Environmental concerns are part of our DNA at the Montreal Public Markets. If Earth Day is a reminder of this, every day we make this mission a priority. As a social economy enterprise, here are some of the initiatives we are taking.

Directly from the producer to you

Firstly, the mission of the Montreal Public Markets is based on the short circuit model, which aims to limit the number of intermediaries between the production or processing company and the consumer. This helps to facilitate direct access to the products of market gardeners, horticulturalists and agri-food artisans.

Combating food waste

At Jean-Talon Market, we have set up a programme to combat food waste in partnership with CRACPP’s La Récolte engagée. Since 2017, we have been helping to redistribute baskets or dishes made from unsold fruit and vegetables from our vendors to households in need in the Petite-Patrie neighbourhood. In two years, more than 27,000 kg of food have been recovered!

« Ugly » baskets of fruit and vegetables

Don’t let the name put you off. Another great initiative by the merchants is to offer you tasty “ugly” baskets at reduced prices. Sometimes it’s even surprising to describe them as such: vegetables with barely wilted leaves or very ripe fruit ideal for your smothies, broths or soups, these products are still delicious! You’ll find these baskets at our three major markets.

Active transport

Our markets encourage active transport, as they are all located near a metro station or close to a BIXI station. We also provide racks for locking your bikes. Do you have an electric car? You’ll find charging stations.

Bulk food shop

Bulk food shops allow you to buy the exact quantity of a product you’re looking for. What’s more, using your own containers helps reduce unnecessary packaging.

Where can you find these shops in our markets ? : Atwater Market : Le Vrac du Marché – Jean-Talon and Maisonneuve markets : Aliments Merci

Reusable shopping bag

To help eliminate plastic bags, we’ve made large reusable shopping bags from natural cotton. They’re local, strong and durable. The bags are available from our online shop and at the Atwater (Tabagie, Fromagerie Atwater, Les Douceurs du marché) and Jean-Talon (Crêperie du Marché, Librairie gourmande, Marché des Saveurs du Québec) markets.