So, have you heard the news? Those non-woven polyester reusable shopping bags (Made in China...surprised?) that you use to be all environmental by saving paper and plastic bags may contain unacceptable levels of LEAD! Go do a search on the internet for more information, I'm not going to link it here, do it yourself.
So how do you know if your reusable shopping bag contains lead? Well I'm really not sure. I use the Harris Teeter shopping bags ($.99 ea) and some articles do mention Harris Teeter's bags among those in the study containing lead. Just the idea of this possibility makes me really mad. I contacted Harris Teeter about this issue but did not receive a reply before the deadline of this post.
So what is one to do? Well I don't really feel like continuing to use these bags. Maybe I'll store them somewhere and wait until I hear more. What are my options? I can go back to paper or plastic, I can utilize my cargo shorts which can carry one package of chicken breasts and one bunch of bananas (or a growing kitten). BUT, if you have $50+ to spend on grocery bags, I have a suggestion for you. Go to L.L. Bean's website and design and purchase their Boat and Tote canvas bags. These are actually still made in Maine of 24 oz canvas (from American-made cotton!) and one of VERY FEW things in the L.L. Bean catalog still made in the US. You can pick the bag size, main body color, handle length and color, bottom color, optional top zipper, optional side pocket, and monogram.
For example, order up a small tote with red handles and monogram "grass-fed beef" on the outside. Get a large tote with green handles and monogram "local organic veggies" on the outside. Get an extra large tote with a russet handle and monogram "non-gluten grains". Now quickly hop in your Subaru Forester with your totes. You will be the envy of all at Whole Foods. You're welcome...
