People are becoming more conscious about where and what they shop in this present age. Food has always been a significant contributor to the severe damage inflicted on our environment, which is one of the reasons why farmers’ markets have gained popularity over the last few years.
Thus, if you’re looking to choose a sustainable vendor at a farmers’ market but aren’t sure what to look for, scan our list below to find out more.
Knowledge
It’s worth discovering as much as possible from vendors at your farmers’ market. No one knows their products as good as the farmer who grew them—therefore, all you need to do is ask. Knowledgeable vendors will be more than happy to tell you about their practices’ sustainability with complete transparency.
Organic Produce
If money isn’t an issue, it’s worth purchasing from a vendor offering organic produce. Concerning food, organic refers to products grown without pesticides, synthetic herbicides, fertilizers, and bioengineered genes. Since these products pollute our environment by contaminating vegetation, it’s certainly worth avoiding them and opting for organic produce.
Distance
Sustainability in farming doesn’t end with the harvesting process. It’s recommended to purchase from farmers with farms in the same local area as the market. This is because these local operations don’t require long journeys to transport food, reducing those all-important carbon dioxide emissions and food miles.
Approach To Waste
What approach does your vendor take to waste? Undoubtedly, all farms end up with products they don’t sell, and food waste has become a colossal problem. The way farmers handle these unwanted extras can show how committed they are to sustainability. So, ask your vendor what they do with their leftover food—if they donate it to local food shelters, compost it, or repurpose it differently, you can be reassured that you’re buying from a sustainable vendor.
By choosing a sustainable vendor at a local farmers’ market, you can be responsible for reducing carbon emissions, decreasing food miles, and supporting your local businesses today.
