Jing Jai Farmers Market
A favourite market for thousands of locals with a loyal crowd who spend their weekend mornings here, not just to shop, but to support the growing – excuse the pun – organic community, this is Chiang Mai’s first organic market, and they have come far since the opening six years ago. Owned by Central Group, this is an initiative to support and promote sustainable society through organic, healthy and safe products. In the past couple of months, the market has been working towards being plastic-free with the aim to soon completely ban foam, plastic and staples while promoting eco-friendly containers to all vendors. The market’s next project is to develop a 24 rai of land into a sharing space where people can learn and practice sustainable agricultural techniques taught by farmers themselves. There will be more to come for this rustic neighbouring community mall. If you plan to head there next weekend, don’t forget to bring your own bag or you will be getting a an attitude spanking from your fellow shopper!
45 Atsadathon Road, T. Pa Tan
Open 7am – 1pm (Saturdays and Sundays only)
Tel. 053 231 520
www.jingjaimarketchiangmai.com
Facebook: jjmarketchiangmai
Free Bird Café
The beloved Free Bird Café has opened up its new location, proudly calling itself “Chiang Mai’s first zero waste living store”. Soaps, shampoos and merchandises are sold at this refillable station where customers are encouraged to bring their own recycled containers. Reusable straws and other household items along with apparel are also available. And of course the popular and super tasty vegan food is on the menu. This is also a perfect place to hang out with friends for a casual meet up with nomad girls and they regularly have events. All proceeds will go towards charity including free education for refugees from Burma. Support a good cause, meet lovely people, chill, and dine on uber healthy and tasty grub – what’s not to love?
Sirimankalajarn Soi 9
Open 9am – 9pm (Sundays – Wednesdays) 9am – 5pm (Tuesdays) closed Mondays
Tel. 081 028 5383
Facebook: FreeBirdCafe
Birds Nest Café
This homey café tucked away on Singharat alley is very cautious about using plastic. You won’t see a single piece of either plastic bag or even straw at this place. Almost every item is reusable. Containers for take away are made from bagasse [Yes, we Googled it too: it’s the pulpy residue left after the extraction of juice from sugar cane]. This café also supports organic local small farmers, not just helping them purchase their produces, but also helping them to develop sustainable farming techniques. Nearly every ingredient is organic – garlic, shallots, sweet pepper. So dishes might not be available all year around as the ingredient are often seasonal. Dishes vary from Mediterranean to Thai cuisines. So give it a try and feel smug about how good you are!
Singharat Soi 3, T. Sri Phum
Open 8.30am – 4.30pm
Tel. 095 914 0265
Facebook: birdsnestcafe
