Our Narrative / FAQ
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sheba Green Coop
Who we are:
We are a diverse group of socially, environmentally, and economically conscious people who joined forces and formed Sheba Green Cleaning Coop. Our Coop is a cleaning service focused on cleaning homes and offices using environmentally sustainable cleaning products and methods. We are building a democratically run, socially responsible enterprise, aiming 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 priciple 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 miles journey begins with one step “
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. Our service will leave your living and working spaces healthful and clean, and you can be sure that our work did not further contaminate 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 evironmentally sound cleaning materials and practices are our standard operating procedures. Beyond that, educating the community is a core mission of our cleaning enterprise. Standard model 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 short-term goal is clean and healthy spaces, clients, and workers. Our ultimate goal 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.
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 evironmentally sustainable practices. For some companies trying to make their services in a competitive market, labelling themselves “green”, and even adopting some environmentally sound practices, is a gimick to enhance their bottom line. The commitment to sustainabitlity 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".
Support us!
Since the economic meltdown of the recent past, the mainstream media has replaced some of its obsesssion 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.
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. Surely you have noticed that! And, you have said to yourself-” I have to deal with this...” 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 for value.
Invite us over, tell us your needs, and let us show you how we will meet them!
Contact: (web info/ email info/ phone }
Price:
Rates: begin at $100 and up for weekly treatments or $150 and up for bi-weekly treatments. All rates will depend on size, condition, and pets. First time and one-time cleaning rate is generally higher than weekly/bi-weekly or monthly rates (If you are not satisfied with our cleaning we will re-do it free of charge)
Our standard weekly/biweekly services begin with $70 and up depending the the size and the condition of the home/office, and we can adjust cleaning service specifics, fees and schedule to meet your needs.