I am a HUGE fan of reusable bags. I have reusable shopping bags in every shape, color, fabric & size, and I never leave home without an array of snacks in various little bags. So, when I heard that ChicoBag has reusable produce bags, I was instantly intrigued!
The produce stand bags come in three types, each for a different type of produce/food. I've been using the Complete Starter Kit, which includes one of each bag type:
- The rePETe bags are "designed to restrict airflow and lock in moisture, making them perfect for squash, broccoli, carrots and celery." These bags "are made of 94% recycled content [and] are machine washable."
- The rePETe Mesh bags are "designed to allow ethylene gas, nature’s ripening agent, to escape. The rePETe Mesh bags are perfect for apples, oranges, onions and potatoes." These bags "are made of 94% recycled content [and] are machine washable."
- The Hemp Cotton bags are "made of 70 percent hemp, 30 percent cotton blend - the ideal produce bag for green beans, nuts, grains and bulk food items. The fabric is designed to absorb excess moisture and restrict airflow."
I love that each bag has a little tag on the inside to remind you which produce is best in which bag. I also love that I can throw them in the washing machine and not have to worry about cleaning them. The Hemp Cotton bag does recommend hand washing, but I have a hand wash setting on my washing machine, so I just used that setting and hung the bag to dry. It survived and still looks great!
I loved getting to try one of each bag in the Starter Kit, but I really wish that I had more than one of each at the store. I ended up combining all of the produce that was recommended for each bag together in that bag and then taking it out of the bag at the register for weighing and paying. Everything went back in the bag and then went straight into the fridge when I got home.
I'm signed up for a CSA (community supported agriculture) share this summer, and the produce comes in one big plastic bag. I would HIGHLY recommend these bags for anyone participating in a CSA! It has been super convenient to sort out my produce and store it in the fridge. Otherwise, the produce has to go straight into the crisper without any protection.
Final Grade: A
I also got to try ChicoBag's Snack Time bags. I was leery about the velcro closures at first, as I was worried about smaller items slipping out of the sides. But, the way that the velcro is placed (at an angle) kept this from being a problem. I really like that the bags can be closed just at the top for larger items like sandwiches, or you can fold the bag over (almost in half) and close a second velcro tab for smaller items like nuts, animal crackers, and small candies.
Again, I love that these bags are machine washable! They are also super durable. You won't have to worry about crumbs breaking through like in a plastic bag and getting all over your purse or diaper bag, because these are just nearly impenetrable!
Another plus: Because they are so deep when fully opened (about 9"), I can hand a bag to Little Bear without worrying about loose snacks falling out during his clumsy escapades.
I do wish that there were more fabric options. I like being about to put various snacks in bags and know which one I'm grabbing because of the fabric color/pattern. I also wouldn't want to put anything too wet or juicy in these bags, because the top doesn't seal completely (because of the velcro closure).
Final Grade: A-
The last ChicoBag product that I tried was one of their Print bags. These bags come in tons of colors and patterns. They are super light weight, but still have a 40 pound carrying capacity. I could tell as soon as I unwrapped the bag that it was extra tough! Something about the construction just feels like it is very, very well made. I wouldn't bat an eye at carrying multiple gallons of milk in this baby.
The bag has an attached pouch that you can fold it back in to, but (as I said) I'm not really patient enough to mess with it. I did fold it up to throw it in my purse after I dropped some things off that I was carrying in it, and I was surprised at how easy it was to fold it back up.
I have so, so many reusable shopping bags, and this is absolutely one of my favorites! It just feels fancy and luxurious. I know that is a weird thing to say about a bag, but when grocery shopping and carrying kids' stuff around is your life, quality bags really do become a thing of luxury :)
Final Grade: A
Overall, I am super impressed with ChicoBag's reusable bags! Their bags are a little pricier than the ones you can get off the shelf, but you get what you pay for, right? Every item that I used seemed super durable with a sort of understated elegance. The colors are classy and trendy, and the products were absolutely designed for real life.
Because they are super awesome, ChicoBag has given me an exclusive promo code just for y'all! Click here to shop their online store, and then use promo code CBBLUR25 to save an extra 25% off everything! {the promo excludes accessories, sale items, and swag; is good for one use per person; and expires 6/30/2012}
PLUS, what would a review be without a giveaway?! Three winners will each receive one of reusable bags featured in this review! Be sure to stop by ChicoBag's facebook page and thank them for this great giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you for the chance to win. I am really excited about the produce bags!
ReplyDeleteEdwina Moorman