One thing I’ve learned since I moved to Adelaide, is that there is always something on. Usually, more events than could possibly be squeezed into one day.
Nov 16th was one of those days.
Mind you, I did do my best.
Mind you, I did do my best.
Chandler from North Adelaide Council Photo: Willunga Wino
First off, a bright an early start to take part in Adelaide City Council’s first fair trade shopping tour. Adelaide City Council itself was the first fair trade capital city in the country. Supported by Chloe from Yelp!, Rebecca from University of Adelaide (now a fair trade university!) and the shops we visited on the way, the tour was an opportunity to discover some of the city’s Fair Trade supporting businesses and entrepreneurs. The tour was fully hosted, with tastings and talks from 9am to 2pm at the bargain price of $15pp.
Headed by Chandler Giles from the council, we were met at the North Adelaide Library and Community Centre with fair trade Oxfam goodie bags (complete with Oxfam chocolates, nom!), and our enticing itinerary.
In store for the day Photo: Willunga Wino
Our chariot for the day – Tindo the worlds first solar bus.
Tindo is Kaurna – the local indigenous custodians of the land – for solar, or sun.
Big, very quiet, and very green, it was the perfect way to visit a few of the fair trade hot spots of my new hometown – in the safe hands of Barry the Bus Driver.
Tindo the solar bus Photo: Willunga Wino
First stop was morning tea at North Adelaide tea & emporium E for Ethel. Set in leafy boutique & eatery lined Melbourne St, E for Ethel has a range of eclectic local artisan gifts, art, and homewares as well as Fair Trade and organic teas, coffees, food and cakes.
E for Ethel Photo: Willunga Wino
I was really pleased to see a wide range of artworks from my favourite local Adelaide artist, Gretel Girl, who specialises in anthropomorphic animal sketches as decals on plates, paintings on woodblock or canvas.
Shopping local at E for Ethel Photo: Willunga Wino
We were lucky to be treated to morning tea, including our choice of hot bev and delicious vegan treats by Four Seeds.
Photo: Willunga Wino
From a vast & enticing list of Scullery Made teas, I picked the appropriately named “Wine & Roses”, handpicked pesticide free rose petals, wild rosehips from Koonunga Hill, Barossa muscatels, cornflowers and lemon zest.
Four Seeds choc macadamia brownies, cranberry cookies, and apricot bliss balls made for a lovely, local morning tea.
Photo: Willunga Wino
We were lucky to also have a chat from local entrepreneur, the owner & founder of DeGroots coffee, who described the humble founding of the now booming business. Stocked by all the coolest cafe’s in town, DeGroots is an ethical & sustainable business, with all their coffee being fair trade.
Photo: Willunga Wino
Next up, Acacia Arts. Collette, the owner, specialises in Kenyan Kazuri clay bead jewelry, and second hand books. Kazuri jewelry has an incredible lustre, bright colours and are hand made by artisans paid fair wages to support their families.
Kazuri jewelry sale table at Acacia Arts Photo: Willunga Wino
As if this tour didn’t have it all already – there was also ethical chocolate!
Oxfam‘s huge store on Charles Street between North Terrace and Rundle Mall is spread over two levels and is jam packed with affordable, ethical gift ideas. The ever changing range is sure to have something to please each special person in your life.
Gifts galore at Oxfam Photo: Willunga Wino
Did I mention the chocolate? There are no less than 8 different types stocked, including plenty of delectable dark chocs. All fair trade of course – which guarantees care of the environment as well as the workers. Best bit is – you can get Oxfam brand chocolate at your local supermarket – support it or it will disappear from the shelves.
Ethical chocolate is 100% guilt free Photo: Willunga Wino
A short stroll though the Christmassy and summery Rundle Mall (and a brief detour at the fragrant LUSH shop) to get to our next destination.
Sunmmer Santa in Rundle Mall Photo: Willunga Wino
Fair Espresso is the labour of love of owners Matt & Rose, who told us their story, which culminates in winning the 2013 Fair Trade ANZ Cafe of the Year, plus a host of awards from the IGA Royal Adelaide Show.
Matt & Rose at Fair Espresso Photo: Willunga Wino
All products are fair trade, organic and local, making your coffee fix sustainable. The philosophy extends beyond coffee, to the tea, hot chocolate, sugar, even to the very stylish staff uniforms.
Enticing menu Photo: Willunga Wino
We had the opportunity to taste the fair trade teas, berry, earl grey, peppermint, and green.
Tea tasting Photo: Willunga Wino
Even the milk is from Fleurieu locals, biodynamic BD Farm Paris Creek, one of Australia’s most ethical dairies.
Cafe art Photo: Willunga Wino
Our next stop was Bliss Organic Cafe on Compton St for a light lunch, and a touch more shopping at the Joyful Fair market stall in the courtyard.
Welcome to Bliss Photo: Willunga Wino
Bliss has a menu of local organic meals and drinks, as well as an extensive shop of ethical products. While it doesn’t make a big deal of it, all of the food is vegan and there are lots of raw options as well. The cakes are particularly inviting.
Colourful raw vegan cakes and salads Photo: Willunga Wino
In the sunny courtyard, we were introduced to the fair trade wares of Joyful Fair.
Variety of Cambodian fair trade goods Photo: Willunga Wino
Run by Joy Marshall and her daughter Penelope, Joyful Fair is a market stall with a difference, made up of 100% fair trade goods, with a strong focus on Cambodian goods.
Mother & daughter wonder team Photo: Willunga Wino
There is a wealth of fair trade products, and ethical entrepreneurs in Adelaide.
A wonderful way to finish off the tour with a walk through the Adelaide Central Markets. Fantastic tour, fantastic day, and the Council should be congratulated – and encouraged to run more!
Yet another innovative festival – Adelaide’s first Bicycle Food Court in Lindes Lane.
Welcome on wheels Photo: Willunga Wino
Most people have heard of the Fork On The Road food truck festivals, well now there are enough bicycle-based food vendors that they can have a laneway feast in their own right. This includes Giro Gelato, Phat Buddha Rolls, Veggie Velo, Veggie Velo Cake Bike, Flamin’ Wiener, Smooth Revolution, Mumma Rosa plus bike based shop Buckit Belts
Photo: Productive Garden Company Twitterfeed
I was on a mission – to get me a vego hot dawg.
Flamin’ Weiner’s version was classic soft bun, veggie sausage, mustard, tomato sauce and adding a crunch some corn chips.
I found I had a serious case of food envy though when I saw the salad boxes from Veggie Velo, with lots of saucy flavoursome condiments, fat veggie burger, and pile of colourful salad – it looked like the flavour packed punch I was really after.
Flamin’ Wiener veggie dog Photo: Willunga Wino
To round out the day, a spot of horse-sports in the parklands.
No less than Australia’s only CCI four star International Three Day Event.
Photo: Willunga Wino
Seriously anyone who says Adelaide is boring isn’t trying.
Special mention of the events that got away: Willunga’s Inaugural Green Light Festival, Willunga Farmers Market, Supanova Pop Culture Expo
Who’s your favourite fair trade retailer?