Back To Basics

Effecting positive change through basics.

Building Sustainable Livelihoods & Greener Communities
Empowering communities, with a focus on Women and Youth

[Back To Basics @BacktoBasics_ke]

Did you know?
A significant amount of recyclable plastic ends up in landfills because it is not separated from other waste at the source.

This Plastic Free July, let’s remember that small actions can lead to meaningful change. By separating plastics from other waste, we make recycling easier, reduce pollution, and contribute to cleaner, healthier communities.

At Back to Basics (BTB), we’re encouraging communities to embrace waste segregation at source and take practical steps towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Small actions. Collective impact. Let’s make every choice count.

@PlasticFreeJuly @BeatPlasticPollution @CircularEconomy @WasteSegregation @recyclingequipment @BackToBasicsKE @Sustainability @WasteManagement @RecyclingMachinery

[Back To Basics @BacktoBasics_ke]

These smiles reflect the passion, partnership, and purpose driving our commitment to healthier communities and lasting impact 👌🏾

#BackToBasicsKE #BTBImpact #HealthyCommunities #CommunityWellbeing #StrongerTogether #PartnershipsForImpact #CommunityDevelopment #SustainableDevelopment #EnvironmentalAction #GreenerCommunities #TogetherForChange #CreatingImpact #EmpoweringCommunities #BuildingResilience #ClimateAction #SocialImpact #HopeInAction #CommunityFirst #ChangingLives #Sustainability

[Back To Basics @BacktoBasics_ke]

The Back to Basics (BTB) team conducted a field visit as part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening our environmental and community initiatives. The visit provided an opportunity to assess progress on the ground, engage with the surrounding environment, and reflect on the journey so far. It was also a valuable opportunity to envision the possibilities ahead as we continue working towards practical solutions that promote sustainable livelihoods, environmental action, and greener, more resilient communities.
#BackToBasicsKE #btbimpact #EnvironmentalAction #GreenerCommunities #CommunityDevelopment #SustainableLivelihoods #ClimateAction #EnvironmentalStewardship #Sustainability #CommunityEmpowerment #EcosystemRestoration #NatureBasedSolutions #ResilientCommunities #TogetherForChange #BuildingResilience #CreatingImpact #sustainabledevelopmentgoals #OnTheGround #StrongerTogether

[Back To Basics @BacktoBasics_ke]

Every great change starts with a small idea.
At Back to Basics, we transform discarded materials into beautiful, practical products—from old event banners to handcrafted bags—giving waste a second life while reducing landfill waste and promoting a circular economy.
Every upcycled creation tells a story of innovation, sustainability, and community empowerment.
"I am not WASTE until I am WASTED."

#BackToBasics #CircularEconomy #upcyclingideas #WasteToValue #Sustainability #EnvironmentalConservation

[Back To Basics @BacktoBasics_ke]

Today, the Back to Basics family came together to celebrate our amazing July babies! 🍰🎉

Birthdays are a beautiful reminder to celebrate not just another year of life, but the incredible people who make our workplace feel like a community.

Here’s to a fresh chapter filled with new opportunities, good health, continued success, and countless reasons to smile every single day.

Happy Birthday to all the July babies! 🥳✨
#BirthdayCelebration #JulyBabies #BackToBasicsKE #TeamBTB #WorkFamily #CelebratingTogetherness

[Back To Basics @BacktoBasics_ke]

Youth are the driving force behind stronger, more resilient communities. At Back to Basics (BTB), we celebrate their creativity, determination, and leadership in shaping a more sustainable future.

Skills are more than a pathway to employment—they build confidence, unlock innovation, and empower young people to create lasting change. This World Youth Skills Day, we recognize every young person who is learning, innovating, and taking action to transform their communities.

Together, let's continue investing in skills development, unlocking potential, and creating opportunities that enable the next generation to thrive and lead with purpose.

#WorldYouthSkillsDay #YouthSkills #SkillsForTheFuture #YouthEmpowerment #SkillsDevelopment #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #SustainableDevelopment #BackToBasicsKE #BTBImpact

[Back To Basics @BacktoBasics_ke]

The most inspiring part of this journey isn’t the place—it’s the people.

A recent visit reminded us that what once seemed like a distant dream is slowly coming to life. The women of Back to Basics have refused to give up despite the odds, choosing instead to keep believing, learning, and moving forward.

Their determination is shaping a vision that will create new opportunities for urban communities.

