Tired of wilted spinach, floppy carrots and soggy herbs? You’re not alone. Australian households throw away2.5 million tonnes of food each year, which equals more than four kilograms per household per week. That’s not just a lot of waste, it’s also a lot of money. On average, households are losing between$2,000 and $2,500 every yearon food that ends up in the bin.

Meet the Veggie Saver! This reusable, science-backed, cotton produce bag is designed to help you keep your vegetables fresher for longer, cut down food waste and save money. It's scientifically proven to keep your produce fresh for 2 weeks or more! It’s a zero-waste kitchen essential that makes it easier to live more sustainably, one crisp celery stick at a time. See the reviews here too.

Let’s answer your top questions about this eco-friendly produce bag and how to get the most out of it.

1. What is the Veggie Saver and how does it work?

The Veggie Saver is a reusable, machine-washable bag made from 100% unbleached & unseeded cotton. It features three unique layers that work together to create the ideal environment for storing fresh produce:

• A protective outer layer that reduces moisture loss from the middle layer and lets your produce take on the oxygen it needs 

• A middle layer that absorbs and slowly releases water to hydrate your fresh produce as needed 

• A soft inner layer that lets your protects your produce and allows it to breathe

This smart design helps maintain the right balance of air and moisture, which means your fruit and vegetables stay crisp and fresh for up to two weeks, saving you money and reducing plastic food wrapping. 

2. How do you prepare your Veggie Saver before using it?

Before using your Veggie Saver for the first time, there are two simple steps to follow:

1. Wash the Veggie Saver in the washing machine on a cool cycle using a gentle, fragrance-free detergent.
2. If possible, hang it in the sun to dry and avoid putting it in the dryer as this will cause it to shrink. 

3. How do you use a Veggie Saver to keep produce fresh?

Here’s how to use the Veggie Saver correctly after following the steps above:

1. Dampen your Veggie Saver under the tap and make sure to massage the water through the bag. Wring out any excess water to prevent excess moisture from causing mould or spoilage. 
2. Give your fridge/crisper a wipe down with some white vinegar to remove any bacteria or nasties. 
3. Add your clean produce into the Veggie Saver and place the veggie saver into your crisper 
4. Check your veggie saver every few days. If you notice that it is starting to dry out, sprinkle or spray some water over the outside of the bag. 

Tips & Tricks 

• If you don't have enough space in your crisper for the veggie saver, simply pop it on a shelf in your fridge. It will just need some extra moisture to prevent it from drying out. 
• Don’t forget to wash the veggie saver every 2-3 weeks or as needed

4. Should you wash your produce before putting it in the Veggie Saver?

Washing your produce before adding it to your veggie saver isn't essential, but it is recommended for best results.

To help reduce germs and bacteria, soak your fruit and veggies in a sink of lukewarm water with a splash of white vinegar or our 4-in-1 zero-waste dish and laundry bar for 5 to 10 minutes. After soaking, rinse off and pat the produce dry before placing it in the Veggie Saver. Avoid storing wet produce, as excess moisture can lead to mould or spoilage. Keeping your veggies dry and clean helps the Veggie Saver work its magic for longer-lasting freshness.

5. What fruits and vegetables can you store in the Veggie Saver?

The Veggie Saver works well for:

• Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach and kale
• Herbs such as coriander, parsley and mint
• Crunchy fruits and vegetables like carrots, capsicum, apples, celery, broccoli, zucchini, cucumbers and beans
• Berries, leave these in their punnets so they don't get squished and add the punnet into the Veggie Saver
• Mushrooms, just make sure NOT to wet the Veggie Saver. Instead, place these ones into a dry veggie saver and pop it in your crisper
• Root vegetables like potatoes, garlic and onions,  keep these in a dry Veggie Saver and store in your pantry instead of the fridge

6. What not to store together in your Veggie Saver

It's important to only store unripened fruit in your Veggie Saver. To keep everything fresher for longer, store ripe fruit separately and only use your Veggie Saver for unripe fruit and most veggies. Once ripe, transfer them to your fruit bowl and eat them within 1–2 days. 

That’s because many fruits release ethylene gas as they ripen, which can cause other produce to spoil faster. Ethylene-producing fruits include: apples, avocados, bananas, melons, mangoes, peaches, pears, plums, tomatoes and more.

7. How do you stop mould from growing inside the Veggie Saver?

Mould is rare but can happen, especially if your bag stays too damp or produce begins to rot. Because the Veggie Saver is made from natural unseeded cotton, it’s important to keep it clean and dry between uses.

To prevent mould, follow these simple tips:

• Wash and fully dry your produce before storing
• Eat or compost produce before it spoils
• Clean your fridge monthly using undiluted white vinegar
• Keep your fridge temperature between 1 and 4°C
• Wash your hands before handling the bag
• Make sure surfaces are clean and dry before placing the bag on them
  

Noticed black specks? Don’t stress. They may just be natural cotton seeds, especially if they appear evenly throughout the fabric. Mould usually looks blotchy and appears in one concentrated area.

If you do spot mould:

• Treat the area with clove oil or tea tree concentrate
  
• Hang in direct sunlight to dry
  
• Cold wash with natural detergent
  
• Rinse with vinegar
• Repeat if needed

If the mould is widespread, it’s best to compost the bag and give your fridge a thorough clean. With the right care, your Veggie Saver will stay fresh and mould-free.

8. How long does a Veggie Saver last?

With proper care, your Veggie Saver can last for years. That’s years of saving food from landfill, reducing single-use plastic and stretching your grocery budget. 

If you start to notice the fabric becoming worn after many years of use, you can cut the Veggie Saver into small pieces and add it to your compost or garden, trust us, the worms will love it!  

Ready to reduce food waste and keep your veggies fresher for longer?

The Veggie Saver is a must-have for every sustainable kitchen. It’s natural, breathable, reusable and easy to care for. Whether you're looking to stretch your grocery budget, ditch plastic or simply stop tossing soggy herbs and bendy carrots, it will be your trusty kitchen sidekick for years. See it in action here! 

It is a small swap with a big impact. Ready to make the switch? Shop The Veggie Saver here and other zero-waste kitchen and food food storage alternatives here. 

Until next time GFZs

With Love, 
Ellie xxx