Latdavanh founded EAT YOUR CUPS, a social enterprise that reduces plastic waste by creating edible biscuit cups made of wheat flour.
EAT YOUR CUPS began in 2021, when Latdavanh wanted to explore innovative ways to help Lao PDR dispose of waste. She invented a plant-based edible cup, using ingredients such as chocolate and green tea, that can withstand temperatures ranging from -20 to 100 celsius. After patrons enjoy their drink, they eat the cup, eliminating the need to employ timely, costly, and environmentally unfriendly waste disposal methods.
The social enterprise produces approximately 100 cups per week, equivalent to 26,000 total cups produced, and has provided their biscuits to events and cafés throughout Lao PDR. Additionally, Latdavanh recently started Naturepreneur, a project that creates keychains with information on endangered species preservation. In collaboration with Manoly Sisavanh, also a One Young World Ambassador, the initiative recently created a board game that educates children on conservation.
After attending the 2023 Summit in Belfast, Latdavanh connected with One Young World Ambassador Manoly Sisavanh, who has served as a mentor to Latdavanh throughout her projects, helping her build her platform and apply for additional small seed-grants from UNESCO (APCEIU), UNESCO (MGIEP), and the National Geographic and Nature Conservancy Freshwater externship programme.
"I got to reach thousands and thousands of young people because of the connection I made at One Young World. To have a Returning Ambassador like Manoly changed my life for the better.”
Contributor
