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PRESCOTT FARMERS MARKET PROGRAM

sustainability

The Saturday market produces waste, whether it’s the corn husks from tamales, plastic cups from iced drinks or forks from one of our prepared food vendors. At Prescott Farmers Market, we take our role in fighting climate change seriously and make an effort to reduce the amount of waste the market produces.

What is sustainability? The most widely accepted definition came from the United Nations Brundtland Commission in 1987: “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The core of PFM’s mission is to support and expand local agriculture, which means doing our part to both mitigate and adapt to climate change. When our farmers and ranchers face devastating weather events, we all suffer.

We all have a role to play and the choices we make affect our greater community. Our goal at PFM is to make the market a sustainable event. Here are some of the actions we’re taking:

  • Since November of 2022, styrofoam is not allowed at the market. Vendors will provide alternative containers for to-go foods.
  • PFM provides reusable plates (made from wheat straw!) to prepared food vendors. Customers who are eating food at the market can use these plates and drop them off at the Sustainability Booth to be washed and sanitized by volunteers.
  • Compost, recycling and landfill bins are located throughout the market to encourage vendors and customers to recycle and compost. We have dedicated volunteers who dig through all the leftover market trash and sort into compost, recycle and landfill, so that only actual trash goes to the dump. All compostable items break down along with your food scraps in our Community Compost Project.

Here are some ways you can help:

Metal straws

Bring your own straw. Metal straws and cleaning brushes are available for purchase at the Information Booth for $2.

bring your own container

Bring a glass jar and lid for your favorite cold market beverages.  And of course, don’t forget to lug your mug for hot coffee or tea. If you forget, the Sustainability Booth has you covered with clean reusable drink containers.

Ask for a PLate

Getting a ready-to-eat meal? Ask the food vendor for a reusable plate. Remember, paper and napkins can be composted! And if you’re taking food home, bring your own container and ask vendors to put your food in it.

Share your opinion

Continue the open dialogue! Share your opinions and suggestions with PFM staff and encourage family and friends to make small adjustments in their shopping practices while at PFM.

bring your own cutlery

Plastic cutlery is not recyclable and ends up in our landfill. Bring your own fork, spoon and/or knife. If you forget, the Information Booth has you covered with bamboo cutlery sets for sale.

Reusable tote bags

Use reusable tote bags for your market shopping. We have a large box of free tote bags available at the Sustainability Booth, as well as PFM totes for sale at the Information Booth.

Donate

Donate crucial funds that will go towards planning, analyzing and implementing bringing compostable containers for our vendors to purchase at a reduced cost.

Volunteer

Volunteer! Help sort waste that accumulates during a busy market. Several 30-minute sorting shifts are available and gloves are provided!  Or help at the Sustainability booth. Share information with the public about recycling options and composting practices. Visit our volunteer page to get involved.

With the help of dedicated staff, volunteers, vendors and customers, together we have made a strong start towards the market being a zero-waste event.