Environmental conservation is a key pillar of Bawa La Tumaini’s core values. Bawa seeks to use enterprise as a tool not only for empowering marginalized producers, but safeguarding the environment. By capitalizing on waste and under utilized material, Bawa is able to turn them from an eyesour and environmental problem into an asset for the community.

Bawa also focuses on the use of good wood that is responsibly sourced. Farm sourced wood that capitalizes on previously ignored trees such as Mango, neem and jacaranda are an alternative to those harvested from forests which are the lungs of the earth. Bawa has gone further and has initiated the process of being part of the “billion tree campaign” encouraging its producers to play their role in protecting their heritage.

Recycled and natural materials such as natural seeds, coconut shell, cow bone, horn, sea shells, recycled wire, soda cans, bottle tops amongst a host of other materials are transformed into high value products that bear little resemblance, if any, to their source! The result is not only a cleaner environment, but also a host of productive and income generation opportunities that transform peoples lives.

Beautiful jewelry consisting of pendants, chokers, necklaces, bracelets and earrings are just some of the products that testify to the ingenuity of the producers that Bawa works with. The women, living in these informal settlements, see value in many of the things that we throw away! The bags combine sisal, which occurs in abundance, and waste banana fibre amongst other materials to create an attractive and functional fashion accessory. By buying these products, you help create demand that fuels further collection, processing and utilization of waste material thus safeguarding the environment.