Our Narrative / FAQ
Sheba Green Cleaning Coop
Frequently Asked Questions
Who we are:
We are a diverse group of socially, environmentally, and economically conscious people who joined forces and formed Sheba Green Cleaning Coop. We are a home and office cleaning service. We are pledged to using only environmentally sustainable cleaning products and methods. As we serve our clients, we are building a democratically run, socially responsible enterprise. Our aim is both to make a practical and positive change in our community, from the ground up, and to be part of an effort to teach others how to build a worker-centered economy.
The Sheba Green Coop was born out of the energy and membership of Occupy Boston. We have come to believe that change begins with our direct individual and collective action, at home and at work. We want to be part of the paradigm shift in the global economy, and in definitions of “worker”, “owner”, and “active global citizen.”
Like the Community Builders Coop here in Boston, and the Cleveland Model in Ohio, each Coop member has an equal say in running the company, decisions are made by consensus, and we adhere to the principle of "equal pay for an equal number of hours of work". Our Coop is anchored in cooperation, responsibility, and accountability to one another, the community, and the environment. We hope to be a real-world, real-time demonstration that workers can control of their own economic and social destiny.
Why Green cleaning?
“A thousand mile journey begins with a single step. “
A few stark facts statistics:
- the average home holds from three to five gallons of hazardous materials
- indoor air pollution levels may be from two to five times outdoor levels
- 50% of all illnesses are believed to be caused or aggravated by polluted indoor air
- infants and young children are especially vulnerable; indoor environmental factors are the leading cause of a dramatic spike in childhood asthma and other respiratory problems
We are concerned, as are most people, about the degradation of our environment. We know that the air we breathe is polluted, and that there are toxic chemicals in our workplaces and in our homes, which are supposed to be our “castles.” We know that so-called “cleaning products” are among the most toxic materials to be found anywhere. And we believe there is a better way. As such, we are committed to cleaning while protecting the environment, using non-toxic products and methods that will leave your living and working spaces healthful and clean.
Hire Sheba Green Cleaning, and we will together make a single step on a journey that may save our precious Earth.
How do we do it?
We start by making our own non-toxic, affordable, natural cleaning products, using ingredients like citrus juices, baking soda, vinegar, olive oil, and natural scents like lavender and eucalyptus oils. Re-useable and environmentally sound cleaning materials and practices are our standard operating procedures.
Educating the community is a core mission of our cleaning enterprise. Standard cleaning services operating in the competitive market often guard their products and methods as “trade secrets.” We reject that standard approach of competing with our neighbors. We intend to give workshops where we demonstrate how to make green cleaning products from natural, safe, and affordable ingredients, and explain how others could build enterprises like ours.
Our goal is to create clean and healthy spaces for clients, and workers. Our vision is to increase environmental awareness, and lead the switch from toxic to non-toxic cleaning, safe for families and environment. As well as help facilitate the movement to a worker-centric economy.
The information about risks to children is alarming. Why are they so vulnerable?
Pound for pound, children eat, drink, and breathe much more than adults. So, their developing bodies are more exposed to toxic hazards. If you have or have been around children, you know they like to scoot about on the floor and try out all kinds of things in their mouths; all are abundant sources of contamination. Ordinary household dust and dirt are also major problems. Dust carries with it millions of dust mites; the wastes of dust mites and cockroaches are known to be key factors in the asthma and respiratory disease epidemic. Until you have dealt with these problems, no house is truly "child-safe." Sheba Green Cleaning is ready to safely take on these hazards to the health and happiness of your whole family.
Besides green cleaning agents, what other green cleaning methods do you use?
Ordinary vacuum cleaners spray up to 90% of the dust they pick up, out the other end and into the air-- the source of that stale vacuum cleaner odor you've noticed. Sheba uses only micro-filtered HEPA vacuums, which keep about 99% of that dust where it belongs, in the bag. Our trash bags and liners are biodegradable; our cleaning cloths are of non-toxic, non-shedding micro-fiber. We will be as careful in cleaning our own equipment after leaving your site as we are while there, and promise environmentally safe disposal of all wastes. We have no super-sized transport equipment, and will make no wasteful use of it. We will even pledge to use mass transit to your site whenever possible! All aspects of our work will be carried out with maximum environmental sensitivity and minimal "carbon footprint."
