Which reusable bags are safe

But this perception of single-use plastic bags as more sanitary has had a much wider impact than grocery stores alone.

Some states have put their plastic bag bans on hold because of the pandemic. She said her group has spent the past 15 years advocating for laws that encourage the use of reusable bags. But Gordon says many of the states that initially halted their plastic bag bans have put them back into effect.

Sinclair said you should also try to leave your bags in your cart instead of putting them on the checkout counter — which is a breeding ground for all kinds of germs. So the best thing to do is wash your hands. Neither the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor the state of Indiana has released guidance on whether or not reusable bags should be allowed in grocery stores during the pandemic.

Contact Rebecca at rthiele iu. Indiana Environmental reporting is supported by the Environmental Resilience Institute, an Indiana University Grand Challenge project developing Indiana-specific projections and informed responses to problems of environmental change. Hoosiers "in the know" are getting their answers from the show that does the talking: "Indiana Week In Review.

A look at issues facing Cloth and plastic-lined bags do help, but are they safe? Reusable grocery bags are a smart choice but there could be some risk. When you carry food or other items in these bags, they may leave behind germs like E. If the bags are not properly washed and dried before they are used again, these germs remain and can make you sick.

Navigation menu. Keep yourself and your family safe. Follow these easy steps to reduce the spread of germs: Separate meat, fish or poultry; fresh produce, and ready-to-eat foods.

Use separate bags. Some studies that show that the bags could harbor germs. Thus, the need for physical distancing in the store. Thomas File, chair of the infectious disease section at Northeast Ohio Medical University and the infectious disease division at Summa Health, also said the threat from reusable bags is theoretical.

While it could be helpful in reducing the risk of transmission, he said, there are other, evidence-backed concerns to worry about as well, including incorporating appropriate social distancing measures, wearing a mask and hand hygiene. Though cashiers are often wear masks and gloves while working with customers, Knighton is advocating for the state to develop training requirements. Improper hand hygiene while using gloves can cause the spread of germs. California has reinstated its bag ban and New York plans on enforcing is ban later this month.

In Pennsylvania, United Food and Commercial Workers Local represents more than 20, supermarket workers, including cashiers and baggers at Giant Eagle. Its president, Wendell Young, supports efforts to reduce plastic waste. He says the initial fear of resuables spreading coronavirus is now tempered with more information.

Some grocery chains have already started allowing customers to bring in reusable bags again. Giant Eagle plans to officially welcome them starting in September. Customers with reusable bags will be asked to use self-checkouts, and bag their own groceries. Read their reports on this site, and hear them on public radio stations across Pennsylvania. Climate Solutions , a collaboration of news organizations, educational institutions and a theater company, uses engagement, education and storytelling to help central Pennsylvanians toward climate change literacy, resilience and adaptation.

Our work will amplify how people are finding solutions to the challenges presented by a warming world. So is it safe to bring your reusable bags back to the grocery store? Julie Grant got her start in public radio at age 19 while at Miami University in Ohio. September 3, AM. How a lab works to seek and destroy the harmful chemicals known as PFAS.