Plastic Mesh Bags - The Challenge (pt 1)

Woohoo! The first “real” post of Rewind Waste is live, and it’s time to celebrate! You’ve probably heard the saying, “The hardest part of starting something is just starting.” It’s true, but I’d argue the second hardest part is shaking off the nagging thought that writing online feels like a tree falling in a forest— but no one caring if it makes a sound. Well, here we are, and I’m glad to have you along for the journey to rethink the waste generated from everyday products, packaging, and materials we use. Let’s dive right in!

Today, we’re taking a closer look at one of the most common packaging options found in grocery and bulk retail locations worldwide. While shopping in the produce section, you’ll see this packaging everywhere. It’s a lifesaver, especially when you need to buy heavier items like potatoes, onions, or oranges in bulk. That’s right, we’re talking about those brightly colored plastic mesh bags that make it almost effortless to carry a 5-pound bag of sweet potatoes while wrangling your kids (or shopping partner) in a hectic Costco.

Why did I pick this item first? Because I am tremendously guilty of throwing many of these away every month. Our household survives on bulk shopping, and we accumulate these bags at an alarming rate. Every time I throw one away, at best it feels like I am burying poison for future generations (ok yes I am being slightly dramatic… but not entirely untrue). There has to be a better way! However, before we dive into solutions, it’s important to understand the story behind these bags.

What Are Plastic Mesh Bags?

Plastic mesh bags come in all shapes and sizes. You’ll find smaller versions holding 2 pounds of limes or garlic, all the way up to 50+ pound bags of firewood. Often made from polypropylene, these durable bags can be made UV-resistant and feature varying hole sizes depending on their use.

If you’ve ever tried buying more than one or two heavy produce items at the grocery store, you might know the frustration of those thin plastic bags tearing at the worst moment. Mesh bags solve that problem. They’re sturdy, easy to carry, and protect your produce during bagging and transport.

With mesh bags, you rarely have to worry about tears or spills. The stitching along the edges typically binds the plastic material to form a secure container. Most are heat-sealed or ultrasonically welded rather than sewn traditionally. Additionally, high-stress areas, like handles or drawstring closures, are reinforced to handle heavy loads.

Aside from convenience and reliability, another important benefit of mesh bags is their ability to allow airflow. Proper airflow helps keep produce fresh by regulating humidity and temperature. It also prevents the buildup of ethylene gas—a natural compound that speeds up ripening. In sealed spaces, ethylene builds up, causing produce to spoil faster. Mesh bags allow the gas to escape, extending the life of your fruits and veggies.

Other Creative Uses

Mesh bags aren’t just for produce! Here are a few other interesting uses:

1. Seafood Boils
 - After using them for produce, some people repurpose mesh bags for boiling seafood like crabs or shrimp. The open design allows water and seasonings to flow freely, while keeping everything contained. It’s easy to strain and serve, too!

   

2. Reusable Scrubbers
 - Cut used mesh bags into smaller pieces and turn them into eco-friendly scrubbers for pots and pans. Their rough texture makes them great for cleaning without scratching surfaces.

   

3. Storage Solutions
 - Mesh bags are surprisingly durable and work well for storing items indoors or outdoors.

The Challenges

Mesh bags may sound amazing, but they have a serious downside: waste. Here’s why they’re a problem:


1. Not Biodegradable - 
Most mesh bags are made from synthetic materials like nylon or polyethylene, which don’t break down naturally. When discarded, they can persist in the environment for decades, contributing to plastic pollution. Improper disposal can even lead to microplastics entering waterways and harming wildlife.

   

2. Difficult to Recycle - 
These bags often combine different materials, like plastic mesh and metal clips, which makes them hard to recycle. Separating the components is labor-intensive and expensive, so most end up in landfills.

   

3. Limited Reuse - While mesh bags can be reused, they aren’t built to last. Over time, exposure to sunlight, heat, or heavy loads can cause them to tear or degrade. This limits their lifespan and increases waste. Plus, if you use them repeatedly for boiling, the heat can cause the plastic to break down and release microplastics—something research shows could have harmful health effects.

Wrapping Up

So, is there an opportunity to design something better than plastic mesh bags? While they’ve been incredibly useful, the single-use waste they create is a big problem that is ripe (get it? 😆) for solving. In the next post, we’ll explore alternatives to mesh bags and see how they’re performing in the market.

Until then, keep rethinking that waste!

~ Mike