TWFM Eliminating Single-Use Plastics

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Troy Waterfront Farmers Market Eliminating Single-Use Plastics

Customers Encouraged to Bring own Bags, Certain Plastic Will Stay in Use

TROY, N.Y. (01/02/20) — Beginning this Saturday, the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market will be eliminating single-use plastics in advance of local and state laws that will take effect later this year.

"Starting the New Year, our customers will find a different approach to plastics at our market," said Market Manager Steve Ridler. "We understand that this is a complicated issue, so we are giving our vendors and our customers some time before the laws take effect to find workable ways to reduce plastic waste at the market. The market is taking a stance to address the world-wide issue of plastics and the environment."

Not all plastic will be disappearing from the market. As outlined in state regulations that will take effect on March 1, plastic bags can and should still be used to isolate meat and fish products. Pre-packaged foods meant to be taken home with customers may still be contained within plastic.

With exceptions for meat and fish products, vendors will no longer supply market customers with plastic shopping bags. Individual vendors may elect to supply customers with paper or other types of reusable bags, however all customers are encouraged to bring their own shopping bags to the market. Re-usable shopping bags will continue to be available for purchase at the Market Information table every Saturday. The market is also exploring a range of smaller mesh bags and re-usable paper bags.

"If you've got bags at home, please bring them with you," Ridler said. "If you find yourself needing bags, you can always buy them at the Market Information table or from the vendors, who have their own bags, and bring them next time."

Also starting this Saturday, in anticipation of The City of Troy's Plastic-Free Hudson River Act, the prepared food vendors at the market will be replacing many items -- such as, sample tasting cups, drink cups, straws, stirrers, cutlery and food containers -- with compostable and re-usable products for food and drink that is consumed at the market.

“The goal of these efforts is to reduce plastic waste and shift to more sustainable practices, based around composting and reuse.” Ridler said. “Over the next weeks and months, the market will be working with our vendors and our customers to find the most appropriate products that will increase sustainability at the market.”