Beauty and the Reusable Bag: Mesh Produce Sacks and More from Caya of Japan

If you haven’t started bringing your own reusable produce bags to the market, let these fetching examples provide the necessary nudge. They’re part of the Caya Collection, a line of home goods made of kaya, the all-cotton mesh traditionally made in Nara, Japan as mosquito netting. “As the use of these nets fell out of favor, kaya found new life, thanks to the fact that it’s lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly,” explains Japanese import company Rikumo of Philadelphia, which just began carrying the line.

In addition to food sacks, Caya also offers furoshiki-style totes and oven mitts, all from the same cotton mesh in the colors of tropical fruit. Look no further for a useful summer host or hostess present.

Above: Caya Mesh Produce Bags come in three sizes, priced at $7, $10, and $15, from Rikumo.

Above: The bags are made in five colors, including silver (L) and tan, burgundy, and Yamabuki yellow (R). Not shown: navy. They get softer and more supple with use.

Above L: The reusable bags make a great gift-wrap alternative. They come in burgundy (shown), navy, and Yamabuki yellow (named after a neon-colored koi). Above R: The pointed ends tie to make a tidy satchel, chopsticks optional.

Peruse The Organized Home kitchen storage archive for more ideas, including:

• Aha! Hack: Finally, a Pretty Way to Store the Kitchen Sponge
• 10 Easy Pieces: All-Glass Kitchen Containers
• 6 Favorites Fabric Covers: A Better Way to Wrap Leftovers