Reusable Bags for Farmers Markets and National Farmers Market Week

Produce is at its peak at farmers markets across the country. Shopping farmers markets reduces your carbon footprint by shopping local. Your carbon footprint can be reduced even further by walking or riding your bike to the local event instead of using a car. Many products offered at farmers markets are also sustainable, organic or grown without, harmful to the environment, pesticides.

National Farmers Market Week is a yearly celebration sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The week highlights the important role farmers markets play in the nation’s food system. The 17th annual National Farmer’s Market week takes place August 7-13, 2016.

While produce is plentiful at farmers markets, so, unfortunately, are plastic bags. However, there has been much progress over the past five years to ban plastic bags. Many farmers markets, especially those in cities with plastic bag bans, have eliminated plastic bags and created Zero Waste Markets. 

Sponsoring organizations and vendors have the opportunity to make their markets greener and generate revenue by offering reusable shopping bags for purchase. There are a variety of eco-friendly bags, in a range of price points, suitable for farmers markets.

A best-seller at Eco Promotional Products is the Reusable Drawstring Mesh Vegetable Bag. This polyester micro-mesh drawstring bag has a center panel for imprinting and keeps content visible. Durable cotton canvas bags with a long shoulder strap, like the Market Tote, are also popular at farmers markets.

Some Farmers Markets sell products requiring refrigeration like fresh seafood, meat and dairy. Insulated tote bags are a must during the hot summer months. Eco Promotional Products offers large insulated cooler bags made from cotton or recycled non-woven polypropylene. These thermo totes can be used year round for trips to the grocery store or transporting hot or cold dishes to events.

RuMe bags are also widely used at farmers markets. They are incredibly functional and extremely durable. RuMe Bags are double-stitched with 180 denier polyester and they hold more than any other reusable bag on the market today. The medium RuMe can hold up to 50 lbs. When not in use, RuMe Bags can be rolled and secured with a Velcro fastener. If RuMe bags are out of the budget, Eco Promotional Products offers other lower priced foldaway bags that offer similar functionality. 

Looking to make your farmers market greener? Contact Eco Promotional Products to find the best reusable bag for your event.