Alternative to flimsy plastic produce bags?

[christianmomof3]

I use the reusable fabric grocery bags most of the time to reduce the use of plastic grocery sacks and that waste.
I do sometimes get plastic grocery bags because we use them to clean up dog poo and a few other things like that.
But I realized today that we go through tons of those flimsy plastic produce bags that you buy fresh produce from the grocery store in.
I do save them and use them for produce storage or other things, but eventually they do wind up in the trash.
I do have some of those reusable Debbie Myer green bags but they are a bit of a pain because you have to wash them out and dry them to reuse them but I guess I should start using them again to store produce at home.
But even if I do that, I am still buying the produce and bulk foods in those flimsy produce bags.
Is there an alternative to that?
And what about storing fresh produce? Do you keep it in those bags in the fridge?
What did people buy their produce in before plastic bags?
How did they store their fresh produce?
Especially if you cut a piece of produce and put the other half away to use another day.
thanks!

[IntuitiveJamie]

I don't use anything. I just put it in the cart. It works just fine.
But if you feel like you really need something there are lots of options. You could surely find an Etsy seller that sews some fabric produce bags. One of my personal favorite stores is for stuff like this is www.reuseit.com
The link wasn't working a minute ago, but def. check back b/c it's a great site. I have purchased stuff from them several times and always been pleased.

[Jenivere]

I have a set of these http://www.etsy.com/listing/53669101...s%5B1%5D=title for smaller stuff like grapes. And I had a friend make me a few like this http://www.etsy.com/listing/38527060...s%5B1%5D=title for larger things like apples.

[ThisCat]

I came across these reusable produce bags at a local store and really like them. I just use them to keep multiple items together for weighing and toss single items right in the cart.

For storage, I just toss everything in the produce drawer as is or put it in a bowl on the counter. If I cut something up and don't use it all, I just store the remaining part in a lidded pyrex dish.

[christianmomof3]

Originally Posted by ThisCat

I came across these reusable produce bags at a local store and really like them. I just use them to keep multiple items together for weighing and toss single items right in the cart.

For storage, I just toss everything in the produce drawer as is or put it in a bowl on the counter. If I cut something up and don't use it all, I just store the remaining part in a lidded pyrex dish.

Thank you! Those look great! I will look into purchasing or making something like that.

[Tradd]

I just got these from Amazon and love them! While I like the organic cotton produce bags, you can't see through them, so the cashier has to open them up in order to ring up your items. These bags are a mesh and easy to see through. I got two sets.

http://www.amazon.com/flip-tumble-5-...2176399&sr=8-1

[proudmomof4]

Originally Posted by Tradd

I just got these from Amazon and love them! While I like the organic cotton produce bags, you can't see through them, so the cashier has to open them up in order to ring up your items. These bags are a mesh and easy to see through. I got two sets.

http://www.amazon.com/flip-tumble-5-...2176399&sr=8-1

I just had a look - they're really nice! Do they wash well, seam ok, etc.?
I really should get or make something like that. Produce bags are hard to avoid here, especially in the supermarket. (They even close them with a metal clip, so you already have to fiddle some if you want to reuse them as a trashbag.)

[AddysMom]

I have the flip and tumble bags as well from amazon. I really like them a lot.

[Magelet]

I keep meaning to make some of these. Honestly though, I use my plastic bags up for kitty litter and trash. (I always feel so guilty leaving the store with lots of plastic bags, but we do use them, and try to be sparing. and what else can you do with cat litter)

[luv-my-boys]

well im cheap so I went to the dollar tree and bought some mesh lingerie bags (they actually came in a 3pk) they are mesh and have a zipper top and work really well for my produce. In fact the only thing I havent been able to use them for have been bulk beans! Other than that because the mesh is smaller it has worked really well, they are very lightweight and I usually wash after I get home and let air dry.

[lovebug]

Originally Posted by Magelet

I keep meaning to make some of these. Honestly though, I use my plastic bags up for kitty litter and trash. (I always feel so guilty leaving the store with lots of plastic bags, but we do use them, and try to be sparing. and what else can you do with cat litter)

we save a litter container and use that. we keep it around with its lid on until its full then dump the poo in the trash. it works really well. then when the next bucket is empty we replace and so on...

Originally Posted by luv-my-boys

well im cheap so I went to the dollar tree and bought some mesh lingerie bags (they actually came in a 3pk) they are mesh and have a zipper top and work really well for my produce. In fact the only thing I havent been able to use them for have been bulk beans! Other than that because the mesh is smaller it has worked really well, they are very lightweight and I usually wash after I get home and let air dry.

LOVE THIS IDEA!

[Magelet]

it still doesn't deal with the throwing out plastic issue. And our litter comes in bags that don't seal and can't be tied so it wouldn't work well

[halaroo]

For produce, I use those mesh laundry bags for delicates. I bought a couple 3-packs of them at the Dollar Store. Cheap, washable, zippered and see-thru for the cashier to easily see what's in them.

Thankfully my city uses green bins now so we can compost our cat litter. I scoop it into empty cracker/cereal boxes or wrap it in newspaper. I love my green bin!

[IntuitiveJamie]

Originally Posted by Tradd

I just got these from Amazon and love them! While I like the organic cotton produce bags, you can't see through them, so the cashier has to open them up in order to ring up your items. These bags are a mesh and easy to see through. I got two sets.

http://www.amazon.com/flip-tumble-5-...2176399&sr=8-1

I got some of these and LOVE them! Another vote for them!

[jimblejamble]

My produce comes home in cloth bags from reuseit.com but when I put it away it goes into jumbo-size Glad containers in the fridge so it isn't exposed to the air.

[Denvergirlie]

I bought some old sheer type curtins at the thrift store, got several yards of fabric for a $1.

Broke out the sewing machine and made some very simple bags that basically weigh nothing and use those (when i remember to bring them with me of course).

[paxye]

I use this kind of mesh produce bag... they have been holding up perfectly for about 4 years now with weekly use... I love them!

http://www.gogreeninstages.com/produ...p/produce-bags

[christianmomof3]

I found the greatest thing! Make reusable produce bags from old t-shirts! From this site:
http://fakeplasticfish.com/plasticfreeguide/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpyO_t3Ml20