In recent years, the climate crisis has reached its peak. Temperatures are rising everywhere, the ice caps are melting, and more and more weather catastrophes are affecting the world.
Such circumstances have inspired many brands to do their part in slowing down global warming. Most retailers have started designing and selling or gifting eco-friendly printed cotton bags to their customers and employees. These bags reduce plastic use, which helps decrease pollution and harmful gas emissions.
But are these bags truly sustainable? And are they safe for people’s health, seeing as they use the custom eco bags almost every day? Read on to find out!
Can Reusable Cotton Bags Spread Any Germs or Contaminants?
Since most people go shopping at least a few times a week, it is safe to say that they use their reusable cotton bags quite often. However, as little as 5% of them actually wash the bags every once in a while.
As you can imagine, not washing cotton bags regularly can lead to bacteria and other microorganisms breeding rapidly on the material. To make matters worse, the cotton is also constantly in contact with hands, different grocery products, trains, buses, cars, etc. Thus, they become the perfect breeding ground for contaminants.
It goes without saying that bacteria are extremely dangerous to humans. They can lead to different medical conditions and cause serious infections. The worst part is that you usually do not become aware of these problems until they become serious.
Aside from the fact that these bacteria can be dangerous for your health, they can also spread to the groceries you buy. That is especially the case with fresh fruits and veggies, as they are usually bought without any containers protecting them.
Thus, the answer to the starting question is: yes, shopping bags can indeed spread contaminants. However, they can only do so if people don’t wash them regularly. Otherwise, the branded shopping bags are a safe and sustainable way to carry all your groceries and other necessities.
Bag Safety Tips
To ensure your cotton shopping bags are always safe for use, you should wash them at least once every two weeks. If you can, it might be best to do it every week, but a 2-week wash is definitely a must.
Another useful tip is to get different bags for carrying various groceries. For example, it is best to use a printed foldable shopping bag for all your raw fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, you should use a laminated shopping bag for meat and the third one for any other non-raw groceries. That way, you’ll avoid cross-contamination of your food.
Finally, make sure you store the bags in a dry and cool place when they are not in use. So, don’t leave them inside your car, no matter how convenient it might be. Either keep them safely stashed in your bag or a designated drawer in your kitchen.
How Sustainable Are Cotton Bags?
As far as eco-friendliness goes, cotton bags are a pretty good choice. Producing them does not cause harm to the environment, as it requires no chemical processing of any kind.
Certain cotton bags aren’t 100% safe, though. This fact refers to bags that are heavily dyed and processed to achieve a particular aesthetic look. Still, even these models are much safer than plastic ones, meaning that using them is much better for the planet.
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Custom Cotton Bags – Key to Sustainable Advertising
Some Important Advantages of Cotton Bags
First and foremost, cotton bags such as GoPromotional‘s Carolina Long Handled Cotton Tote Bags are some of the most durable models you can find. They can sustain heavy weights and help you carry anything from glass bottles to meat, vegetables, and fruits. Most importantly, they will not make carrying these items uncomfortable or painful.
Furthermore, the bags can last for years, even if you use them every day. They will seldom show signs of tearing, so you can shop safely knowing that all your groceries will remain secure.
Then, cotton bags are also incredibly stylistically versatile. You can find options in various colours, styles, and sizes. Moreover, manufacturers can print just about anything on the bags and have them look stylish. Thus, these bags can quickly go from sustainable and cheap tools to actual fashion statements.
Promotional Cotton Bags
If you are thinking about including branded cotton bags in your next promo campaign, GoPromotional is here to help. If you give us a call, we will happily discuss all the benefits of these bags and help you come up with the best plan for your budget and customers.
Together, we can make the planet a more sustainable place for everyone, one cotton shopping bag at a time!
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Explore our range of custom printed bags now which includes non-woven bags, canvas bags, and jute bags. In doing so, you can provide your staff with an item they can effectively use to raise your brand awareness. Contact us now at 0800 0148 970 or simply email us today if you have any questions regarding our selection. Our team will be happy to help you choose and order the perfect bags for your faithful employees!
