We Love Local Food!

Farmers markets are a place consumers shop for healthy and sustainable choices.  However, using plastic bags and single-use plastic containers for freshly grown produce goes against that choice.

The BIG problem with plastic is that it does not biodegrade. It only breaks down into smaller pieces which then work their way into our air, water, soil, the bodies of fish, wildlife and humans. This study by Australia’s University of New Castle found that we are all consuming roughly a credit card’s worth of plastic each WEEK.  Moreover, foods wrapped in plastic carry their own health risks as chemicals from plastic packaging have now been shown to be leaching into our food.

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Ways you can reduce plastic at your farmers market

• Keep reusable bags in the front seat of your vehicle or on your doorknob at home. You’ll remember to grab them if you see them.

• Put clean takeout containers in your shopping bags to protect berries, muffins and other delicate items in transit. Use them as a doggie bag when dining out.

• Bring tea towels to wrap lettuces and greens in, then transfer straight to the crisper.

• Read an excellent information sheet from the Northbrook Farmers Market about the trouble with plastic bags here: http://bitly.ws/oIcK

• Share this page and our Toolkit with your local market manager. Encourage a friend to set up a Bag Share Bin at their local market, learn how here.

• Volunteer with your local Go Green Illinois group to help spread the word.