Projects

With support from the Australian Embassy, women potters in Puebla upgraded their kilns, innovated in design, and transitioned toward healthy, safe, lead-free production.

In 2024–2025, Pure Earth México partnered with the Australian Embassy to strengthen pottery communities in San Felipe Cuapexco, Cohuecan, and Acteopan, Puebla. Kilns were upgraded, families trained in lead free techniques, and women leaders became agents of change in lead-free pottery production.

Our objectives:

• Eliminate toxic lead in everyday pottery

• Strengthen women-led production and design innovation

• Improve income, safety, and competitiveness for pottery families

• Preserve ancestral practices without compromising health

What We Achieved:

• 7 kilns upgraded for high-temperature lead-free firing

• Training for women and men on lead-free glazes + safe production

• Design innovation workshops to support creativity & competitiveness

• Health-protective transition benefiting children and future generation

After the project was completed, the Australian Ambassador visited the communities to witness the transformation firsthand. Explore the journey, hear artisans’ voices, and watch how this program is shaping a lead-free future. Click to read the full blog of the Ambassador’s visit.

See the Results in Action. Watch the project video.

Lead poisoning from glazed pottery remains one of the main sources of exposure in Mexico. When potters adopt lead-free materials, entire communities gain safer futures — particularly children.
This program is a replicable model for environmental justice, artisan empowerment, and long-term health protection.

“It is inspiring to see women and pottery families leading this change toward responsible production.”
— Ambassador Rachel Moseley

“This project proves we can protect tradition while protecting health.”
— Agustín Gama, Director Pure Earth México