Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay, Cape Town has set the benchmark when it comes to the ultimate weekend outing but what’s even more impressive is that for years, it has also led the way with its sustainability policies.

The market holds a three-star accreditation from Thrive and is completely plastic free. Thrive Hout Bay is the local green advocate and non-profit organisation which, in November 2017, launched it’s For the Good of our Hood campaign.

Aligning local establishments with environmental sustainability, the campaign awards restaurants according to a green rating system, with three stars being the top accreditation a venue can receive. The list of criteria to qualify include sending waste for recycling, sending food waste for composting and buying locally or growing your own fresh produce.

Considering impact

Whilst Bay Harbour Market was one of the first destinations in the area to receive a three-star accreditation, its green journey started years ago. “When we set out to create this awesome market, one of our key concerns was the impact on the local environment and the community surrounding us”, says market co-owner, Anthony Stroebel.

“Throughout the years it’s been paramount to us that we have always instilled the same values in all that benefit from the space,” he continues.

Sustainability and authenticity

“This is a mindset going back for years now and as a result, we today, are able to contribute in a huge way to safeguarding our breathtaking surroundings and environment. It makes any market experience so much more authentic when you know measures are in place and every individual is contributing to the greater good,” he notes.

Thrive mentors continue to visit the local Hout Bay restaurants and educate entrepreneurs on going green and recycling. In the coming months, they will be launching their map of all the awarded restaurants in Hout Bay, which will be shared with tourism boards and will also be made available electronically via their website and social media platforms