Cleaning Without Making the World Dirtier: How to Start a Sustainable Detergent Business
- Tatyana Shalukhina
- Nov 8, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: 14 hours ago
Make your own eco-detergent and start your green business idea.
Inspired by Brillor’s Workshop @ Goloka Ecofarm 🌱
Discover how a rural eco-business creates natural, zero-waste detergents — and how young people tried making their own in a hands-on workshop in Italy!
Why clean when you can really clean?
Have you ever thought that your daily cleaning products might be making the planet dirtier? That’s the exact question that sparked interest among the participants of the Rural Entrepreneurship for You(th) training held at Goloka Ecofarm, Italy, in July 2024.
Thanks to a lively and eye-opening workshop led by Clupea – Dr. Greta Poletta, chemist and eco-entrepreneur from Le Erbe di Brillor (Damanhur Ecovillage), the group of young Europeans had the chance to explore what it really means to create a business that's green from root to leaf.
The “Brillor” model: A business that dreams, cleans and respects
Clupea brought a refreshing mix of passion and practicality, introducing her company’s journey from dream to impactful business. Her motto? “Cleaning without making the world dirtier.”
Through a well-structured presentation, she shared:
The challenges of entering the eco-market,
Key aspects of market analysis and identifying customers with specific needs (such as people with allergies or eco-conscious lifestyles),
The difference between greenwashing and genuinely sustainable brands,
How to develop a circular economy approach with local raw materials and biodegradable packaging.
What struck most participants was Clupea's vision as a "manager-alchemist", blending chemistry with environmental values — and proving that science and business can coexist harmoniously in rural areas.
Let’s make soap! A hands-on experience
After the theory came the fun. Under Clupea’s guidance, the group got their hands (literally) dirty making natural, multipurpose detergent using:
Soap flakes (from vegetable oils),
Baking soda (to boost cleaning power),
Essential oils (like thyme or lavender, for fragrance and antimicrobial action),
A splash of lemon juice or vinegar (natural degreasers).
Each participant mixed their own batch, decorated their jar with hand-written labels, and discussed how such a product could be sold at farmers’ markets, eco-fairs, or even via e-commerce.
The activity sparked creative ideas and discussions about creating local micro-enterprises based on sustainable, handmade products. Many participants were surprised at how easy and affordable it was to make a zero-waste detergent — and some even considered trying new recipes once back home.
What this means for rural entrepreneurship
This workshop did not just teach how to make detergent — it showed how to transform local resources and skills into eco-business ideas.
Key takeaways for young entrepreneurs:
Sustainability sells: More people are looking for clean alternatives to chemical products.
Authenticity wins: Transparency, storytelling, and quality ingredients build trust.
Small scale works: Starting small in a rural area can be an advantage if the product is unique and well-marketed.
Want to try it at home?
Here is a simple recipe inspired by the workshop:
🧼 DIY Eco-Friendly All-Purpose Cleaner
2 tbsp natural soap flakes
2 cups warm water
1 tbsp baking soda
10 drops of thyme essential oil (or lavender)
1 tbsp white vinegar (optional)
Mix well in a reusable spray bottle. Shake before each use. Works on surfaces, floors, and even windows!
Final thoughts
Throughout this playful yet professional workshop, the participants did not just clean — they learned how to create something clean. And most importantly, they saw how even a simple product like detergent can become the core of a green business rooted in rural values.
So... would you ever consider starting your own eco-brand?
Let us know, and stay tuned for more real stories from the field on EduYouth. 🌿
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