Sustainability Policy
Salem Community Markets recognizes the responsibility of all its members to support environmental sustainability.
Following proposals to ensure both the safety of our land, air and water, and the profitability and long-term sustainability of our vendors and their businesses. Our guests look to local markets to lead the way in environmentally responsible practices. In addition, implementing these policies has the potential to reduce SCM’s garbage hauling fees, freeing up funds for better purposes.
The following policies will be implemented in the 2020 market season.
- Continue the current reusable silverware system at Saturday Market.
- Replace plastic “t-shirt” (grocery style) bags with alternatives including paper, bio based bags, and reusable. Salem Community Markets branded reusable bags will be available for sale to customers and available to vendors at cost to sell or give away at their booth.
- Plastic and Styrofoam to-go containers must be replaced by paper or biodegradable alternatives.
- Use of compostable alternatives to plastic cups and lids whenever possible (exceptions to this may be offered if no reasonable alternative exists). This policy also applies to hot beverage vendors with plastic-lined paper cups.
- Plastic straws and lids must be offered BY REQUEST ONLY, not visibly displayed or given by default. This applies to all food and beverage vendors (e.g. coffee, iced tea, juice). No excessive plastic packaging (e.g. “dome-style” beverage lids). Compostable alternatives may be used.
- All backup/ additional disposable cutlery provided by vendors must be bio based/compostable.
- All sample cups/spoons must be bio based/paper/wood.