Reimagining Personal Care with Padmini VNA Mechatronics
We had the wonderful opportunity of leading a Zero Waste Personal Care workshop with the amazing team at Padmini VNA Mechatronics Limited. It was such an enriching experience, where we not only shared ideas on reducing plastic waste, while also discovering how easy and fun it can be to create our own personal care necessities. And the best part? Our own personal care necessities can be made waste free and home made!
The session was focussed centrally on sustainability, and the learning enhanced by the team’s thoughtful insights. Sustainability, after all, is built on shared ideas and a willingness to rethink the way we do things. A huge thank you to everyone at Padmini VNA Mechatronics for their enthusiasm and participation.
This time’s workshop was focussed on Zero Waste Personal Care Workshop. We dove into practical ways of reducing plastic waste in our everyday routines, learning about the history and environmental impact of plastics and discovered how to make our personal care products using natural, household ingredients.
We kicked off the workshop as always with some engaging games to break the ice and to help illustrate the importance of waste reduction, setting the tone for the day ahead.
From its origins in World War II to its widespread use in the FMCG industry, we explored how plastic became so deeply embedded in our daily lives and the subsequent challenges it poses. From its origins, we proceeded to discuss how plastic is actually made. We discussed the extraction of fossil fuels, the use of non-renewable resources and how plastic eventually contributes to climate change, global warming, environmental degradation and a host of other issues. To broaden the understanding of plastics, we addressed microplastics and how they affect our planet, our wildlife and even our own health.
Beyond problems, the focus must be on solutions. So we began by exploring how zero waste living is an intrinsic part of many Indian cultures to reuse, repurpose and reduce waste. We shared simple and impactful ways to swap out plastic heavy products for eco-friendly alternatives, making it easier than ever to make sustainability part of our daily routines.
Can our workshops ever be complete without DIY activities? This time around, participants leant how to make their own homemade toothpaste and body scrub! The smiles and excitement on everyone’s faces was priceless. These DIY solutions go to show that it’s possible to reduce waste and have greater control into what goes into our personal care products.
It was a day replete with learning, sharing and growing together. Every change matters and it’s so heartwarming to see so many people take action towards a waste free future. We’re incredibly grateful to Padmini VNA Mechatronics Limited for inviting us to be a part of their sustainability journey.