This is only the beginning
#BackToBasicsKE #BTBImpact #WomenLeadingChange #UrbanResilience #CommunityEmpowerment #SustainableLivelihoods #WomenEmpowerment #ClimateAction #UrbanFarming #InclusiveDevelopment #CommunityTransformation #TogetherWeGrow

[Back To Basics @BacktoBasics_ke]

Today, we are reminded that purpose is bigger than a building.
These photos capture hope, resilience, and women who have refused to give up despite setbacks. Together, we continue to believe in a future where livelihoods, ecosystem restoration, and opportunity grow hand in hand.
Every closed door creates space for a new one. We are excited about what lies ahead and grateful for this new beginning.
If you are facing disappointment today, don't mistake a closed door for the end of your journey.
There is always hope, and there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Onwards, together.
#Resilience #ClimateAction #CommunityDevelopment #WomenLeadingChange #BackToBasics @followers @topfans

[Back To Basics @BacktoBasics_ke]

“BTB taught me about mindset. Mindset is something you work on every day. It teaches you that success doesn’t come from being idle. Working on my mindset has elevated me to where I am today.” — Gathoni

At Back to Basics, we believe that sustainable livelihoods begin with a shift in mindset.

Through our Livelihoods & Enterprise Development Programme, Gathoni gained more than practical business skills. She developed the confidence to take action, the discipline to keep learning, and the resilience to grow her enterprise despite challenges.

By embracing saving, resourcefulness, and circular economy principles, she transformed available resources into a sustainable business that supports her family and contributes to her community.

Her journey reminds us that lasting change is not driven by capital alone. It starts with the willingness to learn, adapt, and act on opportunities.

At Back to Basics, we work alongside women and youth to strengthen livelihoods, grow resilient enterprises, and promote environmentally responsible solutions that create lasting impact.

When mindsets change, opportunities grow. When opportunities grow, communities thrive.

#BackToBasicsKE #Livelihoods #EnterpriseDevelopment #MindsetMatters #EconomicEmpowerment #CircularEconomy #CommunityResilience #SustainableLivelihoods #WomenInBusiness #ImprovingLivesInspiringPositiveChange

[Back To Basics @BacktoBasics_ke]

Cultivating Opportunity, One Harvest at a Time.

Gatune’s garden is more than a place where vegetables grow—it’s where resilience, enterprise, and hope take root.

With mentorship and support from Back to Basics (BTB), she has transformed a small leased plot into a productive space that contributes to her household’s food security and livelihood.

Her story reflects what happens when communities are equipped with practical skills and opportunities. Small initiatives become sustainable livelihoods. Individuals become changemakers. Communities become stronger.

This is the impact we strive to create every day: empowering communities, with a focus on women and youth, to build sustainable livelihoods while creating greener communities.

#UrbanFarming #SustainableLiving #GreenCommunities #ResilientWomen #CommunityImpact #SmallSpacesBigImpact #UrbanInnovation #BTBImpact

[Back To Basics @BacktoBasics_ke]

Small Space. Big Possibilities.

“You don’t need 10 hectares of land to grow food. Even a small space can make a difference. By reusing and repurposing pots, jerricans, and bottles, you can create a hanging garden that provides fresh vegetables for your family every day.”
— Teresia

At Back to Basics (BTB), we believe that sustainable livelihoods often begin with simple, practical ideas.

Through our community empowerment initiatives, women are discovering how everyday materials can become tools for change. Discarded jerricans, plastic bottles, and containers are being repurposed into thriving kitchen gardens that produce fresh vegetables, reduce household food costs, improve nutrition, and create opportunities for additional income.

This is where our three pillars come together:
- Livelihoods & Enterprise Development by strengthening household resilience and creating income opportunities.
- Circular Economy Solutions by giving new life to materials that would otherwise become waste.
- Environmental Action & Greener Communities by promoting sustainable food production and greener urban spaces.

Teresia’s story reminds us that transformation doesn’t always begin with large investments. Sometimes it starts with a single recycled container, a few seeds, and the determination to create a better future.

Because when communities are empowered with practical skills and opportunities, even the smallest spaces can grow lasting impact.

Building Sustainable Livelihoods and Greener Communities.

#BackToBasics #SustainableLivelihoods #CircularEconomy #EnvironmentalAction #GreenerCommunities #WomenEmpowerment #UrbanGardening #FoodSecurity #ClimateResilience #CommunityTransformation

[Back To Basics @BacktoBasics_ke]

The circular economy is often celebrated for creating cleaner and greener communities — but behind that progress are thousands of women whose work remains largely unseen.

Every day, women waste pickers play a critical role in protecting the environment, recovering recyclable materials, and supporting their families through incredibly demanding work. Yet many continue to face unsafe conditions, stigma, and limited recognition despite their contribution to sustainable development.

At Back to Basics (BTB), we believe these women are not on the margins of the circular economy — they are at its very core. Through collective action, dignity, and inclusion, we can build communities that are both environmentally sustainable and socially just.

A greener future must also be a more inclusive one.

