I wanted residents to be able to see a safe and clean natural cleaner. I told them it was refillable and all-purpose. I explained how it not only saves you money but also saves us from unnecessary plastic and harmful chemicals that may not always wash away.
Final Project Outcome
By the end, I was able to get 50 residents involved in this cleaner. They were all given instructions on how to refill so they can use this over and over again. A year later, I still have old residents of mine using this cleaner
What I did
Before I set up, I asked the Office of Sustainability for help. They supplied me with the proper equipment and resources. Once that was set up, I laid out instructions on how to make the cleaner. I also supplied some essential oils so they could have a clear that also smells nice without harmful chemicals! I gave each resident their own copy of the instructions so they can continue this.
What I learned
I learned that people are willing to do sustainable things; they need a push. And even though this was very small, I had almost 50 people do something that benefits our plant. With residents, they often go with the easiest and most accessible thing, so that is likely harmful cleaning agents. Giving them this opportunity to see a cheaper and more beneficial way of cleaning things helps broaden their sense of sustainability.
What’s next for me
I’d love to do something with dry sheets vs wool balls. I’ve talked about it with residents but I want to really test the difference. Oftentimes, people take in well the wool balls don’t smell nice, and I rebut with adding 3 drops of an essential oil and your laundry smells just as clean, if not cleaner than before. I have briefly started this, and I already see fewer dryer sheets in the halls. I still want to focus on easy and more accessible items because that is the hardest to get people to do, but more importantly, to break away from, even if it’s a small population, any amount of effort toward a healthier and cleaner future.
