Follow Enrique on Instagram @Verdes.Vida.Mx and Facebook @VerdesVidePue.

Enrique talks about how he first became interested in sustainability and environmental protection while living in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. He then completed a Master’s program in Environmental Management in Sydney, Australia, where he lived for several years before returning to his hometown of Puebla, Mexico to start Verdes Vida.

Enrique discusses the shampoo bar workshops that his company runs and how the popularity grew. Afterwards, Enrique started selling the shampoo bars and expanded his zero waste product line to include conditioner, body lotion, toothpaste, and more.

He discusses how he integrated different types of native plants for their medicinal and hygienic properties. He also talks about how he uses corn husks for packaging.

Next, Enrique describes the materials that he uses to make his shampoo bars, which includes coconut oil extracts SCS and SCI, glycerine, natural oils, and other medicinal plants.

Enrique then shares how he researches plants to include in his products, by talking to people in local markets, and doing informal research on the internet. Afterwards, Enrique describes the process of making the products and how he perfected them over time.

Enrique grows many of the plants that he includes in his products and composts the waste to use as soil for his garden.

Enrique’s philosophy for sustainability is to make it accessible for everyone, which is why he keeps the prices of his products as low as possible. He talks about how there is a lot opportunity for growing a sustainable business in Puebla. He also plans to sell his products to hotels in tourist areas such as the Mayan Riviera.

Lastly, Enrique shares his advice for how to start living more sustainably and create projects such as Verdes Vida.