Going green at Green-U Lifestyle Market

I finally found my way to the Green-U Lifestyle Market, not because I don’t know the way to Kangkar Pulai, but only because I never found the time to go to the green lifestyle market held on the first Saturday of each month.

Facade of the Green-U Lifestyle Market premises

I took the route from the city along the Skudai Highway, turned-off to Pontian/Kukup and passed various residential sites before arriving at the urban farm in Kangkar Pulai, situated about half-hour’s drive away from Johor Baru.

Akata Yang, in collaboration with Alex Kee and Teo Peng Chai, are applying organic methods to cultivate the 3-acre Green-U Farm in an urban setting for shoppers to have easy access to safe and fresh fruits and vegetables.  If you are wondering what the “U” in Green-U is for, it just stands for “urban.”

Started in August 2015, the monthly Green-U Lifestyle Market gained momentum as more and more people are making a healthier choice in the food they eat and seeking ideas for a more sustainable lifestyle.

Chef Ralf preparing his wood-fired pizzas

The green market also provides a platform for small farmers to promote their local produce and share farming tips with shoppers who are keen to start their own kitchen gardens.

Likeminded vendors have come together to showcase their products and as news about the green market spread on social media and by word-of-mouth, shoppers spared no effort to reach the market every first Saturday of the month to buy farm-fresh vegetables, artisanal products and a range of unique handicrafts.

From time to time, the market will feature guest speakers who may share their experience and expertise in community workshops, talks and demonstrations on subjects like garden designing, composting, farming skills, climate change, harvesting wild honey and cooking in themes like, “From Farm to Table.”

Handicrafts and products by Islyly from the Durian Guesthouse

There was always something new and interesting happening at the monthly markets and as soon as I was welcomed in, Akata pointed me to a young chef busy at a smoking wood-fire oven with a queue of people waiting in line to buy his freshly-made pizzas.

It was non-stop action for Ralf Kleine-klatte as I watched him move with great dexterity preparing toppings with farm-fresh ingredients and decorating the made-from-scratch flatbreads, with fresh edible flowers!

Akata explained that Ralf was a chef in Germany who came to work with him as a volunteer in the farm and December’s market was a timely opportunity to give shoppers a treat with tasting artisanal food like his freshly-made wood-fired pizzas.

A child giving her donation to CARES shelter

One of the featured items at the December market was a fund-raising and adoption drive for pet cats and puppies from Companion Animal Rescue Effort Society or CARES shelter for rescued animals.

While young children were drawn to the cute cats and pups, CARES founder, Joseph Chia and his team had a range of preloved items for sale and CARES volunteer, Sharan Sambhi, had baked and decorated cupcakes for sale to raise funds.

Among the artisanal products and handicraft stalls were Islyly fashion accessories from the Durian Guesthouse, XIN Bubbly handmade soap, Angel Handbag – vintage looking handmade purses and pouches, JoGreen stationery by Johor Green and Seeds Corner – fashion accessories made from seeds collected in our local jungles.

Fresh organic vegetables grown on Green-U Farm

Meanwhile, Alex Kee was busy serving customers who were keen on his bottled fresh ginger ale, brewed in an original English recipe.  Regulars are aware that when they returned the empty bottles, they will receive a refund of RM8 for 1ltr bottles and RM5 for 250ml bottles.

A section of the market was set aside for children’s art and craft activities while the porch was turned into a playground to have fun making giant soap bubbles!

The Green-U Market also offers a farm tour, so shoppers who had pre-registered with Akata, trooped out with him for a farm experience at the adjacent organic farm.

Angel Yew of Angel Handbag with her pretty and useful handicrafts

A range of XIN Bubbly handmade soap are made from natural ingredients for sensitive skins

Pink Liew [Left] of Seeds Corner with her range of fashion accessories made from seeds

Alex Kee [Left] with customers who are keen on his bottled ginger ale

The monthly green market is certainly an interesting weekend destination for the whole family and a worthwhile visit for everyone who are keen to learn more about green living.

Find out more about the next Green-U Market by visiting Facebook/GreenUmarket.  Open from 9am to 1pm on every first Saturday of the month.

Green-U Lifestyle Market is located at Lot 41307, Jalan Pulai Mesra, Kangkar Pulai.

Note: Fresh organic vegetables are also available from Green-U Farm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 4pm.  Shoppers are reminded to bring your own eco-bag or basket.  For advance orders, Tel: +6016-713 1419.

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