carry your yoga mat in your arms because you didn’t think it through while buying your gym bag.
A gym bag with yoga mat holder is a very practical buy (even if you’re not into yoga) because it offers an excellent storage solution without taking up much space. It is also the only gym bag that can be used for all kinds of working out. When you’re buying one, though, make sure you get one that provides you with the full benefits of a versatile gym bag!
What Do I Need To Consider?
Going to a sports store and picking out the first gym bag with a yoga mat holder may seem like the most comfortable option, but not always the best. There are many things to consider before getting a gym bag because you don’t want to keep going back to get “the right” gym bag. Here are five things you should keep in mind while looking for one:
1. The Yoga Mat Holder Must Be Designed Properly
I know what you’re thinking.. “It’s a yoga mat holder, how proper can it be?” Well, the truth is that there are many gym bags with yoga mat holders that have a clumsy carryall. You might as well be holding the yoga mat in your hands than be challenged this scenario. Make sure that the mat holder’s strap is tucked away neatly to one side. See if the holder holds the mat properly in place, and does not cause any leeway (you don’t want it to bump into others on the streets). Releasing the yoga mat from its holder must be a piece of cake- a quick-release design is what you’re looking for. This will render a comfortable gym bag with a reliable yoga mat holder.
2. The Gym Bag Must Have Multiple Compartments
Most gym bags do come with many chambers, making it easier for you to remember what goes where- this saves you time while using or packing your items. Some gym bags have a dark inner lining, which could present a challenge while looking for materials within the bag. You might want to get a bag that has a bright lining, so you can easily place your things.
Even though this may not seem important at first, make sure the gym bag has a few zipped pockets inside. This will prove beneficial when you need a place to store your wedding ring or other expensive items safely. They can also be used to store keys, sunglasses, watches, and many other personal belongings. A mesh compartment outside for your water bottle is also essential.
3. Your Bag Should Be Multi-Purposed
The modern woman has a bunch of essentials, which are non-negotiable. The ideal gym bag with a yoga mat holder must come with varied features so it can be used for multiple reasons. For starters, it must have a comfortable yoga mat holder. It must also be useful for any kind of workout: whether it’s heavyweights, running, Zumba or good old yoga! It must be appropriate to take to your office if you need to drop by unexpectedly sometime. It needs to look good to be seen outside of the gym, so be cautious about the material. And lastly, try to see that the yoga mat holder is efficient enough to carry your light jacket.
4. The Gym Bag Should Be Sturdy
A gym bag that is flimsy is the equivalent of no gym bag. So make sure the gym bag (and the yoga mat holder) are made of strong and durable material. A good fit would be ballistic nylon with metal hardware. Ensure that the straps are padded for extra comfort.
5. Your Bag Should Be Easy To Clean
Your gym bag-cum-yoga mat holder must be easy to maintain. Don’t compromise on easy maintenance features for aesthetic appeal (especially for the yoga mat holder). You should be able to wipe your gym bag with a damp cloth or have it spot cleaned when required. Make sure that the yoga mat holder material is also easy to clean.
As you head to the gym to get your body into shape, you also need a bag to carry along the stuff that you use for or after your workout. A gym bag is your perfect companion, especially one with compartments. Here is everything you need to know about choosing the right womens gym bag with compartments.
# 1 – The bag can be used outside the gym too
While it’s common to conjure up the picture of a large bag that carries all your stuff needed for workout sessions, gym bags can be stylish and practical. Many new bags are designed with the modern multitasker woman in mind and hence are ideal for use outside the gym too. They are sturdy enough to store all your workout wear while also being compact and neat enough to carry to your place of work. Choosing such dual-purpose bags can save you money and make it easier for you to transition from work to workout without having to pack or carry two separate bags.
# 2 – The more the number of compartments, the more organized you can be
You carry a multitude of things to things to your workout place and storing them neatly and securely is one of the hassles that can be taken care of with a well-designed gym bag with shoe compartments. However, not all of these pockets need to be similar or of the same size. A good gym bag is one that contains the following – a space for shoes and sweaty clothes on the outside, a sleeve with padding for the laptop, a pouch for water bottles, a space of toiletries, fleece-lined zip pockets for valuables like watches and jewelry, separate compartments for wallet, keys, and phone, a large section or main cavity to keep clothes, plus straps for yoga mats.
# 3 – The size matters
Gym bags, like all other accessories, come in varied sizes. While the choice of size narrows down to personal preferences, it is also important that you consider a few other things beyond aesthetics, when choosing a womens gym bag with compartments. A smaller bag works if you use it solely to store essentials for the workout alone or if you replace items every single day. You may, however, need a larger bag if you use this bag to carry other belongings to work, or if you use it for travel purposes. A balance between the things it can accommodate and what’s easy to carry around is the right women’s gym bag with compartments for all your needs.
# 4 – The right material can make all the difference
Gym bags are typically made of synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon. However, not all of them are equal, and how long they last actually boils down to the quality of fabric that they are made from. If you work out regularly and use the bag almost every day, it only makes sense that you invest in something that will last for a long time. Women’s gym bags made of ballistic nylon is a good choice as they are built to last a lifetime. They also tend to be light in weight and easy to carry around, in spite of being sturdy and long-lasting; something that adds value to the money you spend on your women’s gym bag with compartments. While choosing a bag of this kind, it’s also important to pay attention to the quality of the other materials used, like the liners, padding, straps, and other hardware. Good or premium quality materials typically guarantee a better life.
# 5 – The bag needs care
For it to last long, it is important that you take good care of your women’s gym bag with compartments. Good quality bags may be designed for rough use, but timely cleaning and care can ensure that the bag keeps you company for a long time. The care required for a gym bag typically depends on the material that it is made with. Those made of nylon can be wiped with a damp cloth to remove dirt or residue. Spots or stains can be removed using water and mild detergents. Cleaning your bag regularly and removing spots as soon as they appear can help prolong the life of your gym bag to a great extent.