8 minute read
FEATUREPRENEUR: SCRUBBED GREEN CLEANING
Genevieve Allen Hearn
Spring cleaning is upon us! For Earth Day this year, you may want to take some time to consider what cleaning products you use, and how you can incorporate more eco-friendly products in your routine. Or, even better, support a local cleaning business who will use green cleaning products to make your place sparkle! We talked to Scrubbed Green Cleaning owner Melissa Thatcher about how she integrates green practices in her cleaning company.
The Grapevine (GV): What got you interested in this line of business? Melissa Thatcher (MT): My last job before starting this business was for another cleaning company. I was there for about six months. I liked some aspects of it, but it didn’t pay enough. Also, it didn’t seem like their practices were very eco-friendly as there were lots of disposable products and all of their cleaning agents had hazard symbols on them. When I looked around I realized that most cleaning companies around here still rely on toxic chemicals to do their cleaning, and I didn’t want to participate in more of the same. So, after thinking about my options, I decided to give CBDC [ed: the Community Business Development Corporation] a call to see if they could help me get my own cleaning business started. Now I am my own boss making a living wage, and I can take satisfaction from the fact that I am helping people get a cleaner house without exposing anyone to toxins.
GV: What differentiates what you are doing from other cleaning services? MT: What differentiates us is that we use almost nothing disposable. We don’t use paper towels or throw away duster heads (think Swiffer). Everything we use can be washed: from cloths, to dusters, to scrubbies, to mop heads. We even re-use spray bottles, because we have all-purpose cleaner strips that we throw in empty bottles and just add hot water.
GV: What makes a product ‘eco-friendly’? MT: In my mind things that are re-usable instead of disposable are more eco-friendly. Also, finding ways to re-fill bottles instead of buying new ones would be more eco-friendly, as well as less toxic products.
GV: What are some ways people can clean in an eco-conscious way at home? Are there local businesses where they can get eco-friendly products? MT: Well, they can start with using up all their paper towels and then only purchasing washable products. A great place to start for this would be with Norwex. We use a lot of their products, and I actually started selling it because I believe in it so much. Another option is to fill all of your empty spray bottles with either TruEarth eco-strips, which work great and don’t have a harsh smell, or go in to Wholesum Refillery in Kentville and re-fill them there (I love their tangerine shampoo by the way, smells so good). And the last thing I can suggest is to make use of cleaning vinegar. It works great by itself or added to your favorite all-purpose cleaner!
GV: How will you be celebrating Earth Day this year? MT: We will be celebrating Earth Day by planting some seeds and teaching our kids everything we know about lessening our impact on the biosphere.
To contact Melissa at Scrubbed Green Cleaning, visit facebook.com/ scrubbedgreencleaning, call (902) 8705936, or email scrubbedgreen@gmail. com. You can also find Scrubbed Green Cleaning on Facebook or Instagram. This section works on a first-come, first-served basis. Email your classified to: listings@grapevinepublishing.ca and, if there's room, we'll get you in. Or, to reserve a placement, pay $5 per issue (3-issue minimum commitment). Please keep listings to 35 words or less.
