Through the Sustainable Schools Program, Thrive has engaged the community of Hout Bay and surrounds to review and reduce their eco footprint, starting with learners and their families.  This is done specifically through the Eco Hero Curriculum, the Enviro Audit and the annual Enviro QuizArt competition. School gardens are a focus of learning about recycling, reducing, reusing and repurposing. This is visible in the use of container gardening using recycled items, composting of green waste and the role played by worm farms in that process. Learners are taught to value seeds, and how to germinate and plant seedlings.

Thrive also engages with residents of Hout Bay and CBOs through our Sustainable Communities Program, by way of household surveys, community meetings, projects to create green spaces, waste collection walkabouts. Our team shares knowledge about responsible management of household waste, separation at source and reuse of valuable resources, such as green waste for gardens and recyclable plastic for income.

We also talk to residents about the importance of the indigineous plants around them. Thrive has a flourishing tunnel and hothouse at Valley Nursery, and we share resources and know-how with all who show an interest in starting vegetable and biodiversity gardens.