26. Artisan Farmers’ Market: Alternatives to single-use plastics

Organization Information

Organization Name

Artisan Farmers' Markets

Mission and Vision of Organization

Mission

To connect consumers directly with local farmers, small food producers and artisanal makers in order to support the community’s financial, social and environmental objectives.

Vision

To celebrate BC farmers, food and handmade items in vibrant, welcoming, community-connected markets.

Guiding Principles + Values

To support local farmers and small business people who grow, make, bake, raise, or wild-harvest their product in BC by creating strong sales channels.

Contact Information

• Primary Contact Person(s): Tara
• Email: tara@immell.com
• Phone: 6049882165
• Address: Burnaby, Lonsdale, and West Vancouver
• Website: artisanmarkets.ca

Preferred Method of Contact

• Best method(s) to contact: Email
• Best day(s) to contact:Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays too.
• Best time(s) to contact: Mornings, Afternoons

Project Description

Context: What challenge or issue does the project aim to address?

In the Fall semester, LFS350 students surveyed farmers' market vendors to understand barriers to sustainable packaging. This project will use these past survey results to see why vendors do not switch to more sustainable packaging.

Main Project Activities

Students will research alternatives to single-use plastics, and investigate markets known for championing the use of compostable items.

Expected Project Deliverable(s)

• A "catalog" of preferred sustainable packaging (and sampling items) commonly used by farmers' market vendors. The "catalog" can be in many formats (e.g. an email, a webpage, a board at the BC Farmers' Market Annual Conference, etc.

Student Assets and Skills (preferred or required)

• Computer skills to be able to make a listing of packaging alternatives
• Interest in zero waste and sustainability
• Comfort level with speaking to market vendors

Student Assets and Skills (to be developed through the project)

• Data gathering skills
• Understanding differences, pros and cons of compostable food packaging options

Are there any mandatory attendance dates (e.g. special event)?

• No

Is a criminal record check required?

• No

Project Location

• Flexible/remote

Preferred Days of Week and Hours

• During designated LFS350 flexible learning times

Related Community Service Opportunities for Students

• Students are welcome to help setup the market.

Required Reading

Project/Partner Orientation Materials

Students should review these materials prior to the first partner meeting:

• Artisan Markets website
• Effects of Compostable Plastics In Vancouver’s Organic Waste Facilities (LFS350 student project, Winter 2016)
• Reducing Waste at Farmers' Markets (LFS350 student project, Fall 2019)
• Request additional past LFS350 student reports from your TA

Additional Project/Partner Orientation Materials

The following will be provided at the first community partner meeting:

• Students will visit a farmers' market early in the semester.