PLA Plastics - A Compostable Option!

One of our core values at the Kearsarge Food Hub is promoting the health and vitality of the Earth. We do this on Sweet Beet Farm by using regenerative, organic practices and by reducing our plastic usage as much as possible. 

One of the ways we are reducing our use of plastic is by switching from petroleum-based plastic clamshells to biodegradable PLA plastic clamshells for the sale of all of our leafy greens. 

Did you know you can return these PLAnt-based clamshells to Sweet Beet Market or Warner Public Market for proper composting?

Please do, while you’re scooping up your next batch!

PLA plastic is bioplastic material that is sourced from plants (rather than fossil fuels like conventional plastic), synthesized into usable material, and is biodegradable when its journey through useful life is complete. While we recognize that single-use packaging in all forms is problematic, we are committed to sourcing materials that help us minimize our impact and realize our values.

Read more about our PLA plastic clamshells and other ways Sweet Beet is reducing our carbon footprint in our 2022 Earth Day blog post, Earth Love at the Sweet Beet, and click here to hear Pierre, Sweet Beet Farm Manager, discuss the ways we’re reducing plastic on the farm.

Looking for more ways to reduce your plastic waste?

So are we! Here are some ideas and local solutions we’re into:

• Shopping in bulk whenever possible, including at Warner Public Market in Warner, NH, which has a bulk food section, and Witching Hour Provisions’ Refill Station in Contoocook, NH, which has dozens of personal care and home cleaning products to refill. The Upper Valley Food Coop in White River Junction, VT also has an extensive bulk department.

• Using reusable shopping bags and produce bags

• Switching to local lotions & potions, including shampoo and conditioner, that come in glass or paper

• Ditching plastic wrap for bee’s wrap and single-use ziplock bags for reusables

• Saying no-thanks to plastic cutlery when ordering take-out, and keeping a reusable set in the car

• Learning to correctly recycle more plastic, including plastic bags and other types of “plastic film”; learn more on page 8 of June 2023’s Bradford Bridge

• Challenging ourselves (and our friends!) by signing up for Plastic Free July, a global movement that’s working to reduce the use of single-use plastics

• Scrolling through this list for many, many more ideas!

Join our mailing list and find us on social media for more information on this and other important connections between our food and environmental wellbeing!