1000 Flowers for the Planet - #633 Encourage Plastic-Free Farmers Markets

1000 Flowers for the Planet - #633 Encourage Plastic-Free Farmers Markets

Farmers Markets are very popular these days. You’re sure to find a local one or two, where you can access fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and other produce grown locally. You may even be meeting the farmers themselves. This is terrific for the farmers, who have good product to sell, and purchasers, who have access to fresh foods and the pleasure of supporting their fellow countrymen. Other local craftspeople add to the pleasure of the market. Attendees are often people who are mindful of where their food comes from, animal welfare rights, and their footprint on the environment

But how much plastic is being passed around? As the farmers market already does so much good for the local community, health, welfare and the planet, let’s take it an extra step and make the farmers market a plastic free environment. You may already take your own carry bags or baskets to gather your purchases but if you see plastic bags being used, why not suggest to the market organisers that they add the extra layer of environmental protection by banning plastic, even if they just start with plastic bags. It may be a good opportunity for a craftsperson to have a stand selling handmade cotton or calico bags or even an information stand where people can get ideas for how to transport their purchases. It might be the suggestion to take your own esky (cold food container) for your meat purchases. There could be a bag exchange stand where people can drop off unwanted paper bags they have gathered from commercial shopping, and those who come unprepared can go and collect a paper bag for free.

These things are really only different ways of thinking and behaving. They don’t take more effort than the bad habits we already have – they are just different habits, better habits that promote much better outcomes, such as community support, personal interaction with people you wouldn’t otherwise talk to, environmental protection from plastic waste and a healthier planet.