Goodbye, plastic bags

Plastic bags, almost as much a part of the farmers market experience as fresh fruits and vegetables, may be on their way out. California Certified Farmers Markets says that over the next year it'll be phasing out plastic bags in favor of paper at its 10 Southern California markets. But fear not for the trees -- these bags will be made from recycled paper from consumer and industrial uses. CCFM is a nonprofit that works with the group Raw Inspiration to manage markets at Century City, Larchmont, Melrose Place, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, La Canada-Flintridge, Calabasas, Park View and two markets in downtown Los Angeles. Of course, the best choice is still the reusable canvas, mesh or string bags that have become a badge of honor for so many marketgoers.

-- Russ Parsons

Photo by Leslie Brenner