title: The Vida Verde Women's Co-Op: Brazilian immigrants organizing to promote environmental and social justice.
abstract: We reviewed the key steps in the launch of the Vida Verde Women's Co-Op among Brazilian immigrant housecleaners in Somerville, MA. The co-op provides green housecleaning products, encourages healthy work practices, and promotes a sense of community among its members. We conducted in-depth interviews with 8 of the first co-op members, who reported a reduction in symptoms associated with the use of traditional cleaning agents and a new sense of mutual support. Critical to the co-op's success have been the supportive roles of its academic partners (Tufts University and the University of Massachusetts, Lowell), effective media outreach, and a focus on advancing social justice. Next steps include implementing a formal business plan and assessing the appropriateness of cooperatives in other industries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University School of Engineering, 200 College Ave, Medford, MA 02155, USA. david.gute@tufts.edu
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Gute
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Siqueira
authors.forename: Julia S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Goldberg
authors.forename: Heloisa
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Galvão
authors.forename: Mônica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chianelli
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pirie
mesh_terms: D001900:Boston; D001938:Brazil / Q000208:ethnology; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D005260:Female; D015386:Hazardous Substances; D006796:Household Work; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health; D016730:Program Development; D012935:Social Justice; D014495:Universities
chemical_list: D015386:Hazardous Substances