Trailblazing in the green movement, Melbourne is an eco-friendly hub with many resources available to those living sustainably. From local neighbourhoods to creative hubs, each plays a major part in fostering a diverse and viable green culture in the city.
Australia has long committed to bringing innovation and sustainability into its rapidly growing infrastructure. Crusading to build towards ecological rehabilitation, social prosperity and economic viability within its communities to ensure the sustainability and wellbeing of its prospering neighbourhoods.
Melbourne continues to strengthen the country’s ecological resilience through its robust network of creatives and artisanal, as well as sustainable business and recreational spaces. The local community leverages its rich resources and creative expression to promote sustainable living. Priding itself on the vibrant bustling localities that embrace and inspire sustainability, Melbourne is home to locally celebrated green restaurants, eco-friendly home and grocery outlets, and trendsetters in the conscious fashion world.
As Melbourne champions empowering local sustainability-driven artisans and small businesses in the region, we highlight some of the original concepts promoting living sustainably in this flourishing green neighbourhood.
Sustainable Restaurants
Mesa Verda
In the foodie capital Melbourne, Mesa Verde serves sensational Mexican cuisine and has a well-earned reputation for its delicious gourmet fare and tranquil ambience. Located in the art nouveau, Curtin House, the restaurant is a must-see, with incredible fusion recipes pairing Mexican flavours with local techniques, and is famously known for its tacos.
Keeping community wellbeing at the heart of it all, the diner infuses organic produce and vegetables harvested from their very own rooftop worm farm, the first and only of its kind in the city. The urban garden supplies fresh herbs, spices, and other special ingredients that enhance the flavours in their delightfully brilliant dishes. The restaurant bar loves to innovate, and one of their many creations is the house-made explosive Hazard Sauce– a must-have!
Insider’s Tip: Looking for a chill weekend activity? Visit Mesa Verda on Friday or Saturday for their special late-night happy hour between 10-11 pm and try the AUS$12 Mezcal Margaritas!
Address: Level 6 Curtin House, 252 Swanston St VIC 3000
Open from: Wed-Thu: 5pm-late; Fri-Sat: 4pm-late; Sun-Mon: Closed
The Green Canopy
A hotspot for sustainability enthusiasts, The Green Canopy is a minimalist-chic restaurant serving plant-based vegan cuisine. Its warm and welcoming space pioneers delicious, nutritious, and simplistic plant-based recipes, featuring vibrant and natural ingredients. They proudly advocate for initiatives promoting healthier and mindful living, hoping to expand their customers’ palettes.
They solely use the freshest quality ingredients available locally, of which a large portion is primarily non-GMO certified, organically grown, and sustainably sourced. Leading innovation in their vegan dishes, The Green Canopy infuses diversity in taste and recipes, bringing a good range of savoury and sweet plant-based platters, with unique new flavours and spices. The restaurant has additionally curated a fine collection of organic and vegan wine and beverages.
Insider’s Tip: For a simple, light, and delectable vegan brunch, try the newest addition to their in-house menu, the popular Avo Falafel Smash or Buckwheat Pancakes paired with sides of your choice.
Address: 221 Brunswick St, Fitzroy 3065
Open from: Tues-Fri: 8am-3pm; Sat: 8:30pm-3pm
Sustainable Groceries
Apples and Sage
Since 2013, Apples and Sage, an organic wholefood provider located in Melbourne, has bestowed its local suburb with sustainably fresh and healthy foods, as nature intends. The family-owned and run enterprise has a closely-knit team that facilitates excellence in customer experience, through their product knowledge and expertise.
The dedicated sustainable space ensures no synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, or additives are used in the farming of all of their whole foods, serving only the best certified organic and biodynamic produce. They carry a wide assortment of products ranging from freshly sourced fruits and vegetables, bulk food and deli items, daily household, cleaning, and personal care essentials. Apples and Sage also has a vegan diet friendly section to promote green eating habits.
Insider’s Tip: Upon visiting the store, check out the self-serve section, and remember to bring your own container to stock up on household commodities!
Address: 371 Whitehorse Rd, Balwyn VIC 3103 (click here for other locations)
Open from: Mon-Fri: 9am–6pm; Sat: 9am-5pm; Sun: 10am-4pm
Naked Foods
Naked Foods is a beloved wholefood bulk supermarket in Melbourne, promoting healthy and sustainable living through its excellent curation of home and food items. Coming from humble beginnings as a farmers market in the town, the grocer soon expanded to stores all around Australia.
