Giving Back to Nature
Put simply, trees promote life. Not only do trees produce oxygen and sequester carbon dioxide, they also provide homes for animals, recharge groundwater, replace soil nitrates, prevent erosion and more. The addition of an indigenous tree to any environment will have countless environmental benefits.
In Kenya, there is huge disparity between ‘leafy’ privileged areas and ‘barren’ under-privileged areas. Urban greening improves pride of place in communities and has even been linked to reductions in social ills, like crime and drug abuse. Additionally, research shows that living in a green neighbourhood reduces stress and aids recovery from illness.
Money does grow on trees! Fruit and olive trees can provide produce that can be used in feeding schemes or sold by schools and communities. Indigenous trees increase property values and can provide natural air conditioning for homes and classrooms.
Planting a tree is an incredible symbol of hope. It symbolises a belief in the future – of our communities and our planet. It brings people together – with each other and Mother Nature. It is a living, breathing gift to the generations to come.
At BToL, we see our beneficiaries as partners in our mission and aim to empower them to maintain and grow their urban greening and reforestation projects over time.
Prior to any trees being planted, BToL undertakes a careful site selection process to ensure that communities take ownership of their projects. After the trees are in the ground, we maintain an ongoing relationship with our beneficiaries through weekly check-ins, frequent face-to-face monitoring of their projects and bi-annual skills development workshops.
BToL has also recently launched our Satellite Projects Programme which aims to support independent like-minded projects in Kenya and Tanzania that are working towards our shared goals of urban greening and reforestation.
Activating Our Audience
We believe in encouraging people to get active (not anxious) about the future of our planet. As such, turning green action into an event is at our core.
Whether we are hosting a corporate group on a facilitated tree planting day, a tree planting and music festival for 500 people, an educational sustainability camp for a school group or a clothing swap evening — we aim to get people active by making green living fun and popular.
For those who cannot attend our events, we have a strong online presence and regularly create and share content aimed at inspiring a greener lifestyle.