Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

Lead In Reusable Bags Doesn't Seem To Worry Shoppers


By

Sarah Bibi

Published Nov 19, 2010

Modified Nov 19, 2010


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

Sarah Bibi

Published Nov 19, 2010

Modified Nov 19, 2010


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Earlier this week, the news broke that those reusable bags we've all be toting around, in hopes of bettering the environment, might not be so green after all. But despite Senator Chuck Schumer's investigation into the possibility of these bags containing potentially harmful lead levels, New Yorkers seem relatively unconcerned.

Tests done by Rochester-based Wegman's have revealed leachable lead levels at less than 0.1 parts per million. When asked if the risk would affect her use of such bags, shopper and environmentalist Elnora Cooper told the AP, "I’m not eating the bag…and I’m not going to get rid of it...I switched to reusable bags six or seven years ago to keep plastic out of landfills. I’ll keep using the one with the lead, truthfully, before I start using plastic again.”

A Wegman's spokeswoman added, "The eventual disposal of the bags is the only issue, from an environmental perspective."

Tagged

lead

reusable bags

reusable grocery bags

senator schumer


Sarah Bibi

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE news

NYPD searching for suspect after fatal stabbing in Queens

Officers responding to a call at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and 173rd Street around 1 a.m. found 29-year-old Sulimon Ferrier, who had multiple stab wounds to his chest, police said.

By

Ben Feuerherd

Published Oct 3, 2026 at 4:38 p.m. ET


NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim

It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.

By

Jill Webb

News

NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim

It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.

By

Jill Webb


Astoria-born Chip City announces sudden closure days after former CEO sues

By

Catalina Gonella

US judge tosses Trump lawsuit targeting pro-Palestinian protesters in NJ

By

Willow Higgins

A big, bright Saturn will be the highlight of NYC's fall stargazing season

By

Rosemary Misdary


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .