In the heart of Sri Lanka’s North-Western Province, what started as hands-on training in mushroom cultivation is now transforming into a fully-fledged eco-enterprise, led by women who are redefining what climate resilience looks like at the grassroots level.
Agricultural Waste to Eco-Friendly Packaging
Like in many countries across the world, plastic pollution is a daily reality in Sri Lanka’s waterways, littering landscapes, and heating up the planet. The need for sustainable alternatives has never been more urgent.
Against this backdrop, mycelium, the root-like structure of mushrooms, with its lightweight, durable, and compostable properties, serves as a natural response to the issue of plastic. Through the Star Mushroom initiative, it’s now becoming a tool for rural women in Sri Lanka, to build livelihoods and protect the planet.
Between November and December 2024, Star Mushroom trained women from farming communities to grow mushrooms using agricultural waste and convert the by-products into biodegradable packaging. With the help of starter kits, practical mentoring, and awareness campaigns, participants gained green skills that linked economic opportunity with environmental sustainability.
Eco-Friendly Transformation Led by Women
At first, the idea of producing biodegradable packaging from mushrooms sparked curiosity. But soon, it became a fully operational initiative that was generating income and preserving the environment, at the same time.
These women aren’t just producers, they’re entrepreneurs. Through marketing, branding, and local outreach, they are creating a ripple effect in their communities. Many have become peer trainers and eco-advocates, inspiring younger women and even school children to get involved.
The project also opened space for youth and people with disabilities to join in ensuring that climate action is inclusive and every voice is heard.
Linking Climate Resilience and Gender Equality
Women in rural areas are often hit hardest by climate change, facing displacement, loss of income, limited access to sexual and reproductive health services, and an increased risk of gender-based violence. But through this initiative, they’re now empowered to lead a climate resilient movement for the benefit of all.
By turning waste into eco-solutions, Star Mushroom has become a space of healing and transformation. Participants report improved financial independence, stronger decision-making roles in their households, and greater access to healthcare and protection services.
They are no longer vulnerable to climate impacts. They are climate champions, reshaping the future, one biodegradable package at a time.
Lessons from Sri Lanka's Northwest
This project is a powerful reminder that inclusive, community-led climate solutions bring out the best possible outcomes for people and the planet. When women are entrusted with the tools, knowledge, and opportunity, they lead with care and success follows.
Supporting women-led eco-friendly initiatives doesn’t just protect the environment. It builds economic resilience, reduces inequality, and results in healthier and sustainable communities. The women at Star Mushroom are growing more than mushrooms. They’re growing hope, income, respect, promoting a new style of living in harmony with the planet.
This project was supported through UNFPA’s Climate and Social Cohesion Grant, in partnership with the Government of Japan, and implemented by the Alliance Development Trust (ADT) together with Star Mushroom.
Among other initiatives supported by this grant are:
- Vikalpani - empowering women farmers to preserve indigenous seed farming
- GAFSO - engaging youth in beach cleanups and tree planting drives
- Soba Kantha - plastic recycling initiative
- CDC - promoting home garden with indigenous yam and traditional crops
Read our Annual Report 2024 for more stories of inclusive change in Sri Lanka.