There are other cleaning services claiming to be “green” these days. What sets our Coop apart from other cleaning services?
Our Green Cleaning Cooperative is worker-owned, committed to the “green” ideal in the fullest sense, which we believe requires economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable practices. For some companies selling their services in a competitive market, labeling themselves “green”, and even adopting some environmentally sound practices, is a gimmick to enhance their bottom line. The commitment to sustainability goes deeper with us. Most cleaning companies use toxic chemicals and require workers to work in underpaid, dangerous environments.
We are committed to work-place democracy and sustainable business practices, and to at least a fair living wage for all members. And while we want to remain competitive in terms of price and services, we also want to be a "different kind" of company that customers can support because they want to support efforts that make "a better world possible".
You will be in competition with many standard, for-profit services. As socially minded cooperators, aren't you worried about driving those out of business and destroying jobs?
We believe we can better the performance and price of other cleaning services, and so survive and even thrive in a market where most enterprises are driven only by profit. In the long term, we do intend to be a part of a movement to increase the presence of social enterprises in our world. Our intention is not to compete to do harm, but to hold up another, higher standard to an industry that often heartlessly exploits its labor force. We will not be extinguishing jobs; if anything, as we spread awareness of the advantages of thorough green cleaning, there will be more demand for hands to do the work.
We would be delighted to see our model triumph. We extend an open invitation for cleaning service workers in our area to join us, or ask us for help in starting their own cooperatives.
Support us! A Better World is Possible!
Since the economic meltdown of the recent past, the mainstream media has replaced some of its obsession with “lifestyles of the rich and outrageous” with features on unemployment and underemployment, and their effects on “ordinary Americans.” Often they are painted as pathetic victims, waiting for a rescue. But rather than waiting for others to find a solution, we are interested in finding solutions ourselves, because we still believe in the American dream- that is, the idea that if given access and opportunity, we can control our economic destiny. So when you order our service, you are also part of the solution!
Our clean green service, will not only leave your house spotless, and as fresh as daisy. It also fosters economic empowerment for a whole community, by helping people help themselves, and instilling the value of work, thus breaking the cycle of poverty.
How Well Do We Clean?
If you are the sort of customer we’d like to work for, all of the above rouses your interest. But, you still want to know---“So-how well do you clean?” Short answer; “Brilliantly!” All our hard-working crew are experienced with other, “standard issue” cleaning services, and we’ve learned “really clean” from “looks fine- move on!” When we have gone, you will see only sparkling surfaces and smell only the scent of natural oils—peppermint, lemon—name your preference!
Cluttered and unkempt homes and offices not not only clog our spaces, but they clutter our minds and sap our energy. According to the National Institute of Health, "visual clutter actually suppresses the brain's ability to respond; it reduces it's activity." Maybe you have experienced that, and have said to yourself- "I have to deal with this mess...” many, many times before. But, you have not-- because if you are like most people, you are way too busy with a hundred other things... Let us help you break out of that cycle! When you allow us to come and clean your homes and offices with our safe, natural and non- toxic cleaning products, you will enjoy the luxury of a clean and ordered space, no longer worried about toxic threats to your kids, friends, or co-workers. Instead you will enjoy the aroma of real lavender, lemon, orange, or vanilla-- and the comfort and calm of knowing you have solved one nagging problem, in a way that leaves your conscience and your environment clean.
As fellow worker-owners, we are a tight team and expect a lot from each other. Needless to say, we are;
• completely reliable
• always punctual
• flexible in meeting your needs
• ready to provide excellent service and value.
Invite us over, tell us your needs, and let us show you how we will meet them!
Contact:
(Web Site: shebagreencleaning.org: email: shebagreenclean@gmail.com; phone: (617)234-8981, or (978)808-7173 address: 1151 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02138
Pricing:
Our standard weekly/biweekly services begin at $100 for four hours of cleaning by a two person crew. Prices for specific jobs will vary, depending the size, type, and condition of rooms to be cleaned. We can adjust cleaning services, fees and schedules to meet your needs. One time cleaning jobs may cost more; 20% discounts for first time service. We aim to be price competitive, so please give us the opportunity to provide a free estimate.
Logo/name discussions moved to the discussion page. http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Talk:Our_Narrative_/_FAQ#Discussion_about_Name.2FLogo.2C_.22Sheba.22