Every Saturday morning, rain or shine, hundreds of San Diego County residents and visitors head to the Vista Farmers Market, where fresh produce, local makers, live music, and food trucks create a welcoming community atmosphere.
It’s not only the oldest farmers market in the county, it's also getting recognition for its efforts to reduce single-use plastics.
Market Coordinator, Mark Wall, who led the transition, says they started by taking small steps, beginning with phasing out plastic bags. He says that vendors went from distributing innumerable plastic bags each week to providing a handfull of paper ones and saved money in the process.
Produce vendors also switched to compostable paper containers instead of plastic clamshells.
Many vendors who now sell their products in glass jars instead of plastic offer discounts to customers who return them for reuse.
It’s not only more sustainable, according to one vendor the products taste better in glass.
Food trucks have joined the effort by using compostable foodware instead of plastic straws, cutlery, and containers.
More than 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, harming wildlife, polluting beaches, and entering the food chain. Much of this pollution comes from disposable items, such as plastic bags, utensils, cups, and food packaging—items which are used once and then thrown away.
Farmers markets, which promote healthy choices and shopping local, have an important role to play in protecting the environment and human health from plastic pollution.
The Vista Farmers Market’s reduction in single-use plastics is the result of a focused campaign. Over time, vendors have cut plastic packaging by an impressive 80%.
A survey Wall conducted in August 2025 highlighted that shoppers want change. Survey results indicated that 81% of customers are concerned about plastic food packaging.
Customers now feel they’re protecting their health and contributing to a cleaner community and coastline, while vendors benefit from clear guidance and support. When people prioritize plastic reduction and take action together, meaningful progress becomes possible.
Plastic pollution is a global problem, but the Vista Farmers Market is evidence that solutions begin locally.
For more about Mark Wall and the Vista Farmers Market, watch CBS's Earth8 segment with Chief Meteorologist Karlene Chavis.