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Home > Kawa Upcycling
Since its inception in 2010, environmental protection has been a cornerstone of Kawa Foundation’s mission. What began as occasional beach clean-ups has evolved into a steadfast commitment, with regular clean-ups becoming monthly rituals in 2018, and progressing to daily efforts by May 2022. These initiatives have not only resulted in cleaner beaches but have also sparked numerous spin-offs and community-led projects.
We recognise the critical importance of continuing these efforts for the future of Zanzibar. Combatting waste pollution is vital for preserving the island’s environment, safeguarding the livelihoods of its residents, and maintaining its appeal to tourists. Our project in Stonetown is making strides toward financial independence, setting the stage for expansion to other accessible beaches in the region.
Through our initiatives, we’re not only cleaning up beaches; we’re also creating opportunities for job growth and skill development. By training individuals in environmental stewardship and waste management, we’re empowering them to lead change within their communities. These individuals will not only contribute to cleaner beaches but will also be equipped to educate, advocate, and innovate for a sustainable future.
We are a growing force dedicated to environmental preservation.
Together, let’s make a lasting impact on Zanzibar’s environment and create a sustainable future for generations to come.
Our commitment to environmental education integrates crucial topics such as pollution awareness and waste management. Through the Kawa Environment Club (KEC), students are actively engaged in initiatives like beach clean-ups and upcycling projects. Our curriculum emphasises practical knowledge and problem-solving, empowering Zanzibar’s youth for a sustainable future. With a vision to become a hub for waste management expertise, we aim to create lasting impact and job opportunities within the next 3-5 years.
Since June 2022, Kawa Foundation’s Stonetown South Beach Clean-Up Project has been in full swing, with KTC students diligently clearing the beaches before school. Equipped with gloves and waste separation tools, they successfully remove an estimated 150,000KG of waste annually. Our monthly power clean-ups engage community groups, eliminating approximately 12,000KG yearly. We’re planning weekly clean-ups and art projects with children to further boost community involvement and environmental awareness. Our goal is to create a sustainable, cleaner coastline while fostering job creation through beach clean-up and upcycling initiatives.
Currently, we successfully separate about 50% of waste collected from our beach clean-ups for re- or upcycling. Our aim is to increase this to 70% through extended separation and recycling efforts.
Our up-cycling workshop for waste is actively developing new up-cycled products and setting up a sales network. This initiative not only reduces plastic waste but also generates income and provides valuable skills and employment opportunities for young Zanzibaris. We’re currently up-cycling flip flops, bottles, fabric, and polystyrene. Our workshop, managed by a dedicated team, transforms waste into various products such as jewellery, key rings, art from flip-flops, doormats, hammocks, bags, and dustbins from coloured PET bottles. We’re working on refining product quality and enhancing production efficiency.
There is still a significant awareness gap that needs to be addressed if we want to reduce plastic in the environment. Here are some of the activities we are undertaking:
School programs: These are designed for primary and secondary students to educate them about plastic pollution and waste management. Activities include beach cleanups, waste sorting, and upcycling projects. Additionally, cleanups are conducted in the immediate surroundings of the school, coupled with an assessment of the dustbins needed at the school.
Art installations: Creating art installations from plastic waste collected on beaches to raise awareness and inspire creativity.
Waste separation posters: Designing posters for households that provide information on how to separate waste, compost organic material, and where to bring recyclable waste.
Media campaigns: Producing videos, songs, jingles, and media content shared via social media to create awareness among the local community and tourists on the island.
We’re actively involved in initiatives to reduce single-use plastics on the island, such as promoting reusable water bottles through water refill stations. Additionally, we’re working on projects like the Forodhani food market initiative to reduce plastic waste through the use of reusable cutlery and crockery.
We’re conducting research with students to find suitable alternatives to plastic, focusing on locally producible items like bamboo straws and banana leaf plates.
Polystyrene poses a significant environmental threat in Zanzibar, particularly on beaches. We’re collecting and upcycling polystyrene into products like swimming noodles to create safe swimming areas along the beach. Additionally, PET bottles can be used for rafts and swimming demarcation barriers, enhancing safety and environmental sustainability.
We’re committed to environmental education, focusing on pollution awareness and waste management. Through Kawa Environment Club (KEC), students participate in beach clean-ups and upcycling. Our curriculum emphasizes practical skills for sustainability. We aim to be a waste management hub, creating jobs within 3-5 years.
Since June 2022, KAWA Foundation’s Stonetown South Beach Clean-Up Project has cleared beaches, removing 150,000KG of waste annually. Monthly clean-ups engage community groups, eliminating 12,000KG yearly. Plans include weekly clean-ups and art projects for community involvement. Our goal: a sustainable, cleaner coastline, fostering job creation through clean-up and upcycling.
Currently, we successfully separate about 50% of waste collected from our beach clean-ups for re- or upcycling. Our aim is to increase this to 70% through extended separation and recycling efforts.
Our upcycling workshop is creating new products and establishing a sales network, reducing plastic waste and offering income and skills to young Zanzibaris. We transform flip flops, bottles, fabric, and polystyrene into jewelry, key rings, art, doormats, hammocks, bags, and dustbins. Our dedicated team is improving product quality and production efficiency.
Addressing the awareness gap on plastic pollution remains a top priority for us. We’re committed to educating individuals about its environmental impact and promoting sustainable alternatives through various outreach programs and partnerships.
We’re actively involved in initiatives to reduce single-use plastics on the island, such as promoting reusable water bottles through water refill stations. Additionally, we’re working on projects like the Forodhani food market initiative to reduce plastic waste through the use of reusable cutlery and crockery.
We’re conducting research with students to find suitable alternatives to plastic, focusing on locally producible items like bamboo straws and banana leaf plates.
Polystyrene poses a significant environmental threat in Zanzibar, particularly on beaches. We’re collecting and upcycling polystyrene into products like swimming noodles to create safe swimming areas along the beach. Additionally, PET bottles can be used for rafts and swimming demarcation barriers, enhancing safety and environmental sustainability.
Volunteers are welcomed at Kawa Training Center. A business visa, which includes permission for volunteer work alongside holiday activities, is required for the initial 3-month period.
