Compostable Produce Bags: Use • Reuse • Then Compost
We’re excited to introduce compostable produce bags as an alternative to traditional plastic in the produce and bulk departments at both of our stores! You’ll see them marked with special signage and plastic bags will still be available.
These new bags are a simple way to reduce plastic waste and take another step towards our goal of minimizing waste while composting or recycling the rest of the waste. But compostable bags are different from plastic, and there are a few things to know to get the best use out of them.
What Makes Compostable Bags Different?
Compostable produce bags are made from plant-based materials that break down naturally over time. Unlike plastic, they don’t last forever, and that’s a good thing!
You can compost these bags at home (if you have a compost system) or include them in your Farmer Pirates tote for community composting. Over time, they’ll decompose back into organic matter rather than sticking around in the environment.
Because of their natural composition, compostable bags “breathe”, they don’t create a tight seal the way plastic does. That means they’re best used for short-term storage and transporting produce, rather than long-term keeping.
How to Use Compostable Produce Bags
Good For:
Carrying your produce home from the store
Storing firm fruits and vegetables (like broccoli, cauliflower, beets, and carrots) for a few days
Lining your home compost bucket before emptying it into your larger compost system
Not Great For:
Leafy greens: they wilt quickly in compostable bags
Long-term storage: the bags “breathe,” so your produce can dry out faster
For longer storage, transfer your produce into sealed containers or bags once you’re home.
Reduce, Reuse, Compost — and Other Ways to Skip Plastic
Compostable bags are just one of the many ways to reduce plastic waste in our stores. Here are a few more:
No Bag at All! Many items, like bananas, avocados, or onions, don’t need a bag. Go bag-free when you can.
Bring Your Own Bags. Reuse what you already have or grab one of our reusable produce bags available for sale at both locations.
Choose Paper Bags. Small and medium paper bags are available at the bulk stations and at the front end (and yes, paper bags can be composted too!).
Every small step adds up. Together, we can make a big difference by rethinking how we shop, store, and compost. Thanks for being part of our co-op community and creating a cleaner, more circular food waste system, one bag at a time.