I posted earlier on what local grocery stores are doing to reduce the number of disposable grocery bags used each year. Today, just a quick note about options for replacing plastic produce bags with reusable ones.
In Ottawa you can buy cotton produce bags at The Wheatberry (where they come in all shapes and sizes as well as in conventional or organic) and at Arbour (where they are labeled lunch bags). If anyone knows of anywhere else in town where you can buy reusable produce bags please comment. The bag on the left of the photo above is from Arbour. The light-weight, compact mesh bag on the right was purchased on-line from ecobags.com.
When buying reusable produce bags make sure they are sturdy enough for machine washing. All seams should be serged, sewn over, or covered by fabric tape. The first batch of cotton bags that I bought disintegrated when I washed them because the raw edges of the cut fabric were showing. I bought them for 50 cents at the Great Glebe Garage Sale, but I believe they originally came from Michaels’ craft supply.
Arbour Environmental Shoppe, 800 Bank Street, Ottawa, K1S 3V8, 613-567-3168
The Wheat Berry, 206 Main Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 1C6, 613- 235-7580
Green Living Ottawa 
I offer nylon mesh produce bags that are lightweight and easy to clean. You can check them out at http://www.picalili.com
Consider http://www.ecolifeproducts.ca for Green Bag reusable bags.
At Ecolife Products they carry eco-friendly products including Green Bag brand bags. Wide selection of sizes, styles, colours and custom printing available (logos, promotional uses).
Local Ottawa stores carrying the line including the WheatBerry.
On behalf of the environment- Thank you!
Janice.
Here’s a Canadian site with the same idea. One cool thing is that 20% of profits is donated to the David Suzuki Foundation.
http://www.lioli.ca
You are so lucky over there in America I mean for green alternatives I mean. I have had to buy much of my green stuff – produce bags and the like from you guys. I have been boycotting “disposable” plastic products for 18 months. Started cos I hated what it was doing to environment but as I find out more, worry about what it might be doing for me. I have sourced lots of plastic free alternatives. You might find them useful. http://www.plasticisrubbish.wordpress.com
Pamx
Try Bagnesia’s website for produce bags and their other products which remind you to grab your bags! http://www.bagnesia.com
A great Canadian alternative, is Credobags reusable mesh cotton produce bags, they are available at Arbour on Bank St. They are made in Montreal, Que. whereas most of the produce bags on the market are from India or China, see their website at http://www.credobags.com
great, but what does “natural cotton really mean?”
I don’t mind buying items that are made in other countries if they are ethically sourced, or in in other words fair trade.
I found a place in Cornwall that makes produce bags for a great price!
http://www.stewardbags.ca/
Steward produce bags are great … but they’re made in India.
Here people sell gauze produce bags. Even ones for flour at bulk food stores.
http://www.etsy.com
I produce a weightless, translucent, mesh produce/bulk item bag, here in Moncton NB.
These bags can carry items as small as quinoa, rice, seeds, and can also be used for sprouting seeds, straining milks and jellies and so much more.
I also produce tote bags and sell my product on line, at farmers markets and whole food stores. I would love for you to visit my web site and perhaps help promote my ‘grass roots’ business.
We’ve tried various produce bags in our household and have to say that Carebags and their sister product Got it! are fabulous, and Canadian made too.
We use them not just for food but everything you’d use a bag for.
Totally cool.
Kali
Take a look at http://www.hyp-bag.ca Made in Canada, wash like a rag, can carry any item even quinoa.
Beautifully made with care and priced to make it easy to switch from plastic produce/bulk bags to this lovely product
For those in Australia you can get Reusable Produce Bags made from mesh fabric from http://www.Jillbyeco.com.au they are fantastic
You can purchase handmade in New Brunswick, Canada reusable produce bags, at http://www.hyp-bag.ca Buy Canadian, buy local, support your local producers.