Natural soap-making at Sredno uchilishte “Vasil Levski”

At Sredno uchilishte “Vasil Levski” (Bulgaria), students enrolled in pharmaceutical, perfumery and cosmetics training explored sustainability through the production of natural solid soaps. As part of their vocational education, they learned how to develop and manufacture cosmetic products while reflecting on the environmental impact of materials, packaging and consumer choices. By opting for solid soaps rather than products that require plastic packaging, students connected professional expertise with the principles of the circular economy.

The project encouraged learners to look beyond the final product and consider the entire lifecycle of the materials they use. Through hands-on experience, they developed practical skills while gaining a deeper understanding of responsible sourcing, waste reduction and sustainable production methods. This helped students recognise how future professionals can contribute to more environmentally responsible industries.

The soap-making activities also inspired a range of wider sustainability initiatives across the school. Supported by the Erasmus+ project, students and teachers organised regular clean-up activities on the school grounds, helping to reduce litter and improve the local environment. Existing green spaces were enhanced through biodiversity measures such as birdhouses and insect habitats, while new herb beds and flower gardens were created to provide more attractive and nature-friendly surroundings.

The impact on students has been remarkable. Many actively seek out these green spaces as places to relax, clear their minds and recharge. This has had a positive effect on their wellbeing and concentration, helping them to engage more effectively in lessons and school life.

Together, these activities demonstrated that sustainability is not limited to large-scale projects. By combining vocational learning with practical environmental action, students discovered that small, everyday choices can collectively make a meaningful difference.

“Making sustainable products showed us how our future profession can contribute to a greener world.”