ALTERNATIVES TO PLASTIC

Our markets are looking especially green these days. Awareness is on the rise about the benefits of eating locally grown food as well as the importance of bringing reusable bags and containers to eliminate excessive waste. But there is still a lot of work to be done. Californians use 19 billion plastic bags each year – or 600 bags every second (California Integrated Waste Management Board) and thousands of those bags are used at our farmers markets.

The numbers can feel overwhelming, but change is our hands. Need some inspiration? Check out a video highlighting Green Wednesdays at the Fairfax Farmers Market, an exciting partnership between Sustainable Fairfax Sustainable Fairfax, The Inconvenient Group, and Marin Farmers Markets, intent on raising awareness on the importance reusable bags.

MFM believes that reusable bags are the best option, and we are proud to offer reusable totes and produce bag, made from organic cotton by a local textile business in San Rafael, at the MFM info booth. Yet we also understand that there is a demand for single use bags, containers, and cutlery at our markets. In summer 2007, MFM members voiced an interest in replacing plastics with biodegradable products. Since then, it seems that customer demand and support continues to grow. Below is a list of resources to get you started on the path to greening your business, an exciting and creative process.

-BioBag USA. Producer of biodegradable bags in assorted sizes. Also available through many local distributors. (727) 789-1646; http://www.biobagusa.com/ .

-Earthware Biodegradables. Local producer of biodegradable cutlery, based in Lagunitas. (800) 211-6747; www.earthwarebiodegradables.com http://www.earthwarebiodegradables.com.

-Excellent Packaging & Supply. Distributor of biodegradable wares including bags, cutlery, cups, and serving containers, based in Richmond. (510) 243-9501 or (800) 317-2737; www.excellentpackaging.com http://www.excellentpackaging.com.

-Green Earth Office Supply. Distributor of biodegradable wares including bags, cutlery, cups, and serving containers, based in Santa Clara. (800) 327-8449, (408) 969-0900; http://www.greenearthofficesupply.com .

-Green Home. Distributor of biodegradable wares including bags, cutlery, cups, and serving containers, based in San Francisco (415) 282-6400; http://www.greenhome.com.

RESOURCES FROM SF ENVIRONMENT

The San Francisco Department of the Environment is setting the curve when it comes to creating a waste system that accounts for biodegradable products. Below are two resources SF Environment created to assist business owners like yourself navigate the world of biodegradable products. Many thanks to SF Environment for their leadership.