In 2020, the Whitefish Farmer's Market began its' Zero Waste project to convert the market into a zero waste market.
What is Zero Waste? The Zero Waste International Alliance defines Zero Waste as “The conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.”
By committing to a zero waste Farmer's Market, the market is diverting trash such as plastics and non-compostable waste products from our local landfill into a responsible and reuseable product—compost. That compost can then be used to grow more food for our community. It's a sustainable way to maintain support our community and steward local resources.
So what can be composted at the market? Any food or food scrap can be thrown in the bins. All meat, all dairy, all produce… ALL food substances. Any non-bleached paper is allowed and BPI-certified compostable containers can be composted as well.
In an effort to further our impact, below are some compostable product supplier sources for your home and business. While not everything can be found locally, we highly encourage supporting local business resources first. Look for BPI-certified compostables as some products marketed as biodegradable still contain micro-plastics.
Resources
Eco Montana
Distributor of biodegradable/compostable, single-use, food service wares across Montana
Bonnie Bio
Certified 100% Compostable 100% Biodegradable Plastic Alternative!
Montana Silver Springs
Recyclable Aluminum Water Bottles, branded with Glacier National Park logo
Philipsburg, MT
Businesses can purchase through Fun Beverage
US Foods
Compostable and bio-based disposable servingware and packaging
BPI-Certified
Search resource for BPI-certified products
Additional Resources
Vendors, let us know about your favorite BPI-Certified providers and we'll add them here!
Composting
Dirt Rich
Food scrap pick-up, composting, and compost product
Dirt Rich is a partner of the Whitefish Farmer's Market, picking up all compostables from every market and turning it into valuable compost. They provide both business and residential service in the Flathead Valley. Visit their website for details about how to compost and where you can buy their compost throughout the valley.
Don't see what you're looking for? Do you have a source for locally-available products? Email us your recommendations.