On May 5, 2025, the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO), in collaboration with Life Project for Youth (LP4Y), successfully organized a capacity-building workshop titled “Building a Zero Waste Lifestyle and Raising Awareness on Mercury-Free Skin Lightening Products.” The event took place at the LP4Y Green Village in Tushvandar, Lalmonirhat, Bangladesh, and brought together 30 youth participants from the local community.
The primary objective of the workshop was to promote sustainable living practices and enhance awareness about the health and environmental risks associated with mercury-based skin lightening products. The sessions aimed to empower young individuals with the knowledge and tools to make informed, eco-conscious choices in their daily lives.
Key topics covered during the workshop included:
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The impact of plastic pollution and sustainable alternatives
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Strategies for adopting a zero waste lifestyle through conscious consumption and community involvement
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The benefits and implementation of twin pit composting for household organic waste management
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The health hazards of mercury in cosmetics and the importance of choosing mercury-free skin care products
Each session was followed by an interactive Q&A segment, fostering active participation and encouraging knowledge exchange among attendees.
In conjunction with the workshop, ESDO also conducted a follow-up survey titled “Skin Lightening Products: Tracking Changes in Consumer and Seller Knowledge and Health Impacts.” This initiative aimed to assess the progress in public awareness, behavioral changes, and health impacts related to the use of mercury-laden cosmetic products.
The workshop concluded on a highly positive note, with participants expressing a strong commitment to adopting zero waste practices and serving as change agents within their communities to raise awareness about mercury-free personal care products.
