Visitors to the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market on Saturdays this summer may have noticed a new feature near the welcome table. A small recycling station is set up that invites market-goers to drop off glass and egg cartons that can still be put to good use, especially by produce vendors. The idea came about rather organically early in the season. Emmie Sheretz happened to be volunteering at the welcome booth when a shopper paused to ask if the market recycled any items.
“I thought, no, but that’s a really good idea,” recounts Sheretz. The 33-year-old Tuscumbia, Alabama native is mother of Alexander, 2, and Benjamin, 4. Her husband, Sam, is an instructor pilot at Columbus Air Force Base.
When a discussion began about recycling, Sheretz found herself volunteering to get something started. While the effort is limited at present to glass and egg crates, its proponents hope the idea will catch on.
“Hopefully we’ll expand in the future, but right now this seemed manageable, and we wanted to gauge the community support,” said Sheretz. The goal is a continuous circle of people coming to the market, buying items and returning what can be repurposed. At the end of market hours on Saturdays (7-10 a.m.), vendors can check the bins to see what they might be able to use, especially canning jars and egg containers. If there are items left, Sheretz makes sure they make it to a recycling pickup.
Getting involved in the farmers’ market — and in the community — was no stretch for Sheretz, who resided in California for four years before the move to Columbus.
“Recycling and the farmers’ market were part of our daily lives there,” she said. “I was really excited and encouraged to find a farmers’ market here. … The first time I actually went, I said, this is awesome — where can I fit in?” That question was quickly answered.
Main Street Columbus, the umbrella organization for the market, applauds the recycling campaign. It can contribute to the earth’s overall health, said Barbara Bigelow, MSC executive director.
“It helps keep the air, water and land clean … it is a simple and easy way to help save the environment,” remarked Bigelow, inviting all to visit the market, not only to support local farmers and craftspeople, but to enjoy the outdoors and the friendships that can be made.
Participating in recycling can also inspire a community sense of pride, Sheretz pointed out. Just like having a farmers’ market for area growers, bakers, canners and artisans to gather and offer their goods.
“Every week there is something new,” she said. From fresh breads to blueberries picked that morning, the market appeals to all the senses. Shoppers can talk to farmers, asking how produce was grown, engaging in conversations that give a better sense of where our food is coming from.
“And if you have kids, we always have a fun activity for children,” Sheretz added.
Bigelow said, “We’re thrilled to provide a recycling drop-off point for the designated items on Saturday mornings and are thankful to Emmie for providing this service for us.”
So, gather the glass and egg cartons and bring them along Saturday mornings to the market at Second Avenue and Second Street North. Recycle, revisit, renew.
“Honestly,” Sheretz said, “the hardest part is just walking out your front door.”
The Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market is open Mondays 4-6 p.m. and Thursdays and Saturdays 7-10 a.m. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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