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Advantages and Disadvantages of Reusable Grocery Bags

Reusable grocery bags are environmentally friendly bags made out a variety of materials, such as cotton, hemp and nylon, designed to be reused for grocery and household shopping and reduce the impact of single-use plastic or paper bags on the environment. There are advantages and disadvantages to the bags, both in general and according to the material of the bag.

  1. General Advantages and Disadvantages

    • The main advantage of these bags is that the bag can be used over and over again, thus creating a positive impact on the environment by reducing the amount of waste from plastic bags as well as reducing the amount of paper production for paper bags. The main disadvantage of these bags is the number of bacteria and other microorganisms found in the bag. A common practice is to use the bag without machine washing. This is a problem, as people may transport raw meat in leaking packages, set the bag on various surfaces, and transport various germs and bacteria onto the bag from unwashed hands. The bag may accumulate microorganisms that could seep into the food and cause illness.

    Polypropylene Bags

    • Polypropylene is a type of plastic used in a variety of items such as ropes, chairs and plastic container lids. Advantages of polypropylene bags are that they are chemical resistant, strong, inexpensive and made from recycled materials. Disadvantages include their being made from a type of plastic that is a nonrenewable source and not compostable or biodegradable.

    Jute Bags

    • Jute, or burlap or hessian, is a natural plant fiber. Advantages of a jute bag are durability, being biodegradable and coming from a natural renewable resource that needs little to no irrigation or pesticides to grow. Disadvantages include its being not naturally moisture resistant and using imported material.

    Nylon Bags

    • Nylon is a form of synthetic polymer. Advantages of a nylon bag are durability, strength, water resistance and compactability. Disadvantages include nylon's being slow to break down and being a petroleum-based product.

    Cotton Bags

    • There are many types of cotton reusable bags available, including organic, recycled, partially treated and chemically treated. Advantages of a cotton reusable bag are durability, softness, machine washability and coming from a natural plant fiber that is a renewable resource. Disadvantages include shrinking when washed, being chemically treated and coming from a crop that uses high water consumption.

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