The original National Post article has vanished.
Click here for a similar and more recent study.
Click here for more on the fraudulent assault on plastic bags.
Click here for some facts on plastic (published by The Boston Globe).
I have long suspected that canvas grocery bags were just food poisoning waiting to happen. Now we have scientific evidence to substantiate my suspicions.
“• The moist, dark, warm interior of a folded used reusable bag that has acquired a small amount of water and trace food contamination is an ideal incubator for bacteria.
• The strong presence of yeasts in some bags indicates the presence of water and microbial growth substrate (food).
• There is a potential for cross-contamination of food if the same reusable bags are used on successive trips.
• Check-out staff in stores may be transferring these microbes from reusable bag to reusable bag as the contaminants get on their hands.
• In cases of food poisoning, experts will have to test reusable bags in addition to food products as the possible sources of contamination.”
To be safe, one would have to wash the cloth bag(s) after each visit to the grocery store. Factor THAT into your environmental equation! And, how many will actually do that?
For those who do not harbor an irrational hatred for anything produced from petroleum, using and recycling plastic bags is by FAR the most environmentally friendly (and sensible) choice. But, don’t even attempt to tell that to one of the religious cult members carrying a reusable bag.
No comments:
Post a Comment