Transforming Waste into Beauty, Empowering Communities

Who We Are
Chako Zanzibar is a pioneering social enterprise that brings creativity, sustainability, and community empowerment together. Based in the stunning islands of Zanzibar, we specialize in upcycling waste materials into beautifully handcrafted products that reflect the spirit and ingenuity of our community.

The name ''Chako'' means yours in Swahili, embodying our mission to inspire ownership and responsibility in managing waste. Our unique approach involves collecting waste generated by the tourism industry like glass bottles, plastic bottle caps and other discarded items, from resorts and restaurants. We transform this waste into exquisite products and sell them back to the same industry and its guests, creating a circular economy that benefits everyone.

Our Story
Chako began with a simple yet powerful vision: to address the growing waste challenge in Zanzibar while uplifting local communities. Recognizing the island's reliance on tourism and its associated waste, we saw an opportunity to turn this problem into a solution.
We started by collaborating with local resorts and restaurants to collect discarded glass and plastic materials. With creativity and dedication, our artisans began crafting stunning upcycled products, blending traditional skills with modern design. Today, Chako stands as a beacon of sustainability, showcasing how waste can be reimagined into something meaningful and beautiful.

Our Mission
At Chako, we believe in a future where waste is a resource, not a burden. Our mission is to:

• Reduce Waste: Divert waste from landfills and the environment by upcycling it into high-quality products.
• Empower Communities: Provide fair employment, training, and skill development opportunities to local artisans, 65% of whom are women.
• Educate and Inspire: Promote awareness about waste management and sustainability within local communities.
• Support Circular Economies: Foster a sustainable cycle where waste from the tourism industry is transformed into products that tourists can cherish and take home.

What We Do
Chako’s work is multi-faceted, combining craftsmanship, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.

• Upcycled Products: Our product range includes drinking glasses, carafes, vases, tealight holders, and custom designs, all made from reclaimed materials. These items are not only functional but also carry stories of transformation and care for the environment.
• Cleanup Programs: We participate in and organize cleanup initiatives across Zanzibar, tackling waste in beaches, villages, and urban areas. These efforts help preserve the island’s natural beauty and promote community involvement.
• Community Education: We conduct workshops and training sessions on waste management and sustainability, empowering locals to reduce, reuse, and recycle. By instilling these values, we hope to build a cleaner, greener Zanzibar for future generations.

Why Choose Chako?
Every Chako product is a labor of love, handcrafted by skilled artisans who pour their creativity and passion into each piece. Nothing we create is machine-manufactured or mass-produced. Instead, every product is made with care, reflecting the unique touch of the individual who made it.

Our upcycled items embrace the beauty of imperfection with small variations in shape, color, or texture that tell the story of their journey. These imperfections are not flaws but part of the charm, showcasing the authenticity and craftsmanship behind every piece.

When you choose Chako, you’re not just buying a product, but you are also supporting:

• A Circular Economy: Your purchase helps close the loop on waste, turning discarded items into treasures.
• Artisanal Craftsmanship: Each item is thoughtfully designed and lovingly made by hand.
• Community Empowerment: Your support creates jobs and improves livelihoods for local artisans, fostering growth and opportunity.
• Environmental Preservation: By choosing upcycled, handmade products, you reduce the environmental impact of mass production and waste.

Every purchase helps preserve Zanzibar’s natural beauty, empowers local communities, and transforms waste into something extraordinary.

Our Impact
Since its inception, Chako has made significant strides in both environmental and social impact:

• Diverted 1000 tons of waste from landfills and the ocean annually.
• Employed and trained 50 local artisans, offering stable incomes and professional growth.
• Reached over 3500 (and counting) community members through waste management workshops and clean-up campaigns.
• Partnered with over 80 resorts, restaurants, and organizations to promote sustainable practices.

Join Us on This Journey
At Chako, we invite everyone: tourists, locals, businesses, and changemakers, to join our mission for a sustainable Zanzibar. Whether it’s purchasing our products, participating in a cleanup drive, or sharing our story, your support fuels our vision of a world where waste is valued and communities thrive.

Let’s work together to create beauty, inspire change, and protect our planet—one upcycled product at a time.