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Taste of Tranquility: A 5-week meditation sampler. Explore various styles of meditation in a warm relaxed atmosphere. All levels welcome. Monday evenings in May. YogaLife studio, Wolfville. Facilitated by Heidi Kalyani. INFO: connect@heartwideopen.ca Genealogy 101: If you have always wanted to explore your family history but don’t know where to begin, this series is for you! Learn the basics about the various resources and technology available, as well as the techniques and practices of compiling sound research. Cost $100 for six weekly classes, 1:30-3 p.m., (April 12, 19, 26, and May 3,10, and 17) at the Kings County Museum. Pre-registration is required and fees include a free one-year membership to the Society. INFO/Reg: 902-678-6237 / email info@kingscountymuseum.ca Gaspereau Yoga Spring 2022: 9-weeks, Wednesdays, March 30–May 25 @ Bishop Hall, Greenwich. Level 1: 4–5:15pm. An introduction to basic yoga poses. Level 1–2: 5:30-6:45pm. A vigorous yoga practice for students who have already done some yoga. Classes are integrating the celebration of the heart, universal principles of alignment, and balanced energetic action in the performance of yoga poses. Instructor: Sophie Bérubé. Please provide your own mat, 2 blocks and a strap. TIX: $85 for each level for entire session. Cheque, e-transfer or cash. INFO/Reg: yogagaspereau@gmail.com Flying Squirrels Forest Play: @ Kentville Gorge. Nurturing nature time for healthy childhood development. For ages 3–5 years. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:30am–12:30pm. Starts April 26 for 9 weeks. TIX: $335 for nine weeks ($600 for two children registered together) INFO: valleyflyingsquirrel.wordpress.com/programs Coyote Classroom: A school alternative for free-range kids. Ages 5–11. Wednesdays, 9:30am–1:30pm. Starts April 20 for 9 weeks. Presented by Flying Squirrel Adventures. INFO: valleyflyingsquirrel.wordpress.com/programs G.O.A.L.: Girl’s Outdoor Adventure & Leadership for female-identifying youth. Ages 12–17. Saturdays, 1–4pm. Starts April 23 for 9 weeks. Presented by Flying Squirrel Adventures. INFO: valleyflyingsquirrel.wordpress.com/programs Wild Explorations: Adventure & leadership for male-identifying youth. Ages 12–15. Saturdays, 2:30–5pm. Starting April 23 for 9 weeks. Presented by Flying Squirrel Adventures. INFO: valleyflyingsquirrel.wordpress.com/programs Queers/Trans Friendly Hikes: Saturdays in April, 2–4pm in Wolfville. All are welcome to join in this inclusive hike where people of all genders can connect with nature, each other, and discover new trails in the area. INFO: valleyflyingsquirrel.wordpress.com/programs PRODUCTS & SERVICES:
Got Mice?: Do you have a MOUSE problem? Or do you have a HOUSE problem? Got Mice Humane Wildlife Services addresses common and uncommon entry points permanently with guaranteed results. Call for a consultation. INFO: 902-365-MICE (6423) / GOTMICE.CA Authentic Spaces: Classical Feng Shui Home Design & Consultations helps you to improve the energy of your homes, design a new house for you, or review existing masterplans. Contact me to book your free intake assessment. INFO: 902-899-9744 / info@authenticspaces.ca
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The Free Spirit Therapeutic Riding Association has been awarded a $90,000 grant for their SPIRIT program through the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund (VFWF). The funding was recently announced at Rohan Wood Stables in Aylesford by the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence.
The SPIRIT Program is a collaboration between Clannad Counselling and Consulting Inc., the Free Spirit Therapeutic Riding Association, and Rohan Wood Stables. It will run over 18 months and be offered to retired or retiring military or RCMP female personnel living in the Central and Western regions of the province. The program is designed to equip women to approach healthy relationships through a new lens in a safe space. Through shared experiential learning with peers they will build their capacity to focus on their resiliency using a variety of therapies including equine-assisted psychotherapy as well as lunch and learn opportunities to explore new skills, including financial planning, women’s health, and caring for aging parents. Additionally, participants will explore eight alternative therapies using a variety of mediums including art, nature and music. The program wraps up with a weekend retreat for the women and their families celebrating their achievements over the course of the program.
“The transition from military life to life after service can prove to be difficult for some. These three organizations have developed new and innovative ways to support veterans going through this transition through unique projects like equine therapy, farming, and the arts. I commend them for the good work they’ve done so far and look forward to seeing the positive results this funding will bring veterans,” notes MacAulay.
Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings, is excited to have the program in his riding: “Canada’s veterans have proudly served our nation and it’s our honour to recognize their dedication by providing the supports they need. Organizations like the Free Spirit Therapeutic Riding Association and the Veteran Farm Project Society play an important role in this work through the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund. I am thrilled that they can help us help veterans.” ❧