#CircularEconomy #WomenEmpowerment #WastePickers #BackToBasics #ClimateAction #Sustainability #SocialImpact #GreenFuture

[Back To Basics @BacktoBasics_ke]

With the right mindset, every obstacle becomes just an easy puzzle to play with, and that is what we at BTB skillfully impart as a mission for community growth and empowerment during training. We no longer simply motivate; instead, we become the ladder toward achieving the right attitude for foreseeing a positive future, as we believe women are not just participants in society—they are powerful agents of change.
With our empowerment training, we master the art of imparting lessons where participants transition from self doubt to a motivated mind capable of achieving anything. By taking small but measurable steps with a resilient mind, we transform individuals into empowered attitudes, beginning with tackling mindset challenges.
At BTB, we are the voice that becomes the change needed—impacting positive mindsets, boldly shaping our women into new directions, and holding their hands as they rise slowly but steadily with immense courage.
We invite you to be part of this journey as we witness women rising to lead, inspire, and uplift communities. Together, we can nurture potential, spark transformation, and secure a brighter future.

[Back To Basics @BacktoBasics_ke]

STARTING FROM EXPERIENCE, NOT FROM ZERO ..

At BTB, today was not about motivation. It was about helping people recognize the value, strength and potential they already carry within them.

Participants reflected on their lived experiences and transformed:
stories → skills → income possibilities → first action.

We explored a powerful truth:
Many people are not starting from zero — they are starting from experience.

Cooking became entrepreneurship.
Caregiving became leadership and responsibility.
Buying and selling became negotiation and business skills.
Life struggles became evidence of resilience, adaptability and strength.

Together, we challenged limiting beliefs, fear of failure, unhealthy distractions and the idea that people are “stuck.” We reminded ourselves that growth is possible through awareness, learning, practice and action.

The room slowly shifted from:
“I can’t”
to
“I can learn.”
“I can start.”
“I can grow.”

Participants developed practical first-income ideas using the resources and skills they already have, with a commitment to take their first step within the next 7 days.

One key reminder from the session:
You do not need perfect conditions to begin. You need the courage to start where you are.

Real transformation begins when people stop waiting for opportunity and start building from what is already in their hands.

#BackToBasicsKe
#SkillsToIncome
#EconomicEmpowerment
#WomenEmpowerment
#YouthEmpowerment
#CommunityTransformation
#CapacityBuilding
#Livelihoods

[Back To Basics @BacktoBasics_ke]

Human beings depend on the environment for survival — our well-being is directly connected to the health of the world around us. That is why protecting and nurturing our environment is a shared responsibility requiring the efforts of individuals, communities, and partners alike.

At Back to Basics (BTB), we believe that sustainable solutions begin by returning to the basics. Through our environmental stewardship initiatives, we are taking practical action by planting, nurturing, and protecting trees to help build greener and more sustainable communities.

But creating a greener planet cannot be achieved through isolated efforts alone. Real climate action requires collaboration across all sectors of society. Together, we can restore ecosystems, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact for future generations.

Join us as we champion environmental stewardship and work towards a healthier, greener planet for all.

#BackToBasicsKE #EnvironmentalStewardship #ClimateAction #FriendsOfThePlanet #TreeGrowing #Sustainability @greencomm_ke

[Back To Basics @BacktoBasics_ke]

We are training this remarkable women to embrace the art of bamboo splitting to create trendy and sustainable products. As they take pride in their craftsmanship, the women secure their financial independence and inspire future generations to appreciate and harness the power of local resources
#bamboo #effectivepositivechange #basicsright #WomenEmpowerment

[Back To Basics @BacktoBasics_ke]

𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 .
At Back to Basics, our incredible women innovators are transforming yarn discards into stunning scarves and tree-shaped floral creations — a powerful reminder that Climate Action is our responsibility .
Perfectly fitting our slogan “I am not waste until I am wasted,”we are in the frontline in matters adaptation to climate challenges.
These innovations clearly prove that sustainability, creativity, and empowerment can thrive together.
And women are leading the way through innovation for climate action!
#BackToBasics #WomenLedInnovation #WasteToArt #SustainableCrafts #ClimateAction #BeatPlasticPollution #EcoEmpowerment
#IamnotWasteUntilIamwasted

[Back To Basics @BacktoBasics_ke]

Ever wondered where your trash ends up?
For many women, it’s not waste — it’s a livelihood.

Women waste pickers from Dagoretti South met their peers from the Dandora dumpsite, East Africa’s largest. Different places, same struggles, same grit.

What they found was solidarity. Being seen. Knowing they’re not alone.
That’s where real change begins.

#YouAreNotWaste #WasteToWorth #WomenWastePickers #CircularNairobi #BackToBasics

[Back To Basics @BacktoBasics_ke]

Every skill built, every livelihood supported, every community strengthened — the impact is documented, visible, and driven by collective responsibility.
As we enter the new year, we remain committed to practical, community-led action and open engagement around results.
Thank you for showing up, holding standards high, and staying in the work with us.
Happy New Year from the BTB family.
#BackToBasics #ActionThatMatters
#EffectingPositiveChange