Back to basics
Pathways to Sustainable Change Transforming Lives
At Back to Basics (BTB), our programs are designed to create meaningful, lasting change in the communities we serve. Rooted in our core values and mission, each program addresses specific challenges and fosters sustainable development through a holistic approach.
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Our Programs
We take a holistic view of poverty, integrating environmental sustainability with economic empowerment.
We are dedicated to a toxic-free future, free from plastics and harmful chemicals. Women waste pickers and eco-entrepreneurs lead climate action by transforming plastic waste into livelihoods, protecting communities from Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), and building resilience. Their leadership is shaping Kenya’s sustainable waste systems and demonstrating that grassroots efforts can drive national climate resilience.
We offer empowerment programs across personal, relational, and societal levels, helping individuals succeed in all areas of life. This promotes healthy households, thriving businesses, and stronger communities and nations.
Environmental Stewardship
Our initiatives under this thematic area include:
- Agroecology and Permaculture: Promoting sustainable farming practices that enhance food security and environmental health.
- Tree Planting and Nursery Establishments: Engaging communities in tree planting activities to restore landscapes and create economic opportunities.
- Community Environment Education Training (CEET): Educating communities on environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
- Bamboo Promotion: Introducing bamboo as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials, supporting economic and environmental benefits.
Empowerment Training
Our Key initiatives under this thematic area include:
- Leadership and Mentorship Programs: Offering guidance and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Career Guidance and Training: Preparing youth for the job market and entrepreneurial ventures.
- Mental Resilience and Emotional Wellbeing: Providing support and resources to help young people navigate life's challenges.
- Peace Initiatives: Promoting diversity and peaceful coexistence through various community-based activities.
Pollution Reduction & Waste Management
Our efforts under this thematic area include:
- Awareness and Advocacy: Raising public awareness on the dangers of chemical waste and promoting safe, sustainable disposal practices across communities.
- Waste to Wealth Programs:Women waste pickers and eco-entrepreneurs lead in applying the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), turning waste into valuable products, income streams, and enterprises.
- Knowledge Building:Providing practical training that equips communities—including especially women , with the skills needed for sustainable waste management and environmental protection.
- Stakeholder Engagement:Amplifying women’s leadership while collaborating with government, civil society, men, and youth to scale solutions and strengthen impact.
Special Initiatives
At Back to Basics (BTB), our Special Initiatives are designed to provide unique, hands-on experiences that drive sustainable change and foster community involvement. These initiatives offer innovative ways for individuals and organizations to actively participate in environmental conservation and community empowerment, creating meaningful impact and lasting relationships
1. Eco Basics Home Experience Tour
By participating in our home stay tours you;
- Support community conservation efforts.
- Gain a deeper understanding of rural life and environmental stewardship.
- Engage in meaningful activities that benefit both nature and local communities.
2. Friends of the Planet Initiative
Join our movement of ecologically conscious individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting and restoring the environment
By becoming a Friend of the Planet, you will
- Contribute to impactful environmental projects.
- Receive recognition and updates on our initiatives.
- Play a vital role in driving sustainable development goals forward.
3. Gurumisha Boychild Initiative
Strengthen the man and empower the woman This initiative is intended for gender conversations that are inclusive as we create a Safe space for men under the slogan “Amplifying the Man’s Voice”
We are guided by three strategic pillars:
- Visibility - normalize men expressing their vulnerability
- Belonging - Ensuring every voice finds support, not isolation
- Momentum - Each voice inspires another voice creating a ripple effect of courage and authenticity
Eco Basics Home Experience Tour
A Cultural Immersion in Kenya
It is a unique community based tourism where visitors are invited to spend time with local residents in relatively undisturbed natural areas often rural, poor and economically marginalized, intended as low impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial tourism. The visitors spend a day or days with the host family, participating in day to day activities in a richly guided experience and with provision of overnight accommodation, if need be.
The Eco – Basics home stay experience tour encourages a deeper connection between the host and visitor, while also promoting environmental protection, sustainability, cultural conservation, social responsibility, enhancement of livelihoods and mindfulness of the host community and our planet as well. Visitors get an opportunity of interacting with the communities, learning various aspects of their culture while experiencing social economic and environmental issues endemic to area.
Eco Basics Initiative Benefits
- Authentic cultural experiences
- First hand life changing experience of the day to day life of rural communities
- Contribution to a good cause
- Deeper connection with the community and place
- Direct contribution to the environment and cultural conservation
- Learning of diverse cultures
- Different experiences from mainstream tourism
- Pocket friendly enriching experience
Join Eco Basics Initiative for an Unforgettable Experience
How to Apply
- Interested students can apply through their university’s study abroad or international programs office. Applications can also be submitted directly to BTB via our application form.
- Duration: Programs are offered year-round and can be tailored to fit academic schedules, ranging from a few weeks to several months.
Be a Friend of the Planet
Your donation helps us plant trees and support sustainable agriculture, providing food and income for families. Give today and help a community thrive.
Membership, Partnerships and Associations
Get Involved
Join us in our mission to create sustainable change. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or become a partner, your support is invaluable. Visit our “Get Involved” page to learn more about how you can make a difference. Together, we can empower communities and transform lives.