EcoDesigners learn how to make Eco-Detergents
It has been an exceptionally great day at The Greens as trainees and Directors of Training of EcoDesigns gathered to acquire knowledge in the production of powder washing detergents that are eco-friendly. The training was facilitated by the Founder/Executive Director of The Greens, Ngalim Franklin - Mr Green (
Why train EcoDesigners in the production of Ecodetergents?
As EcoDesigners it's our duty to minimize the environmental impact of any product that is associated with the textile industry.
Producing garments is one thing, but keeping the garments clean is another thing and we want to greatly minimize the environmental impact at any of the stages of production or usage
Everyday, the women and girls of EcoDesigns use powder washing detergents at their homes. Most often, they buy powder detergents in small plastic papers which always end up littering the environment. Besides littering the environment, the production and transportation processes of these detergents always requires a lot of energy and fossil fuels and most of these industries are responsible for a lot of pollution.
Also, the purchase of small quantities of powder detergents is costly, inconveniencing and time consuming.
These reasons explain why we are starting to empower women and girls in the production of eco-detergents, herbal oils and herbal soap.
Local production and consumption is one of the pillars of sustainable development.
By learning to produce their own eco-detergents, herbal soaps and herbal oils, the EcoDesigners will greatly be contributing to improve the state of the environment, improve their livelihood via the production and sale of their products as well as saving a lot of money.
What did we use to produce the powder eco-detergents?
We used caustic soda, potash, hydrogen, foaming agent, water and kernel oil. We soaked 1kg of the caustic soda in 4litres of water and allowed it to set for 7hours after which we added 0.4kg of potash, 15mls of Hydrogen and 33cl of forming agent and stirred untill we obtained a uniform mixture. 4 litres of kernel oil was then added to the mixture gradually and stirred untill a cream white smooth mixture was obtained.
When the cream white mixture became effectively mixed, we poured the content into container which had been lined with plastic and allowed it to set.
Tomorrow, we continue with the second phase of our powder detergent production and will definitely talk about some safety precautions, storage and marketing.
Some Environmental and Economic benefits of making your own detergents at home
- It requires no burning of fossil fuels as well as little or no amount of energy for production.
- There is very limited or no pollution during and after production.
- There is no usage of disposal plastic packaging and synthetic perfumes which could litter the environment or add green house gases into the environment.
- It's very cheap to produce large quantities which could be used for months.
- It's fun and engaging to make your own detergents at home.
Stay tuned to more green updates in the production of powder detergents.