St. Petersburg, FL (May 3, 2018) – Beginning May 5, St. Petersburg’s Saturday Morning Market will join the crusade for clean oceans by supporting the use of reusable bags instead of plastic bags for Market purchases. The Bay Before Bags’ awareness campaign, funded with a grant from the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, and partners Surfrider Foundation and the Rise Against Plastics Coalition, is designed to educate Market customers and vendors about reducing the numbers of plastic bags to keep bay waters free and clear of plastics.
Market patrons are encouraged to support the effort by bringing their own reusable bags for weekly shopping; the Market will also have branded, reusable bags available for purchases. Market organizers plan to continue the awareness campaign until plastic bags are eliminated from the Market.
For additional information on clean bays, contact the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, saveit@tbep.org; Surfrider Foundation, chair@suncoastsurfrider.org; Rise Against Plastics, Suncoast RAP@gmail.com; or Dr. David Hastings, Professor of Marine Science, Eckerd College, hastindw@eckerd.edu.
About the Saturday Morning Market: The largest farmer’s market in the Southeast, the award-winning Saturday Morning Market is open weekly from October to May offering high-quality, locally-grown fresh and organic produce, prepared foods, unique gifts and clothing from more than 150 vendors. The Saturday Morning Market, a 501(c)3, is located in the Al Lang Stadium parking lot, 100 1st St. SE, and is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekly. From June through August, the Market changes venues to Williams Park, 350 2nd Ave. N. Visit www.saturdaymorningmarket.com.