Sydney Sustainable Markets

Overview

Kick off the weekend right with a Saturday morning trip to the Sydney Sustainable Markets, run weekly from 8am to 1pm. Inner-city dwellers have a rare opportunity to speak directly with the growers of their produce, as at this market there isn't a single reseller in sight. Every retailer is directly involved with the production of what they are selling in a hands-on way, and they are all certified organic.

Embracing the slow food philosophy of good, clean and fair, every piece of fresh fruit or veg you get your hands on is free from the bad stuff — nothing genetically engineered and nothing covered in heavy chemicals — and has been grown, farmed, pickled, preserved, baked or smoked by the person you are handing your money to. This means you are minimising your environmental footprint, gaining access to real product knowledge and directly supporting local farmers.

As well as selling everything you need to stock up for the week, there are also communal tables to sit, sip on a fresh OJ and read up on sustainable living. There are also regular mini-seminars and talks from those in the know aimed at helping increase urban sustainability. Hear from local chefs, foodies and farmers about how you can make your everyday life more sustainable.

Don't forget your reusable bags and cups — it goes without saying that this market is a plastic-free zone. Unless you want to bring down your old plastic bags to be repurposed.