Recycling's good. Reuse is great. But waste prevention beats them both — it reduces waste before it starts. This is why the first "R" of the so-called "3Rs," — Reduce — is far preferable to the other two. To illustrate why, think of your local farmer's market.
When you go to a farmer's market instead of the grocery store, you can purchase just the amount you need in minimal packaging (or none if you bring your own bags). Even better, the things you buy at the farmer's market probably came from just a 
few short miles away, rather than from growers and shippers around the world. The farther food has to travel, the more it has to be packaged to protect if from damage. On top of that, it takes far more energy to get it to you.
Here on the Peninsula, there are lots of opportunities to think globally while shopping locally at your farmer's market.
- Belmont Certified Farmers' Market
Location: CalTrains Parking Lot, El Camino Real and O'Neill
Phone: (800) 949 FARM
Hours: Sundays, 9am-1pm, Sundays May-November - Burlingame Fresh Market Certified Farmers' Market
Location: Corner of Howard Avenue and Park
Phone: (650) 334-1735
Hours: Sunday, 9am-1:30pm, May-November - Menlo Park Certified Farmers' Market
Location: Corner of Crane and Chestnut
Phone: (831) 688-8316
Hours: Sundays, 9:30am-1:30pm - Redwood City Certified Farmers' Market
Location: Corner of Winslow and Middlefield
Phone: (650) 592-4103
Hours: Saturdays, 7am-noon, May-November - San Mateo Certified Farmers' Market
Location: College of San Mateo parking lot
Phone: (800) 949-FARM
Hours: Wednesdays, 9am-1pm; Saturdays, 9am-1pm
