A woman in Da Nang City has worked out how to turn discarded vegetables into a way of keeping her street clean, and supplying dishwashing liquid to her neighbours.
Trinh Thi Hong (left)
Trinh Thi Hong from Hoa Minh Ward said she did a course in Thailand and, after several experiments, came up withy a way to turn garbage into a cleaner.She collects discarded vegetables, adds water and sugar, and lets the mixture ferment for 30 days. She drains off the liquid, adds eggplant and turmeric. The byproduct is an environmentally friendly cleaning solution that is mild enough to use in the home.
Discarded vegetables ferment for 30 days
"Families can save money and this product is healthier. But most importantly, we can keep our environment clean," she said.
Hong taught the method to women in Hoa Minh Ward in the hope that their collective efforts would make the local environment cleaner.
"The method is not too complicated so we've taught everyone one in our ward. In the near future, we'll introduce this method to the whole city," said Huynh Thi Le, president of Hoa Minh Ward Woman Union.
Cleaning liquid ready after 75 days
Bui Thi Kim Van, of Hoa Minh Ward, said that after learning the method, everyone began collecting garbage, which helped reduce pollution.
"My family hasn't spent money on diswashing liquid for over a year now. The liquid is quite safe to use, and gentle on the hands," Van said.
Cleaner is safe for dishes and other household uses
Hong said the cleaning liquid attracted attention from a non-government organisation in Germany, which said it will evaluate the product with a view to expanding production.
She does not have a business license, so she cannot sell the cleaner, and gives it away.
Hong is seeking permission to establish a small cooperative to produce the liquid.