Zero Waste Project

The Zero Waste Project has a Real and Immediate Positive Impact in Our World!

Our innovative program's simple objective is to reduce waste at market. We do this by replacing single-use disposables with durable dishes and utensils and capturing food scraps to become compost rather than methane emitting landfill waste.

During 2023, we saved 64,538 items from the landfill (over 33,000 plastic utensils and 31,000 single-use plates, bowls, and cups). 

Each one of those 33,000 utensils used in 2023, represents an instance in which an individual   used a metal fork (or spoon) at Ithaca Farmers Market. This lived experience reverberates within the community and is a source of hope as we recognize that within this small corner of the world, we are collectively changing the culture around single-use plastics. We continue to strive to meet the scale of the durable dish needs and to find a way to make this program a durable part of the market itself. 

Your donation keeps the dishes flowing -- thank you!