Many of us have read about the recycling and environmental problems caused by plastic store bags, and decided that we’d help out.

We got on board with our clever totes with sayings like “I am not a plastic bag!” and “I saved a tree” and whatever.

We keep them in our cars and we dutifully carry them into the market to bring home our groceries.

In fact, the bags are so handy that we use them for everything! And we’re saving the earth doing it!

Only… these handy, eco-friendly bags might not be all that clean. Read this article, for some new thinking about our reusable cloth totes.

According to a joint food safety research report issued by researchers at the University of Arizona and Loma Linda University, reusable grocery bags can serve as a breeding ground for dangerous foodborne bacteria and pose a serious risk to public health.

“Our findings suggest a serious threat to public health, especially from coliform bacteria including E. coli, which were detected in half the bags sampled,” said Charles Gerba, Ph.D., a University of Arizona environmental microbiology professor and co-author of the study.

Yikes. There are some tips inside for keeping your bags clean and your food safe.

Sometimes, you can’t win for losing; save a tree, gain a bacterium. Wash your totes, separate your raw items, and be Savvy and safe!

Thanks, Chef Shelley, for the great story idea.