My 10 year vision for myself has me waking up bright an early each morning, hitting a local farmers’ market with a mini-me in tow and getting inspired in the moment to cook up a delicious, seasonal and healthful meal for my family that day. Romantic, right? I love the idea of buying bread from the baker, meat from the butcher and produce from a farmer. For now, my shopping habits are less whimsical and more grocery store but every time I get to a market I feel a pang in my heart that connects me to my future self. Here are few tips for shopping ‘market fresh’.

1. the early bird gets the worm freshest produce
Get there early for the cream of the crop. You’ll beat the crowds and earn a little extra face-time with the farmers. It’s a passion and a science to cultivate beautiful produce so don’t underestimate their knowledge when it comes to how to pick and prepare whatever is in season.

2. bring small bills
Often times farmers’ markets will be cash only – do your local vendor a favour and bring the smallest bills you’ve got – you’ll save them from running out of small change and land yourself on their good side (which is a great place to be)!

3. do a once around first
Scope out the scene before you start filling up your basket with goodies – it’s the only way to discover who’s offering the best stuff for the best prices!

4. byo-bag
Everybody wins when you use a reusable shopper. From minimizing waste for the environment to saving the vendor a few cents a bag, it’s an easy way to earn some good karma (and a more reliable way to carry a melon home). Plus, we happen to know a little place that has some great reusable shoppers!

5. know what’s in season
If you know what’s in season you’re more likely to come home with the best tasting stuff. Simple. Check out the app ‘Seasons’ for an easy guide to what’s fresh when, in your region! Bonus: it even lets you know of markets happening close to you!

6. just because it’s a farmers market doesn’t mean it’s local
Take the time to read up on what kind of market you’re headed to. Read the ‘rules’ of the market for insight on what kind of produce you might be looking at. It’s not uncommon for markets to allow vendors to offer commercially-purchased and imported goods. Talk to the people behind the counters for the full story on where you’re food is really coming from – they’ll know it best.

7. organic or not organic?
Here’s another sneaky one – just because something isn’t labeled “organic” doesn’t mean it isn’t produced following organic principles. Certifications can be very expensive and can discourage small local farms from receiving the official documentation. Ask the farmers about their philosophies and make the call accordingly!

8. have a method to your madness
It’s not a bad idea to spend a little time strategically thinking about the order in which you buy stuff. Purchasing heavier items first is great because you’ll want them at the bottom of the bags but you’ll end up having to lug them around. Buying lighter items first is easier on the biceps but will require a rearrange half way through your shop. It’s a personal preference thing but worth considering!

9. take your time
Farmers’ markets are best shopped when you are not on a schedule. Try to avoid “fitting in” a trip on an already busy day - if you’re anything like me you’ll get flustered and stressed. Take the time to soak in the experience and do it right. You’ll leave relaxed and inspired to get creative in the kitchen.

We love the “oohs” and “ahhs” we get from our guests the first time we hand them their first lululemon shopper. Instantly guests want to know: what are these phrases, what’s the deal with this bag, and why are you sharing it with me?

In sharing our shopper with all of our guests, we are sharing a piece of our culture and inspiration as a company. We have traditionally printed our shoppers with the lululemon manifesto, which is a series of statements that embodies our company's vision, culture and beliefs.

We love to see our guests carrying our shopper to and from yoga or around town, as it's a constant reminder of our vision to create components for people to live longer, healthier and more fun lives. The lululemon shopper is made of polypropylene, which is a plastic polymer that is 100% recyclable, does not absorb water, and is very durable.

have one already? opt out!

We know many of you already have a shopper or two, or five, and so we’ve added an “opt out” feature at the end of your online transactions with mother earth in mind. So if you already carry your groceries in your shopper, un-check the box that would send you a new one!

carry on and spread love

Our shopper has been spotted all over the world, and it encourages strangers during a six-hour layover to “breathe deeply and appreciate the moment" or to "sweat once a day" on vacation. We'd love for you to send us a photo of where your shopper has been, where it’s going, and how you are spreading love! Send your shopper photos to onlinecommunity@lululemon.com, post it on our Facebook wall, or tweet them, and we’ll share your inspiration with our guests for the next week.

Why not ride your bike to work and share with us how your reusable shopper keeps you green!

Spread the love and carry on! Namaste.