For Andi Barness-Rubin, the COVID-19 pandemic led to invention. The Scottsdale woman created a recyclable shopping cart liner to protect people from the germs and grime that cling to carts.

Barness-Rubin, who started Cart Safe in April 2020, points to an often-quoted study from University of Arizona microbiologist Charles Gerba – also known as Dr. Germ – that found E. coli and other bacteria on a random check of shopping carts.

“Once it was learned that the quantity of bacteria found on shopping cart surfaces was higher than those found in public restrooms,” Barness-Rubin said, “we knew we needed to create a cover that would add that much-needed extra layer of protection between shoppers and shopping carts.”

This mother of three – sons 15, 20 and 23 – said keeping families healthy inspired the invention that she created and designed. She has applied for a patent. Barness didn’t give a specific number of cart liners she has sold.

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