On 3rd August 2025, FGS Christchurch held a Natural Handmade Soap Workshop to promote eco-friendly living. The session was led by Annamaria Berta, founder of the local natural soap brand Panna Soaps and was joined by 23 participants who were interested in sustainable living.
Anna shared that the history of soap dates back to around 2800 BCE in ancient Babylon, where people combined fats with alkaline substances to create cleaning products. Compared to regular soap, handmade soap is free from artificial additives, gentler on the skin and made with biodegradable ingredients such as plant oils and natural pigments, which help reduce environmental pollution.
During the workshop, Anna demonstrated the soap-making process, including melting the soap base, adding essential oils, pouring into molds, stirring and allowing it to cool naturally. Once participants learned the basics and safety guidelines, they eagerly began crafting their own personalized soaps. From choosing essential oil fragrances to selecting molds and decorating with dried flowers such as lavender and roses, every step was filled with creativity and fun.
The finished soaps could be used personally or given as gifts. Anna expressed gratitude to the Temple for providing the venue, which allowed her to share the benefits of natural soap for both health and the environment. Participants also thanked the temple for arranging the event, which gave them a deeper understanding and hands-on experience in natural soap-making.