What’s the Deal with the New Plastic Produce Bags?

plus how I wash and store my produce & my tips for the viral crispy onion chips

Happy Monday! The viral crispy onion chips recipe and tips are for paid subscribers. Scroll to the bottom!

As many of you have noticed, California supermarkets have introduced new compostable produce bags. (Has your state done the same?) While these bags aim to reduce plastic waste, they often lead to produce spoiling faster, prompting some to revert to single-use plastic alternatives—a counterproductive outcome for both our wallets and the environment.

The Story Behind the Bags

In an effort to combat plastic pollution, California enacted legislation requiring that, starting January 1, 2025, all pre-checkout bags (including produce bags) be either recycled paper or compostable materials. This move makes California the first state to implement such a ban on single-use plastic produce bags. The goal is to encourage sustainable practices and reduce the environmental footprint associated with plastic waste.

Public Feedback and How to Voice Concerns

The transition hasn't been seamless. Many consumers, like my community, have experienced quicker spoilage of produce when using these compostable bags. This not only leads to increased food waste but also diminishes the perceived benefits of the initiative. To voice your concerns or provide feedback, here are some easy ways to take action:

Update: one of my Substack readers felt that I was against banning plastic. Not the case at all. I would love to ban plastic, but I suggested providing FEEDBACK regarding these bags and encouraging the powers that be to create a better bag. Again, produce is spoiling; people are using a lot of (damp) paper towels to wrap the produce to keep it fresh; or people are transferring produce from the bags to Ziplocs. Also, not everyone has the means to invest in dozens of reusable produce bags to bring to the market every week.

• Contact CalRecycle (California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery):

  1. Email: Complaints@calrecycle.ca.gov

  2. Phone: 800-RECYCLE (732-9253)

  3. Website: CalRecycle Contact Page

• Reach Out to Your State Legislators:

  1. Find Your Representatives: Enter your address on the California State Legislature's website to locate your State Senate and Assembly representatives.

  2. Contact Information:

     • State Assembly Members: Assembly Members Page

When reaching out, be specific about the issues you've encountered, provide real-life examples, and suggest constructive solutions.

I now have a system that no longer works.  I would use the produce bags at the store to collect produce, transfer easily home and store until I cleaned the produce.  Clean produce was transferred into other bags such as Vejibags and Zwilling Fresh & Save bags.  I will need to invest in (A LOT OF) alternative reusable produce bags to use for shopping and storing.

Alternatives to Store-Provided Bags

To maintain freshness and reduce waste, here are some non-toxic, reusable produce storage options across various price points that have been recommended to me by people in my Instagram community. Let me know if you have a favorite!

Organic Cotton Mart Reusable Cloth Produce Bags are a sustainable, non-toxic alternative to plastic, made from 100% organic cotton. With a variety of sizes, they’re perfect for storing everything from leafy greens to bulk grains, and they’re machine washable for easy care.

purifyou Premium Organic Cotton Produce Bags These versatile, unbleached cotton bags come in various sizes and are praised for their durability and multi-purpose use, from carrying produce to straining homemade nut milks.

Earthwise Reusable Mesh Produce Bags Made from BPA-free mesh, these washable bags are lightweight yet sturdy, making them ideal for all types of produce.

Lotus Produce Bags Reusable Netted Mesh Bags These strong and durable mesh bags can hold over 25 lbs and come with a drawstring closure, making them practical for shopping and storage.

Keep It Fresh Produce Bags Designed to extend the life of fruits and vegetables, these BPA-free bags help reduce vitamin loss and keep produce fresh longer.

Ambrosia Long-Life Linen Produce BagsCrafted from raw flax linen, these bags naturally inhibit bacteria and mold, keeping produce fresh longer. They're an eco-friendly option with a moderate price point. Very cute looking, if you care about that, but you can’t see what’s in there unless you unzip.

Even More Musings is an extension of my weekly newsletter, Monday Musings. My newsletter is a sponsor-free zone and is fully supported by readers like you. Consider becoming a paid subscriber to get Even More Musings! Each week, I share my tips and tricks along with a new recipe. For only $5/month or $50/year (less than $1 a newsletter), you'll also gain access to the entire archive, featuring favorites like My New Hyper-fixation High-Protein Fluffy Breakfast Bowl  and the Hillstone Copycat Emerald Kale Salad.  This week I am sharing how I wash and store my produce + I tried the viral Crispy Onion Chips and here are my tips: