The blog DIY Life has a new post up about green cleaning parties.  As I noted in my recent post about the We in DIY, connecting with others with shared interests and a shared curiosity is a vital part of the Do-It-Yourself movement.  The green cleaning parties conceived by Women’s Voices for the Earth appear to be consistent with this principle.

But what is a green cleaning party anyway?

According to Women’s Voices for the Earth, green cleaning parties are intended to be an opportunity for people to gather to learn about chemicals found in common household cleaners and their health effects.  At the same time, participants have an opportunity to make their own household cleaners using safer ingredients, such as vinegar.  The organization provides a party kit including a DVD, party planning guide, “recipe” cards for safe household cleaners, and more.  It even includes some advocacy information to help participants go beyond cleaning their own homes safely to promoting the replacement of hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives in the larger world.

Green cleaning parties may not be in the same league as Maker Faire, but they do provide a convenient way for people to come to together to find practical solutions that suit their needs better that the limited options major corporations have promoted over the years.  By designing a template for an event that people can adapt, Women’s Voices for the Earth appears to have found the means to convey an important message in an atmosphere of trust and sharing within a small group.  This approach seems to be a refreshing alternative to the traditional PR campaign or public service announcement.  It’s also an approach that community entrepreneurs should appreciate.

Evan

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