Sustainable food choices

people shopping at a farmers market. An example of sustainable food choice.

Overview

The choices we make about food can have widespread impacts on the:

  • health of our bodies
  • ecosystem
  • farmers
  • other workers within the supply chain.

We can make a positive impact with each purchase. This page provides information about what we can do as individuals. 

Join your local community garden

Community gardening is a great way to:

  • improve your wellbeing
  • connect with your community
  • grow your own supply of nutritious food
  • share your tips and and learn new skills.

There are currently two active community gardens in the Byron Shire.

Mullumbimby Community Garden

Mullumbimby Community Garden (MCG) is located on 2ha of Council land at the southern end of Stuart Street, Mullumbimby. The Garden is an interactive facility that integrates principles of organic gardening, composting, water conservation, energy efficiency, recycling and creative art. MCG consists of communal gardens, as well as private allotments where members can harvest their own organic fruit, vegetables and flowers. 

Mullumbimby Community Gardens website

Ocean Shores (Shara) Community Garden

Ocean Shores (Shara) Community Gardens is located on 1,600m2  of Council land adjoining Shara Boulevarde in North Ocean Shores. The communal garden will include veggie beds, fruit and nut tree orchards, shade structures, compost bays and water tanks.  

Ocean Shores (Shara) Community Gardens website

Community Garden Policy and Guidelines

Thinking about starting a new community garden? Read our Byron Shire Community Gardens Policy and Guidelines:

 

Byron Shire Council recognises community gardens as legitimate social assets that enhance local food security. Council is committed to the promotion, development and management of community gardens across the Shire in accordance with best practice guidelines.

The Byron Shire Community Gardens Policy aims to facilitate the establishment of new community gardens and regulate the management of existing community gardens on Council owned land. The Policy is designed to be read in conjunction with the Byron Shire Community Gardens Guidelines, which simply explains how to develop, implement and maintain a successful community garden in Byron Shire. 

 

Consider your food choices

Food and grocery items can have a large impact on the environment and the people that grow and produce it. Things to consider when buying your weekly groceries include:

  • Buy in bulk and avoid unnecessary packaging.
  • Look for fair trade and organic labels. Fair trade ensures that workers within the supply chain are paid an adequate living wage. Buying organic ensures that the health of the environment, farmers, animals and consumers is not compromised by the application of synthetic chemicals.
  • Only buy what you need. Food waste has become a huge global issue. Write a weekly meal plan to limit over-buying, grow your own, or start composting at home 

Shop local

Here in the Byron Shire we have plenty of options available to shop local and organic, for example farmers markets and local, independent stores.

Here is our guide to some of our favorite local grocery options:

Weekly Farmers Markets

Location Day Time
New Brighton    Tuesdays     8-11am 
Byron Bay Thursdays 8-11am 
Mullumbimby Fridays 7-11am 
Bangalow Saturdays  8-11am

Monthly Arts, Crafts and Food Markets

Location Date
Brunswick Heads      
 1st Saturday of the Month 
Byron Bay 1st Sunday of the Month 
Byron Flea Market 2nd Saturday of the Month 
Mullumbimby 3rd Saturday of the Month
Bangalow 4th Sunday of the Month 

 

 

Back to top