Hey earth muffins! Shopping at the farmer’s market is a fantastic way to support local farmers, indulge in fresh and seasonal produce, and reduce your environmental impact. To make your farmer’s market experience even more sustainable, keep reading for the best tips for low waste farmer’s market shopping:
Tips for Shopping Low Waste:
- Bring your own bags: Instead of relying on single-use plastic bags provided at the market, bring your own reusable bags, baskets, or totes. These can hold your fruits, vegetables, and other purchases without generating unnecessary waste. Even for smaller produce like berries, put them into your own container so that the seller can reuse the box again.
- Avoid packaging: Look for vendors who offer unpackaged produce or products. Choose loose fruits and vegetables rather than those pre-packaged in plastic or other materials. With your own bag in hand (see tip #1), you can be totally plastic-free! For items that aren’t produce, choose items that are packaged in glass jars like honey, nuts, etc.
- Embrace seasonal produce: Seasonal produce is not only fresher and tastier but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting out-of-season fruits and vegetables. Focus on purchasing what’s in season, as it often requires less packaging and supports local agriculture.
- Reuse things like rubber bands: Sometimes produce is wrapped in rubber bands at the farmer’s market. You can either give them back to the seller or you can reuse them at home. I personally have an upcycled Oui yogurt container full of rubber bands that I utilize whenever I need one. Such a great way to keep them out of the landfill!
Remember, every small step counts when it comes to reducing waste. By implementing these tips and making mindful choices at the farmer’s market, you can enjoy delicious, fresh produce while minimizing your environmental impact. Will you be doing any low waste farmer’s market shopping this summer? Comment below and let me know how you reduce your waste!
Love,
Jenna ♥
These are great suggestions! I haven’t been to a farmers market in ages, but it’s something that I plan to do more now that the weather is nice.