Plastic-Free Farmers Market Toolkit
Farms & food are the last places we want to find plastic…
Why is it still at the farmers market?
No place for plastic.
Farmers markets are a celebration of locally grown produce and artisanal goods. Markets provide customers with wholesome, natural, and local alternatives to often mass-produced, imported, and/or processed foods. Likewise, proud farmers & makers have the opportunity to showcase their connection to the land and cultivate relationships with the communities they serve. Farmers markets embody a sense of community and environmental stewardship, yet the profusion of single-use plastic bags and their throw-away culture undermine these values.
Today, many local producers face challenges on their farms imposed by plastic and pollution. Plastic bags in the environment are especially problematic–posing a threat to animals, crops, equipment, and human health. It makes sense that plastic bags should be eliminated at the very outlet where farmers are selling their products.
The abundance of single-use plastic bags at farmers markets directly clashes with the values of sustainability and eco-consciousness embodied in farmers market culture. Plastic bags also take a considerable physical toll on the local environment by contributing to excess waste and damaging wildlife when they end up as litter. Eliminating single-use plastic bags at farmers markets is a critical first step in reducing this pollution at the source–so that plastic never enters the environment in the first place.
By switching to reusable bags and containers, farmers markets can:
Reduce waste and reinforce their commitment to environmental responsibility,
Invigorate the local circular economy, and
Further deepen the senses of community and connection they foster.
“As long as things like single use plastic bags, cups, and containers are available, people will continue to use them without thinking.”
— Jen Cole, Clean Fairfax
Ready to go plastic-free?
The Plastic-Free Toolkit is a compilation of the best policies and practices for phasing out single-use plastic bags at the farmers market. The methods and information in this resource can also help markets transition to an entirely plastic-free market.
Acknowledgements
This toolkit was made possible by funding from the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia 2024 Environment Fund grant. Thank you also to our friends at the Fairfax County Park Authority Farmers Markets, Clean Virginia Waterways, and Litter Free Virginia for supporting this project!