Indie Flea’s Green Initiative
Indie Flea is an Ocean Friendly event that enforces a ban on single-use plastic for all vendors. Please replace all single-plastic (packaging, bags, to-go containers, cutlery, cups, wax paper or wax lined cups, straws, styrofoam) with compostable or paper products. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in a ban from future events.
We recommend that food vendors use this form to ensure all requirements are met.
Below you will find some helpful guidelines.
Feel free to email us at info@theindieflea.com if you are unsure about the sustainability of your products.
What is a zero waste event?
A zero waste event is structured to divert at least 90% of the waste away from the landfill. In order to accomplish this, we have to do everything thing we can to eliminate disposable goods in the first place. When disposable goods are necessary, the materials must be recyclable or compostable. Compostable items are preferred because food contaminated recyclable items are no longer recyclable.
How do I know if my product is compostable?
Beware, “biodegradable” does not mean “compostable”. When ordering your products, please make sure you look for BPI certified compostable or ASTM D6400/D6868 compliant or PLA #7. When in doubt, please email info@theindieflea.com to verify whether or not wares you are considering buying are compostable. It's really important that you know which wares you are using. It's the difference between going to the landfill, or being recycled into rich soil.
Why can’t I use plastic forks, knives, and spoons?
These can not be recycled due to their size, shape and food contamination. It must, therefore, must go to the landfill.
How do I know if my product is recyclable?
Here's what can be recycled: jars, jugs, cans, bottles, and aluminum. However, if your product is made of two of these materials, it can not be recycled. These are called “composite” materials, meaning they’re composed of more than one material. Unless they can easily be separated, it can not be recycled.
Did you know the recycle symbol on the bottom of plastic does not mean it can be recycled? The
number on the bottom of a plastic product surrounded by three arrows does not mean it can be
recycled. That is simply the “resin ID number”, basically, the type of plastic it is.
Won’t compostable materials be more expensive?
You may find your product is a few pennies or nickels more expensive. We hope this is a cost that can be shared with the customers. Since all vendors at Indie Flea are switching to compostable materials, you won’t be at an unfair disadvantage.
Why can’t I use paper products with wax lining?
If there’s wax on it, it can’t be composted. Unfortunately, any product made of two different materials can not be composted or recycled and ends up in the landfill.
A Vendor’s Guide to Zero Waste
Vendor Resources
Below are a few links to resources for compostable alternatives. If you are unsure about the sustainability of your products or need additional help, please email us at info@theindieflea.com.
Click Here for Local Resource for Food & Packaging Products
This source (Auburn Supply Group) is located in Pinellas County and has free local pickup!
Click here for food service and general products.
Click here for bags (art sleeves, food service, etc.)
Are you already using a sustainable brand you love and want to share with vendors? Let us know!
Thank you all so much for your support with our eco-initiative!