Thesis
Measuring the environmental sustainability of farmers' markets: two case studies from Clark County, Washington
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2010
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/102089
Abstract
Farmers' markets are growing in number and in attendance across the United States. As this trend is likely to continue, evaluating the sustainability of farmers' markets is important. Sustainability includes social, economic, and environmental components. While much research has been conducted regarding the social and economic benefits of farmers' markets, few studies have investigated the environmental aspects of farmers' markets. I use qualitative and quantitative research methods to evaluate the environmental footprint of two farmers' markets in Clark County, Washington. Rapid market assessments (which include customer counts, dot surveys, and observations) were used as well as interviews and vendor surveys. The waste stream, carbon footprint, vendor growing practices, water and energy use, and environmental education of the Battle Ground Farmers' Market and the Camas Farmers' Market were investigated. Data show that while both markets are environmentally sustainable in some areas, there are many ways the markets could improve their overall environmental sustainability. This research offers a comprehensive environmental sustainability checklist which researchers and farmers' market managers can use to evaluate current sustainability efforts.
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Details
- Title
- Measuring the environmental sustainability of farmers' markets
- Creators
- Alison Marie Wesockes
- Contributors
- Jessica R. Goldberger (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Environment, School of the (CAHNRS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900525127801842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis