This Saturday the families who produce the goods which make up our weekend lunches, brunches and dinners will once again lead a push to reduce the mark we make on the planet.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Keeping with Plastic Free July, the Orange Farmers Market Committee will put out a friendly reminder to shoppers and stallholders to remind them of a commitment made 12-months ago to cut the plastic.
Committee president Paula Charnock said when shopping centres made the single-use plastic bag ban, almost a year ago, market stallholders were implementing similar policies.
Food sellers changed from plastic containers, cutlery and plates to bamboo and compostable products.
Market coffee sellers brought in planet friendly options too.
Thorns Coffee Cart uses biodegradable cups and lids, reuses its coffee bags and sends its used grounds to Bodhi Garden after the market to be used as fertiliser.
At Thornbrook Orchard, Mrs Charnock switched from serving fruit in plastic bags to using a plant-based bag both at the market and at the Nashdale shed shop.
The cost to the business is 3c a plastic bag compared to 24c for the sustainable option.
She said while the extra expense can be a deterrent to businesses, she calculated hers alone had prevented 15,000 plastic bags from going into the environment in one year.
"From a business perspective it's been good, people often tell us they're glad they're not taking home another plastic bag," she said.
Mrs Charnock said with FOOD Week certified sustainable and the Orange Farmers Market stallholders leading their own charge to reduce waste, there was an opportunity for the city to make a positive impact in the fight against plastic.
"Let's all get in and do this and make a difference," she said.
The Orange Farmers Market will take place at the Orange Showgrounds from 8.30 to 12pm on Saturday.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...