Each week we cut through the noise to bring you smart, practical recommendations on how to live better – from what is worth buying to the tools, habits and ideas that actually last.

I’ve always wanted to be that person who shopped at the farmers’ market, just me and a cloth tote bag stuffed with local produce against the world.

In reality, my fridge is stocked with bags of wilted spinach and whatever fruit is on sale at my nearby Trader Joe’s.

Yet our recent piece highlighting the best plastic-free cutting boards to upgrade your cooking inspired me to seek out ways to bump up my produce game – those gorgeous cutting boards deserve better than flavorless, out-of-season tomatoes. Buying local produce can help you better understand where your food comes from and to support those nearby farmers who prioritize sustainability.

So I asked farmers’ market aficionado Brittany Chang for advice. She shares weekly meal plans with ingredients bought solely from Union Square Greenmarket, the biggest farmers’ market in New York City.

I also spoke with the New York Times bestselling author of Big Vegan Flavor, Nisha Vora, and recipe developer and food blogger Tiffany Bach for tips on sourcing local ingredients we’ll actually want to cook with.

Before we go to our farmers’ market haul: you’ll need a good produce bag to carry everything in. If you’re looking for recommendations, our commissioning editor Karen Yuan loves these:

Public Goods Organic Wide Mesh Tote

Now $15.95, originally $19.95 at Public Goods

“This expandable mesh bag is my Mary Poppins bag of grocery totes – it can somehow fit all sizes of fruits, leafy stalks, loaves, and even a bottle of wine and magazines when I’ve brought it to picnics in the park. Its long handles make it easy to sling over the shoulder. Made from organic cotton, it’s lightweight and squishy enough to keep stored in a larger bag for an impromptu food runs. It also comes in handy for storing socks and laundry. And it’s machine-washable.”

Keeki Bread Bag

$27.50 at Amazon $27.50 at Keeki

“I got the homey-feeling yellow gingham bag as a gift with a loaf of bread already in it, which felt like the most thoughtful combo. It’s a sweet yet safe way to store bread: the linen bag is lined with beeswax, materials that help air circulate and the bread breathe. Beeswax also has antibacterial properties that deter mold – but unlike regular beeswax wraps, this bag has a wide mouth and drawstring close for easier access.”

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Spot the bargains

Shopping at the farmers’ market doesn’t have to mean splurging on the $15 carton of strawberries.

“Take a few laps around the market and note what each vendor charges for the produce you want. Compare these prices before you buy anything. It helped me save a lot of money when I first started shopping at the market,” said Chang.

And if you want to snag a discount, timing matters: “When you go later in the day, they are trying to get rid of stuff. They’ll be more eager to get things off their hands that they haven’t sold,” advised Vora.

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Try a farm box subscription service

If you don’t live near a farmers’ market, don’t stress. Bach told me you can also try a produce subscription service. “It’s another great way to support farmers but also know what’s in season,” she said.

For those based in New York or New Jersey, Bach suggested Farm to People. However, you can search for options in other states, such as Farmbox California and Gather and Deliver in Texas.

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Keep an eye out at the grocery store

The farmers’ market isn’t the only place to buy fresh, local produce. Vora said that we should look out for “locally grown” signs at the grocery store. Asparagus is a good example; in off-season months, it might be imported from Mexico, but in the spring or summer, you might be able to find it locally grown. When I do, I will definitely be trying Vora’s lemon asparagus pasta for an easy weeknight meal.

Vora also recommended asking grocery store employees for help identifying any produce that was grown in your region or state. “Generally, people at these jobs are very happy to help you,” she said.

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Savor seasonal selections

Shopping for seasonal produce extends beyond pumpkin in October or corn in August. To mix up your meals, Chang recommended shopping for “hyper-seasonal” items (produce with a short peak season).

“I get excited when I see niche pepper varieties in the fall and fiddlehead ferns in the late spring. I know that sounds absurd to folks who don’t eat seasonally, but to me, it’s become a fun, creative hobby that has instilled a deep sense of gratitude for the food I get to eat.”

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What you loved this week: Material Kitchen’s cutting board

I’m not the only one who was inspired by seasoned culinary journalist Marian Bull’s guide to microplastic-free cutting boards. She spent six weeks testing 10 different models, chopping beets and onions to see how knives felt on each surface and how each board stained.

Many of our readers shared Bull’s love for Material Kitchen’s dishwasher-safe cutting board, as, according to our purchasing data, it was one of your favorite products of the week.

Material Kitchen MK Free Board

$48 at Material Kitchen

Read our guide: The six best plastic-free cutting boards in the US for 2026, tested

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Deal of the week: Anyday glass containers

Since December, when we first sang the praises of Anyday’s glass containers, which can go straight from the freezer to the oven, Filter readers have embraced the plastic-free life. Now we’re delighted to offer a discount: get 20% off anything on the Anyday site with code FILTER20, including the 2-cup glass containers that kitchen pro Emily Farris finds perfect for portioning.

Anyday 2-Cup Glass Round Dish Multipack

Now $32 (with code FILTER20), originally $40 at Anyday

Waste less, save more: Anyday glass food containers transformed how I store leftovers

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Beverage corner: nonalcoholic wines

We’re mere weeks away from Easter brunches, Mother’s Day get-togethers and graduation ceremonies. And this means ample opportunities to pop open a bottle of champagne or to enjoy a crisp glass of white wine.

If you’re craving the celebratory ritual without the side effects, we shared our favorite nonalcoholic wines that taste just as good as the real thing. In our guide, we’ve selected a bottle perfect for commemorating big milestones and one that acts as an ideal companion for party snacks.

French Bloom La Cuvée Vintage

$119 at French Bloom

Duju Non Alc Sparkling Wine

$25 at Duju

Discover our favorite nonalcoholic wine: The 13 best nonalcoholic wines in the US in 2026 – taste-tested and reviewed

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Put to the test: bike lights

Longtime cyclist and product reviewer Josh Patterson wants us to stop underestimating the power of a well-made bike light. “A bike helmet may protect you in a crash, but lights can help prevent one from happening in the first place,” he wrote.

To find the very best on the market, Patterson bravely tested a variety of models, biking in the rain and wintry weather and on dark roads. Among his favorites was this powerful option to improve night-time visibility, and an affordable model ideal for neighborhood rides.

NiteRider Lumina Pro 1550

$153.80 at Amazon $159.99 at Back Country

Ascher Ultra Bright USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set

$16.99 at Amazon

Discover the best bike lights: The best bike lights in the US to see and be seen

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Global favorites: Irish beer

Whether you’re seeking an Irish beer that doesn’t require you to “split the G” or simply want to get out of your comfort zone, we shared the very best Guinness alternatives.

In our guide, beer journalist Beth Demmon introduced us to a whole new world of Irish beers, including a coffee-like stout that has “a bit more oomph than your go-to Guinness” and a “clean, crisp” lager to sip with anything from chicken to pizza.

O’Hara’s Irish Stout

$11.99 for pack of four at Total Wine

Harp Lager (4.5% ABV)

$9.99 for pack of four at BevMo

Read more: The best Irish beers that aren’t Guinness (but still extremely Irish)