Plastic Free July at Cardiff Farmers Markets
Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps people to become part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can all enjoy cleaner streets, oceans, and communities.
The awareness month has already inspired 100+ million participants in 190 countries, but continued support is needed now, more than ever; globally, we use millions of tonnes of single use plastic every year, and it’s becoming clear that we can’t recycle it all - not even close.
Plastic is not only polluting our environments, impacting communities all over the world, and contributing to the climate crisis - but it’s also making its way into our bodies through the air we breathe and the food we eat.
At our markets, we want to be part of the solution, so you can shop for fresh fruit and vegetables which are sold without any plastic packaging - simply bring your own shopping bag and pick up as much or as little as you need; the same goes for bread, pastries and cakes.
We are also striving for all of our other traders to reduce their plastic use wherever possible (and we do not allow Styrofoam at any of our markets). As standard, all of our traders must state how they will package their products to avoid plastic wherever they possibly can.
As a result, we have a number of traders who are playing their part to tackle the plastics problem, for example;
The Micro Greengrocer: Amanda’s glass Rinse-Return-Refill policy has been extremely successful; she even receives enquiries across the globe asking for tips on how to manage a similar scheme!
Inner City Pickle: Eira’s business is completely plastics free, but she also reuses any glass jars returned to her (after sterilisation and a fresh lid). With a 10p given back for every glass jar that comes back, most customers put theirs into Eira’s charity pot which supports the Huggard centre - raising hundreds of pounds every year.
Pettigrew Bakery: Offers a discount to shoppers who take advantage of reusable bread bags, and offers paper bags with compostable windows for all other takeaway products. Find out more here.
Slad Valley Mushrooms: Grow and sell gourmet mushrooms along with mushroom inspired products whilst trying to have zero waste throughout all their processes from start to finish. Their punnets are made from compostable materials and make for perfect seed trays when growing at home!
Other tips for shopping plastic free at the market include:
Bring your own coffee cup: most single-use cups are non-recyclable, and even the biodegradable ones require a special facility to do so. The most eco-friendly cup is your own!
Shop for loose fruit & veg: avoid the plastic wrapped, pre-packed veg from the supermarket by shopping at your local farmers’ market
Buy bar soap and shampoo, instead of liquid in plastic bottles: these are often made with higher quality ingredients and less nasty irritants
BYO containers, bags and lunchboxes: for taking your market-fresh treats treats and produce back home.