During the Covid-19 pandemic we feel it is important to address the increased use of plastic bags. Plastic bags are not safer than fabric bags, as long as each customer handles their own bags, and washes them between each store visit. You can even help keep the grocery store staff safe by keeping your bags in your cart while shopping and bagging. Single use bags come from a long supply chain with excessive handling. The limited studies so far suggest that viruses like Corona and Sars survive longer on smooth surfaces such as plastic than on porous surfaces such as paper or fabric.
We interviewed a disaster medicine doctor and advisor to several Covid-19 State and Government departments. He says the safest approach for your own health is to:
1. Wipe down the cart before you start your shopping trip.
2. Select your groceries in the store.
3. Do self check out and pay with touchless method. Wipe down check out monitor before your start your check out process.
4. Put all your groceries back into the cart.
5. Leave the store with your groceries in the cart loosely.
6. Wipe everything down as you place each item in your bags in your car.
7. Wash your own bags between each store visit.
This is also an environmentally-responsible method of shopping. Most importantly you should do what you feel keeps you and your family safe.
Thanks to Green Minds for this article.
