Vida Verde Co-op Members

”I became interested in the Cooperative because I thought it was a great concept and I wanted to learn to clean houses in a more natural way so that I wouldn’t harm my health so much. I don’t need the help of the Cooperative to get business, because—thank God—I have enough business. Still, being part of this group makes me feel more secure about my work. I know that my clients today respect me more because they know that I am part of a cooperative that is concerned about preserving the environment and challenging exploitation.”
Ozilene Andrade

”I am one of the first members of the Vida Verde Cooperative. I always believed in the Cooperative because it is an excellent idea to clean with natural products. After a year, my expectations were surpassed. Today we are a group not only of members but also of friends that work and relax together.”
Selcino de Oliveira

”After I became part of the Cooperative, I feel much better about my work. Because we work with natural products, we are much more respected and valued by our clients. They know that we work responsibly and that we are against exploitation.”
Sandra Gomes

”I loved finding out about the cooperative. These women were very willing to help and I learned a lot of things from them. I realized that I could count on them when I needed them. I also realized that the cooperative is not just a way for us to get more business, but it also teaches us about what is happening around us.”
Lucinea Rocha

”The cooperative has allowed me to meet people and learn about what is happening around me. It also gives us the opportunity to work with more dignity as housecleaners.”
Erica Nunes

”I had heard a lot about the cooperative and I wanted to find out more about it. I came to the training and among other things I learned to make and use my own products. My clients love it, especially those who have more children or are expecting children soon."
Silvelena Stelzer

”I was already tired of cleaning with chemical products when a friend of mine who had received training from the Cooperative told me about the project and the natural products that she had learned to make. At first, I thought the products wouldn’t clean well enough, but when I took the training and got my cleaning kit, I was pleasantly surprised: they are very effective.”
Ruth Alves

”The Cooperative’s mission is to teach about the consequences of using chemical cleaning products. I think everyone should be made aware of the importance of using natural products to preserve our health and the environment. I like participating in this group. Everyone is very united and receptive to new participants.“
Zulamar Acordi

"I was exploited when I was a cleaning company employee. Most employers do not seem to be aware that we are human beings. Today, I am no longer exploited neither have any health problems because I just use our natural cleaning products. The cooperative also taught me that you can make a better world and it stirred my desire to work more in my community. I understand that the cooperative is the solution to end the exploitation at work. Because of this, I love what I do."
Lucimara Rodrigues

"The cooperative was my support to improve my quality of life and to create my financial independence. I have no more migraines or allergy symptoms caused by the use of chemicals. Today, I work for fewer hours, I make more money and I am able to manage my work schedule. What is better than that?"
Sônia Coelho

"My life changed after I became a co-op member! I do not use chemicals cleaning products protecting my health and the nature. Besides of that, I am not exploited at work place anymore."
Adinalva da Silva

"After I joined the cooperative, the improvement in my health was amazing. I also learned how to live in group and stirred in me the desire to help more my community. Moreover, I am developing my ability to speak in public."
Eliane Evangelista

The cooperative brought my work autonomy and improved my health. Besides increasing my income, I overcame two abortions I had while I was using chemical cleaning products and my daughter was born very healthy in late 2009.
Maria Aparecida Ribeiro

Vida Verde Co-op Friends

”The Vida Verde Cooperative, as I see it, represents an opportunity for housecleaners to work while preserving their health and helping the environment through their use of natural (non-toxic) cleaning products that they themselves make. I believe in this project, and that’s why I’m here.”
Izaura Pumar/ Vida Verde Co-op Volunteer

”I want to extend my joy seeing all of the brave and enterprising women that created Vida Verde — Congratulations to all of you! Thank you!”
Maria M. Aguiar /Global Program Director /Grassroots International

”I tell 100% of the housecleaners I work with about this project because I BELIEVE in its success! I have been following the effort, initiative, creativity and dedication of the members. Congratulations to all of you who make this project possible.“
Paula Bronzoni / MAPS- Case Worker