Catering to the growing demand for healthy foods and organic selects, with its wide assortment of nuts and grains, house-made spreads, and home and body care, Naked Foods’ products are sourced and made by local farms and artisanal. Additionally, they provide vegan, gluten-free, and other nutritious alternatives to best suit the diverse needs of their community. As for chocolate lovers in the neighbourhood, Naked Foods has a sweet selection of locally made white, milk, and dark chocolate.
Insider’s Tip: Bring your own jars and containers to stock up on the wholesale items, you will find everything and anything you need!
Address: Shop 3, Malvern Central Shopping Centre, Armadale VIC 3144
Open from: Tues: Closed; Mon-Sat: 10am–5pm; Sun: 11am-4:30pm
Sustainable Market
The Fitzroy Market
The epitome of sustainability being engrained within Melbourne’s community, the one-stop-shopping destination The Fitzroy Market, has become the local watering hole for creatives, artisans, and art enthusiasts to innovate and experience togetherness. Located in the iconic Rose Street, hosting up to 70 stalls in a sizable collaboration with local designers and small businesses, the space features anything and everything one may desire, from fresh produce and delicious bakes to locally handcrafted goods and pre-loved fashion essentials.
Along with supporting local artisans in the neighbourhood, visitors can expect to enjoy good food, and great live music, all while exploring the gem that is Melbourne’s creative scene.
Insider’s Tip: From small to upcoming designers in the locality, The Fitzroy Market is a great spot to connect with like-minded individuals. Connect with their team and book yourself a stall!
Address: 87 Rose St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Open from: Every Sat: 9am – 2pm
Sustainable Fashion
Hara the Label
Born in Melbourne, Hara the Label advocates for sustainability and slow living, as a conscious intimate and loungewear label created by women, for women.
Blossoming from a pre-loved vintage store, Hara’s founder aims to foster a green and mindful approach to your wardrobe. The slow label introduces bamboo fabrics in their small-scale local production, sourced from organic bamboo and OEKO-TEX 100 certified suppliers. Bamboo fabrics, although a relatively new concept in fashion, are hypo-allergenic textiles, soft, and gentle on the skin, making them an ideal choice for intimate wear.
Hara delivers on its commitment to transparency and ethics and supports the local community by shifting its production to their neighbourhood. Each and every piece is designed and fabricated in a slow and conscious manner.
With their timeless and sustainable essential wardrobe staples, the label continues its campaign for body positivity and a viable planet, one clothing item at a time.
Insider’s Tip: Hara is now offering a 25% discount on all clothing pieces sitewide, visit their website and discover your new favourites.
Website: harathelabel.com
Goodbyes
Goodbyes is a clothing resale store, where the local community can shop and sell quality clothing, shoes, and accessories. Since its establishment in 2015, the company further expanded its services to five other locations. In-store shoppers can expect to find Australian and New Zealand labels, international designers, unique vintage and well-made basics – catering to both masc and femme styles.
The space is truly a resale paradise showcasing unique, sensational, and versatile selections, for the trendsetters and couture lovers of the city!
Insider’s Tip: Goodbyes accepts new consignments daily and encourages anyone looking to sell their quality pre-loved wardrobe to bring in their freshly washed pieces.
Address: 2 Johnston Street, Collingwood, 3066, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country (Melbourne) (click here for other locations)
Open from: Mon-Fri: 10am–6pm; Sat: 10am-5:30pm; Sun: 11am-5pm
Sustainable Transport
Melbourne Powered
Melbourne offers a spectacular rail in the city’s infrastructure, which makes cycling among locals a favourable alternative mode of transportation to travel around the city.
Electric bikes (e-bikes), alongside traditional bicycles, have become increasingly popular in the neighbourhood and meet this growing need in Melbourne Powered, providing convenient, affordable, and sustainable upgrades for e-bikes.
As eco-friendly replacements for motorbikes and cars, e-bikes could be a possible solution to curb heightening carbon emissions and urban congestion. Witnessing innovation and tech breakthroughs in electric bikes, the store promotes high-quality products with reasonable pricing.
For eco-conscious individuals looking to travel in style, Melbourne Powered offers a variety of e-bikes in their selection, which include cargo, cruiser, and mountain e-bikes, as well as custom spec bikes modified in-house.
Insider’s Tip: If you are not sure which bike best suits your needs, try Melbourne Powered’s e-bike rental service. Upon the successful purchase of your first bike, the store will reimburse the rental cost.
Address: 132 Union Rd, Ascot Vale VIC 3032
Open from: Mon-Fri: 8am – 6pm; Sat: 9am-3pm; Sun: 10am-2pm
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