Community Health Commons^™

The Vida Verde Women's Coop:Brazilian Immigrants Organizing To Promote Environmental And Social Justice, David Gute, Carlos Eduardo Siqueira, Julia S. Goldberg, Heloisa Galvão, Monica Chianelli, Alex Pirie

C. Eduardo Siqueira

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 prod- ucts, encourages healthy work practices, and promotes a sense of community among its members. We conducted in-depth inter- views with 8 of the first co-op members, who reported a reduc- tion in symptoms associated with the use of traditional clean- ing 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 …