Ways We Can Limit the Use of Plastic Bags and Operate More Safely Amidst the Coronavirus Pandemic

The science is still out on whether the coronavirus can be transmitted easily via surface contact.

Why is this important to Belvedere Exclusive customers, readers of this blog, and anyone concerned about the impact of single use plastics on the environment?

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and out of concern over the potential for transmitting the virus via surface contact on reusable shopping bags brought from home, a number of states and municipalities temporarily reversed their bans on (or plans to ban) the use on in-store single-use bags. At the same time, they began restricting the use of reusable bags in stores.

Years of efforts to protect the environment and, ultimately, ourselves from the scourge of single-use plastics seemed all for naught.

Not So Fast

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while it may be possible “that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes,” current thinking is this is not the main way the coronavirus spreads.

In June 2020, in an effort spearheaded by Greenpeace, a letter signed by more than 115 experts defended the safety of reusable shopping bags and other such re-suable items as long as those items are cleaned between uses.

We are pleased to report that all of Belvedere Exclusive’s bags are 100% machine- or hand-washable and can be washed after every use by following the instructions printed on each bag.

Already, several states and municipalities are welcoming reusable bags back into stores and reinstating their bans on single-use bags.

In the meantime, can retailers and consumers both limit the use of plastic bags while still being mindful of spreading COVID-19? The answer, it seems, is “yes.”

• Retailers such as Trader Joe's and Target are allowing reusable bags in their stores as long as customers bag and carry their groceries themselves, thus limiting the chances of store employees coming in contact with the virus.
• Many municipalities that had paused restrictions on single use plastic bags are now welcoming reusable bags back into stores with one catch: if you bring your own bags, you have to load your own groceries at the check stand.
• Similarly, many garden centers, pet stores, and feed stores, where bags need to be stronger, are allowing customers to supply their own reusable bags as long as they bag items themselves.
• In some cases, consumers are simply asking retailers not to bag their items at checkout. Instead, they ask baggers to place items unbagged back into their carts after scanning, and once outside the store and a safe social distance from others, transfer their purchases into their reusable bags, either curbside or at their vehicles.

Our Commitment

Belvedere Exclusive remains committed to supporting the positive impact reusable shopping bags have on the environment and in reducing waste. We are proud to be your premier source for environmentally-friendly reusable tote bags, insulated cooler bags, canvas tote bags, and other related products.

Get A Quote

Belvedere Exclusive invites you to get a no-strings attached quote on our branded bags, which are already in use with many high-profile retailers around the country. All Belvedere products are recycled, recyclable, or biodegradable/compostable.

• Belvedere’s VALUE Collection—Belvedere offers the lowest cost FOB USA non-woven shopping bags on the market: 100-gram PP non-woven, PP-5 recyclable, fully customized in six different sizes to fully meet your business needs. Our flexible program offers discounts over multiple ship dates, and bags are available in both screen printed and full color all for under $1.00 per bag! Learn More
• Belvedere’s ECO Collection—Made from recycled products, these 100-gram Recycled PET non-woven, PETE-1 recyclable bags are fully customizable and come in three different sizes. They’re available in as low as 10 carton increments with three different printing methods depending on art. This is our premium product designed to help you make your eco-statement! Learn More